Oslo: Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk

The city-centre Norwegian food walk.

Overview

This walk starts at the tiger statue outside Oslo Central Station and spends three hours splitting the city between eating and exploring. The route runs about 3 kilometers, with three food stops along the way, and stretches of the walk follow the river that cuts through the centre. Expect old wooden houses, bridges, viewpoints and a waterfall, plus a guide who points out corners most visitors walk straight past.

The food side leans traditional. A creamy fish soup with pollock, salmon and mussels opens things, followed by juniper-flavoured elk salami with pickled red onion, homemade bread with Setesdal butter, and smoked trout with farm eggs. A waffle with brown cheese or a cinnamon bun closes it out. Water is included, other drinks are not, and vegetarian options exist if you flag them in advance.

It suits travellers who want a first-day orientation of Oslo with plenty of eating built in, and who are comfortable on their feet. The terrain is mostly flat asphalt with a few short, steep climbs, the highest point sitting 45 meters above sea level. Several past guests described the guides as knowledgeable and friendly, sharing history and personal recommendations, and many said the route took them to places they would never have found alone.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the tiger statueGather at the tiger statue at Oslo Central Station, Jernbanetorget. Look for a woman in a yellow reflective vest.
2. Oslo walkA 15-minute walk from the station into the older streets of the centre.
3. First restaurant tastingA 30-minute stop at a local restaurant, where the creamy fish soup is served.
4. Hidden gems guided tourOne hour of sightseeing along the river, through wooden houses, viewpoints and the waterfall.
5. Second restaurant tastingA 45-minute stop for the main-course tastings, including elk salami and smoked trout.
6. Café tastingA 30-minute stop at a local café for the waffle with brown cheese or a cinnamon bun.
7. Finish at Karl Johans gate 8The tour ends at Karl Johans gate 8, with no return transfer provided.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this tour, from fitness to food logistics.

• Fitness and pace. You walk roughly 1.5 hours in total and sit eating for about the same. The route is mostly flat asphalt, but there are a few short, steep uphill sections, and one reviewer noted hills and stairs. Reasonable mobility is needed.
• Footwear and clothing. The listing asks for comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The walk runs in whatever conditions the day brings, so dress for Oslo's weather rather than for the restaurants.
• Come hungry. Multiple tastings are spread across the food stops on the route. One reviewer's advice was simply to come hungry, and another said they went back for a bigger bowl of the fish soup afterwards.
• Dietary needs. Vegetarian options are available, and the operator asks that allergies or dietary preferences be flagged in advance so alternatives can be arranged. The menu can also vary with the season and holidays.
• Drinks. Still water is included. Extra drinks are not, so budget separately if you want coffee, beer or anything beyond water with the meals.
• Getting back. The tour ends at Karl Johans gate 8, not at the station where it began.

Common issues. Some travellers feel the portions are small relative to what they paid and have asked for larger servings, a point raised in the booking page's review summary. The walk includes a few short, steep uphill sections, and one reviewer also flagged hills and stairs. No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, and extra drinks cost extra. The menu is not fixed, since it varies with season and holidays.

Common Questions