Unknown War. Oslo And Norway During 1940-45

A walk on the occupation years, the part of Oslo’s history the general walks skip.

Overview

Between 1940 and 1945, Oslo lived through an occupation that left marks on the city you can still find today, if you know where to look. This walking tour, run by Oslo Photo Tour under the name Unknown War: Oslo and Norway during 1940-45, spends two hours and thirty minutes tracing that story from the Royal Palace down to Akershus Fortress. A licensed guide leads the way, and every booking comes with a photo booklet called Unretouched History.

The format is simple and effective. The guide carries period photographs and holds them up at the exact spots where they were taken, so the wartime city appears over the modern one. Travellers who have taken the tour say this pairing of image and place is what makes it work, and many single out the guide's depth of knowledge about the occupation and the Norwegian resistance. The route also doubles as a sightseeing walk, passing Karl Johans Gate, the parliament, the University of Oslo Faculty of Law and the National Theatre before finishing near the Resistance Museum at the fortress.

Because it is a private tour, only your own group takes part, and the guide can adapt the commentary to what interests you. Several reviewers mention the guide adapting the tour to their group's interests and needs. The tour ends right beside the Resistance Museum, so anyone planning to visit it afterwards can do so straight after the walk.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Karl Johan MonumentThe group meets near the Karl Johan monument, the equestrian statue in front of the Royal Palace, where the guide holds a small Oslo Photo Tour note. Start time should be confirmed with the local provider in advance.
2. The Royal Palace, 10 minutesThe walk begins at the palace. Admission is not included.
3. Karl Johans Gate, 10 minutesThe tour continues along Karl Johans Gate. Admission is not included.
4. Stortinget, 10 minutesA stop at the Norwegian parliament building. Admission is not included.
5. Stortorvet Kebab, 10 minutesA stop listed as free admission. The listing names the location Stortorvet Kebab.
6. University of Oslo Faculty of Law, 10 minutesThe route passes the Faculty of Law. This stop is free to view.
7. Nationaltheatret, 10 minutesA stop at the National Theatre. Admission is not included.
8. Akershus Castle and FortressThe tour ends at Akershus Fortress, near Norway's Resistance Museum, so visitors can continue there on their own. Castle admission is not included.

What To Expect From The Tour

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

• Private group. Only your own party joins, so the pace and emphasis can bend toward your interests. Several reviewers mention the guide adapting the tour to what their group wanted.
• Photos at each stop. The guide shows period photographs at the locations where they were taken, and every booking includes the photo booklet Unretouched History. Reviewers often mention the photos when describing what made the tour work for them.
• Weather and clothing. One reviewer mentioned taking the tour on a cold day, so dress for the conditions. Poor weather can lead to cancellation, with a new date or a full refund offered.
• Accessibility. The listing states the tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with accessible surfaces and transport, and service animals are allowed. Confirm any specific needs with the provider when arranging your start time.
• Before you go. The tour pairs well with a self-guided visit to the Resistance Museum afterwards, since the walk ends beside it. Reviewers describe the tour as fact filled and detailed, so an existing interest in the period helps, though several said they learned things they had not known before.
• Bring nothing special. The listing flags no required items. Comfortable shoes for a city walk are sensible, but nothing beyond ordinary day-out gear is needed.

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather to run; if either is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before start are not refunded. None of the building admissions are included. The start time must be confirmed with the local provider in advance, so do not assume the listing's hours apply automatically to your booking.

Common Questions