Oslo Free City Walking Tour Led By Locals

A locals-led free walk, an alternative to the big operator.

Overview

This walk starts at the Tiger statue outside Oslo Central Station, where a guide stands holding a FREE CITY TOUR OSLO sign. From there the route covers ten stops through the city centre, and the listing names the first three: the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, the Oslo Stock Exchange, and Christiania Square. Along the way the guide tells stories about Norwegian history, lifestyle and culture, and explains how Oslo developed into the city it is today.

The tour runs in English and takes roughly two hours per the listing. There is no set price. Booking is free, and at the end each guest tips the guide whatever they feel the walk was worth. The operator accepts both cash and card, so there is no need to find an ATM beforehand.

The guides are locals who support the free-tour model, so payment stays a personal decision at the end of the walk. Several reviewers described guides who were knowledgeable, funny and happy to answer questions, so it also works for people who like asking things as they go.

Itinerary

1. Meet at the Tiger StatueFind the guide by the tiger statue in front of Oslo Central Train Station, holding a sign that reads FREE CITY TOUR OSLO. The walk begins here.
2. The Norwegian Opera and BalletThe first named stop is this modern building. The listing promises it will impress.
3. Oslo Stock ExchangeThe group then strolls to Oslo Børs, Norway's only regulated market for securities trading.
4. Christiania SquareAt the square the group sees Christian IV's Glove, a monument the guide explains during the stop.
5. Further stops and finishThe full route has ten stops in total, though the listing only names the first three. The walk lasts approximately two hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Bring a tip. The tour is free to book and you pay the guide what you think the walk was worth at the end. Cash and card are both accepted, so either works.
• Meeting point. There is no pickup. Meet by the tiger statue in front of Oslo Central Train Station and look for the sign reading FREE CITY TOUR OSLO.
• Pace and duration. The walk lasts about two hours per the listing and covers ten stops.
• Group feel. Several reviewers praised guides who were funny, engaging and ready to answer questions. One described it as the best tour they had done in a while, with a great mix of information.
• Language. The tour is run in English. If you are travelling with someone who does not speak English, plan accordingly.
• Weather and shoes. The listing does not mention indoor stops or shelter along the route, so check the booking page for details and dress for the day's conditions.

Common issues. The main thing to understand before booking is the payment model: there is no set price, and you are expected to tip the guide at the end. The operator does have a card reader, which makes that easier if you do not carry cash. The listing names only the first three of ten stops, so you cannot see the full route in advance. It also does not state provisions for limited mobility or cancellations, so check the booking page for the current terms before you go.

Common Questions