Recent waves of immigrants have spiced up Oslo’s 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’s ever-changing culinary landscape and can help you explore both the food and the city’s 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’ll discover how Norway’s fractal coast and rich fisheries, not to mention the long, cold winters, helped to shape both the national character and the dishes you’ll sample. By the end, you’ll discover hard-to-find eateries and come away with a deeper understanding of Norway’s 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’ll 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’s 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 kjøttkaker. 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’s main shopping street.
Your tour can take place in the morning or the afternoon, and you’ll likely eat enough that you won’t need a meal afterwards. Additionally, if you’re interested, you can include a tasting of three local akevitt — 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’s medieval old town. You’ll also take a boat trip to explore the Hvaler archipelago, and visit the Christmas shop and office of Julenissen (Santa Claus) in Drøbak.
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 cafés of the city’s 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.
