Recent waves of immigrants have spiced up Oslo鈥檚 food scene with some international cuisine, but the city is also one of the best places to discover traditional Norwegian fare, if you know where to look. This private walking tour is lead by a local expert who knows Oslo鈥檚 ever-changing culinary landscape and can help you explore both the food and the city鈥檚 history.
Stroll along cobblestone streets and down the shores of the Akerselva River, pausing to nibble on ancient staples, like cheese, seafood, beer and dried meats, as well as more modern ingredients, such as locally made chocolate.
Along the way, you鈥檒l discover how Norway鈥檚 fractal coast and rich fisheries, not to mention the long, cold winters, helped to shape both the national character and the dishes you鈥檒l sample. By the end, you鈥檒l discover hard-to-find eateries and come away with a deeper understanding of Norway鈥檚 foods, as well as a full stomach.
Your private guide will meet you at your Oslo hotel for this private walking tour, which will last about two hours. The tour and the food you sample can be tailored to your tastes and any dietary restrictions you have, which you should discuss with your Norway specialist in advance.
During the tour, you鈥檒l get an insight into the history of the city and a chance to try traditional cuisine. You might walk along the Akerselva and hear stories of how the river shaped the city鈥檚 history. Stop along the way at Mathallen, a fashionable indoor market that perches on the riverbank, where you can try cheese, cured meats and beers.
Among the traditional dishes you might try are the creamy fish chowder known as fiskesuppe or the flat Norwegian meatballs called kj酶ttkaker. And, if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try a cinnamon-and-sugar-dusted lefse (a potato-based flatbread).
Other stops could include a historical cemetery or the parliament buildings, as well as Karl Johans gate, the city鈥檚 main shopping street.
Your tour can take place in the morning or the afternoon, and you鈥檒l likely eat enough that you won鈥檛 need a meal afterwards. Additionally, if you鈥檙e interested, you can include a tasting of three local akevitt 鈥� speak with your specialist in advance.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Norway specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Fredrikstad and Hvaler Islands
This private tour gives you a chance to venture outside Oslo to stroll the cobbled streets of Fredrikstad鈥檚 medieval old town. You鈥檒l also take a boat trip to explore the Hvaler archipelago, and visit the Christmas shop and office of Julenissen (Santa Claus) in Dr酶bak.
Half day city walking tour
See Oslo your way on this private walking tour. Your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, which may include the Royal Palace and gardens, Akershus Fortress, and the independent shops and caf茅s of the city鈥檚 modern waterfront.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
