Free Walking Tour Oslo

A free walk in Oslo and the default budget answer for the whole city.

Overview

This walk starts at the bronze tiger in front of Oslo Central Station and ends at the Royal Palace, roughly two hours later, with the city centre strung out between those two points. Booking costs nothing; the model is a tip-based one, where walkers pay the guide at the end what they feel the tour was worth. The listing suggests a guideline of 15 euros per person as a fair payment. Guides operate under the Nordic Freedom Tours sign, so that is what to look for at the meeting spot by the Jernbanetorget metro exit.

The route strings together the big-name sights of central Oslo: the Opera House, Oslo Børsen, Christiania Torv, Aker Brygge, City Hall, the National Theatre, Karl Johans gate and the Storting, before finishing at the palace. Along the way the guide covers history, culture and architecture, which is exactly what several reviewers say they got. The tour runs in English and Norwegian.

It is not a fit for wheelchair or stroller users, since the route is not suitable for them, and dogs and smoking are prohibited. Video recording and streaming during the walk are also off limits.

Itinerary

1. Meet at the TigerMeet by the large bronze tiger sculpture in Jernbanetorget square, outside the metro station exit at Oslo Central Station. Look for the guide holding the Nordic Freedom Tours sign; latecomers are not admitted once the tour has started.
2. The Tiger StatueThe walk opens at the bronze tiger, erected in 2000 to mark the city's millennium. It stands for Oslo's nickname, Tiger City.
3. Oslo Opera HouseThe group stops at the Opera House, completed in 2008 and home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Its contemporary waterfront design is a highlight of the route.
4. RådhusgataThe tour continues along Rådhusgata, a street constructed in the 1620s that leads toward Oslo City Hall. The guide covers its role in the city's development.
5. Central Oslo sightsThe route continues past Oslo Børsen, Christiania Torv, Aker Brygge, City Hall, the National Theatre, Karl Johans gate and the Storting. The full route has 10 stops; the listing details the first three.
6. Finish at the Royal PalaceThe tour ends in front of the Royal Palace, Det Kongelige Slott. The itinerary may change without prior notice.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the walk smoother, from punctuality to what the tour does and does not include.

• Arrive early. The guide does not wait for latecomers, and nobody can join after the tour has started. The meeting point is the tiger sculpture at Jernbanetorget, outside the metro station exit in front of Oslo Central Station. Plan to be there a few minutes ahead of the start.
• Budget for the tip. Booking is free, but a fair payment is expected from every walker at the end, before leaving. The listing suggests a guideline of 15 euros per person.
• Large groups happen. One reviewer noted a large group, though the guide was prepared with a microphone so everyone could hear. Reviews overall describe the tour as informative and entertaining.
• Wear walking shoes. The tour covers the city centre on foot for approximately two hours. Comfortable shoes are the sensible choice for a route of this length.
• Leave the dog at home. Dogs and smoking are not allowed on the walk, and video recording and streaming during the tour are prohibited. The same rules apply for the whole route.
• Content and pace. Reviewers describe the tour as informative and entertaining, with plenty on history, culture and architecture. The route may change without notice.

Common issues. The route is not suitable for wheelchair or stroller users, which is stated plainly in the listing. The itinerary may change without prior notice, and the tour does not wait for or admit latecomers. Since payment is by tip, the cost at the end is up to the walker, with a 15 euro per person guideline suggested.

Common Questions