Oslo City - Self Guided Audio Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Norwegians have been a traveling people since the dawn of time. Vikings, traders, explorers, footballers, students and business people have traveled the globe in search of new experiences. And many start their adventure right here where you stand now. Color Line has transported passengers, goods and vehicles out into the wider world since 1872, but then under the name "Kristansands Damskibsselskap". First, they established a fixed route between Kristiansand and Ferdrikshavn in Denmark. Today, the boats go between Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The "Kiel" ferry is a beloved and well-known route to Europe both with and without a car. Check out the links below for more information and booking.

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2. Nobel Peace Center

   What do Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Malala Yousafzai have in common? They have all received the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded here in Oslo at the Town Hall. Here, in front of the converted 1872 train station, you will see the Nobel Peace Center as is the public face of the Nobel Peace Prize. They use the power of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates’ ideas, work and causes, to engage and inspire small and large actions which make the world a more peaceful place. Experince exhibitions, guided tours, events, education programs, and digital content. The center disseminate laureates’ work, build knowledge and skills, and act as a meeting place to facilitate international engagement. The Center also serves as an arena for topical events and discussions related to peace, human rights, and conflict resolution. Visit the centre, or read more and book tickets on the links below.

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3. Tjuvholmen Neighbourhood

   Now you have arrived at Tjuvholmen, which is connected to Aker Brygge with its two small bridges. Previously, this was an abandoned part of Oslo, but now it has been transformed into a modern and artistic urban area. Here you will find many art galleries, a sculpture park, modern architecture, a five-star hotel and a number of good restaurants and cafes. Here you will also find the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which is a modern art museum located close to the water's edge. Tjuvholmen is a beautiful pearl today, but in the very old days, in the 17th century, the view that met the seafarers was probably a little different. The area was once a haven for the city's stray birds, and we're not talking about pigeons and seagulls. The name Tjuvholmen originates from the time when the city's thieves were taken to the court on the islet and hanged. It was not unusual for the spoils from both small and large robberies to be buried out here, which the police of course quickly caught wind of.

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4. Aker Brygge

   Do you see the long quays with all the beautiful people crowding around the fashionable restaurants and apartment complexes? Now you are at Aker Brygge! In the old days there were no restaurants and no apartments here, but there were just as many people. They didn't have as nice clothes, and the good smell of food was replaced by diesel, burnt steel and old coffee grounds. Aker Brygge is built on what used to be the shipyard, Aker's mechanical workshop. The shipyard was established in the middle of the 19th century and gradually gained a large and central position in the Norwegian industrial environment which lasted for over 140 years. The shipyard was closed in 1982 and the old factory buildings were demolished or converted into modern housing. And suddenly the sounds that had characterized the center for just as long also disappeared.

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5. The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies

   Here in these beautiful surroundings is the Holocaust Centre, which communicates and conducts research on topics that stand in stark contrast to the surroundings. The center is a research, dissemination and documentation center with a spotlight on the Holocaust and other genocides, anti-Semitism, racism, extremism, conspiracy theories and the conditions of minorities in modern society. 766 Norwegian Jews were killed or perished as a result of the Nazi extermination policy. The Holocaust exhibition gives an insight into the fate of Norwegian Jews and Roma during the Second World War. Through exhibitions and events, the center communicates the stories of the victims and survivors, and reminds us of the importance of learning from the past. Visitors are encouraged to reflect and take action against intolerance and discrimination. The Holocaust Center is a crucial monument to honor the memory and promote human rights and dignity.

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6. Oslo City Shoppingcenter

   Are you ready for an adventure! Then all you have to do is force the revolving doors of perhaps Norway's most famous shopping centre, Oslo City. Five floors of brands, delicious fragrances, great offers and a pulsating environment in safe surroundings await here. The center is connected by a footbridge to the Hotel Oslo Plaza and the Byporten shopping center across the road, and further on to the traffic station Oslo S. Check out opening times and other practical information below.

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7. Astrup Fearnley Museet

   "It is important that art is not closed in. It must be shown and experienced. We have to learn from it.” The words belonged to Hans Rasmus Astrup, who is the founder of the Astrup Fearnley museum, which today has one of Europe's most extensive collections of international contemporary art. Astrup began buying art in the 1960s, and right from the start he built up a collection where the artistry was at the center rather than historical periods and styles. At the time of his death in 2021, the Astrup Fearnley collection consisted of more than 1,500 works, and it is constantly being expanded with new purchases. The works shown in the exhibition give an insight into one of the Nordic countries' most comprehensive collections of international contemporary art and show Hans Rasmus Astrup's unique contribution to the Norwegian art community. Visit, see, enjoy and learn! More information and booking at the links below.

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8. Do you use sugar in your coffee? They will surely fix that here! Now you have arrived at Sukkerbiten, which means sugar cube in Norwegian, is an artificial island, technically part of the Bjørvikautstikkeren. The name comes from the old administration building for Nyland's workshop that stood there in the old days, and which was a white, fairly square building, yes, almost like a sugar cube. Here you will find the outdoor restaurant with the same name, Sukkerbiten, and there you can lean back in comfortable sunbeds by the water's edge, and enjoy delicious music, a good atmosphere and a relaxing atmosphere that suits both young and old. Tempt it with a sauna and a refreshing dip. Both here and at other places along the harbor promenade you can hire a sauna. Information, prices and booking can be found on the links below.

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9. Oslo's Harbour Promenade

   Here starts the harbor promenade from the Opera House to Sørenga, which takes you on an unforgettable trip packed with good experiences and impressions. First you come to the monumental opera roof, before you enter the idyllic Operastranda and the Munch Museum, then the promenade takes you to Sukkerbiten with its saunas and outdoor seating before you stroll across the fjord to the new vibrant district and the outcrop Sørenga with its popular sea bath. Operastranda in particular is suitable for families with children, and don't worry if you've forgotten your swimwear. The opera shop sells crab rope, towels and other nice beach effects.

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10. Now you are standing at Jernbanetorget, midway between the start of Karl Johans gate and Oslo S, the bustling central railway station and transportation hub of Oslo! Oslo S stretces from the building Østbanehallen, up the stairs to Hovedhallen and then around the whole quarter which is as big as a small town. Trains have run here ever since Norway's first railway opened from Kristiania, today's Oslo, to Eidsvoll in 1854. Today, the station has grown and is connected to the entire railway network in Norway, as well as to Sweden and Denmark and further south in Europe. Oslo S is not just a station for trains and buses. There, travelers and others can relax, sleep, get information and explore a diverse range of stores offering fashion, electronics, dining, and more. Head inside, follow the map and check out the links to find more information about destinations, tickets and other information.

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11. Deichman Bjorvika

    Do you like to read? At least the man who originated the building and the library in front of you did, Carl Deichman. He lived in the 18th century and was a real voracious reader. Here at Deichman Bjørvika, which is Oslo's main library, you will find six floors of literature, reading and study spaces, stages, a cinema and workshops for young and old. In 1780, Deichman bequeathed his book collection to Christiania city, today's Oslo, just a few months before he died. He wanted the city's residents to finally have their first public library, and i 1785 the Deichmanske Bibliothek opened its doors for the first time. Today, Deichman has 22 libraries all over Oslo. The collection has grown to over a million books, films, CDs and other material. Carl Deichman's original collection is still intact and is well preserved on the main library's 5th floor.

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12. Oslo Cathedral

    Here, in the middle of the city by Stortorvet, a sacred space opens up. Here is the Cathedral, which is open to the city and people in all their diversity. The doors are open every single day from Monday to Thursday during the daytime, and on Fridays in the evening. Then the visitors can light a candle and make an appointment for a conversation. As you can see, the cathedral is a magnificent building, and even though it is over 300 years old, services and events such as concerts, seminars, lectures and tours are still held throughout the year. Oslo Cathedral brings the city and the whole country together when they need something bigger than themselves. It is the church for the Royal House, the Storting and the Government. Check the links for more information and opening times.

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13. Fridtjof Nansens Plass

    You are now standing in the open circular area, Fridtjof Nansens plass. Fridtjof Nansen is one of Norway's most versatile and internationally famous people of all time. He was a pioneering naturalist, polar expedition leader, writer and artist, diplomat and philanthropist. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 and is one of the country's most decorated people. To the east, you can see the stairs leading up to the entrance to the Town Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year. In the opposite direction, the road named after another famous Norwegian polar explorer, Roald Amundsen, stretches up to Karl Johans gate, the Palace and the Stortinget. If you follow the side street to the right of the City hall, you will reach the Crown Princess Mârtha's place before you enter the National Museum and the restaurant and shopping area Aker Brygge.

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14. Scandinavian Star Memorial

    The slightly squeezed statue in front of you is the memorial to the catastrophic fire on the car ferry Scandinavian Star in 1990. On the night of April 7, the ferry sailed from Oslo to Fredrikshavn in Denmark, but when it crossed the Skagerak, the fire alarm went off at two in the morning. In the hours that followed, several fires broke out elsewhere on board which indicated that they were arson. Scandinavian Star was towed to Lysekil in Sweden, where the fire was finally extinguished. 158 people were then killed, one person later died of injuries. Most of the dead were Norwegians. This is the biggest ship disaster in recent Norwegian history. The cause of the fire has never been clarified.

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15. The Defense Museum is the main museum of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and has been housed in this old arsenal building at Akershus Fortress since 1860. The exhibitions show the history of the Norwegian armed forces, with an emphasis on the period from the 15th century to the present day. The exhibitions give an insight into the development of the Armed Forces and show how military thinking and the reality of war have been closely linked to technological, economic and political development. The museum has several thematic exhibitions and conveys information from all branches of defence. This is how you can, on a historical basis, take a stand on issues of defense history, and on the role of the Armed Forces today. The museum has many activities in and around the exhibitions for both young and old.

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16. Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning)

    A visit to Akershus Castle is like a walk through Norwegian history from the 14th Century until the present day. Originally Akershus Castle was built as a medieval fortress in around 1300AD under the reign of King Håkon V. During the first half of the 17th Century, the Danish/Norwegian King Christian IV decided to modernise and rebuild it into a renaissance castle. In the 19th Century, the castle fell into disrepair and was close to demolition. Fortunately, Akershus Castle was rescued and restored during the first half of the 20th Century after Norway regained its independence in 1905. Today, the castle's splendid halls are home to the Norwegian government's official functions. When visiting the castle, you will find remains of the original medieval castle, rooms used as a residence for the Danish-Norwegian kings, gloomy dungeons, narrow hallways and majestic halls.

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17. Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum

    Here, you can follow the gravel road to the entrance and ticket purchase to one of the country's most central institutions for occupation history, The Norway's Home Front Museum. It was founded in 1962 and is housed in a half-timbered house from the 17th-18th centuries. The exhibition shows several aspects of the resistance struggle and daily life in Norway during the Second World War. The story is brought to life through peepholes, sound recordings and film clips. You can find opening times and information in the links below.

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18. Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning)

    Welcome to Akershus fortress visitor center. Here you will get a full overview of what is happening at Akershus Fortress, exhibitions, information and a good starting point for exploring the fortress. They also provide guided tours about the fortress's unique history.

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19. Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning)

    Now you have arrived at Akershus fortress and hopefully ready for 700 years of exciting history. The fortess was originally built at the end of the 13th century as a medieval royal castle with a seat for the king's representatives. Inside you will find Akershus Castle, the Defense Museum and Norway's Home Front Museum,(Norway's Resistance Museum) the concert and theater stage Karpedammen as well as cultural institutions and restaurants. Throughout its more than 700-year history, the fortress has survived several sieges, but has never been taken by force by a hostile, foreign army. Today it lies like a pearl in the middle of Oslo city centre, surrounded by green oak trees in the summer. As well as being a popular tourist destination and recreation area, the area is still a military fortress under Akershus' command. All entrance to the fortress area is free.

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20. Radhusplassen

    Now you have arrived the Oslo Town Hall Square between the City Hall and the piers that extend out into the fjord called Pipervika. To the right of the City Hall and the piers, you see Akershus Fortress, which towers majestically over the city and down to the cruise harbor and the fjord. To the left of the City Hall you will see the Nobel Peace Center which is located in front of the National Museum. The commercial area Aker brygge lies to their left again and Tjuvholmen with the Astrup Fearnley museum completes the visual journey into the versatile life that dominates Pipervika today. In the old days, you couldn't stand here without being run over by furious cars. Here, the main traffic route ran through Oslo from east to south and west. And at Aker Brygge was one of the most important shipyards in Norwegian history. Fortunately, all of this is gone today, but there are still many dangers lurking underground.

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21. Oscarshall

    This road takes you to the summer palace of Oscarshall. The palace was commissioned by King Oscar I and Queen Joséphine, and was completed in 1852. Today it is the property of the state and is placed at the disposal of the King. Many Norwegian contemporary artists received commissions during the building of Oscarshall, and today it stands as a monument to Norwegian art and applied art from the 19th century. The palace, with its secondary buildings and surrounding park, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in Norway and is one of the country’s most important embodiments of the National Romantic style so popular in Norway during the period. In 1881, King Oscar II opened the palace to the public as a museum. The palace is usually open to the public every summer. Check out links below for opening times and guided tours.

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22. Are you hungry and fancy some local short-distance food? "Gartneriet spiseri" is a cafe and restaurant that serves delicious flavors based on local ingredients they find every day in their kitchen garden, from Kongsgården or from the dairy or cheese-factory Ysteriet. They believe that good raw materials are made where the raw materials are allowed to grow on nature's own terms, and then of course they are organic, which also means that Gartneriet is certified with a gold label from Debio. They have what a restaurant should have, varied food, tasty drinks and good desserts.

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23. The Bygdø Royal Manor, Bygdø Kongsgård, has a past that stretches back to around the 12th century as a monastery estate, further as a barn under Akershus fortress and from 1905 as a permanent summer residence for the Royal Couple. Today Bygdø Kongsgård is Oslo's largest organic milk producer with a visitor farm, riding school, organic food production and horticulture. They mediate both modern and historical agriculture. There is a cafe/restaurant that serves food from the farm's own resources at the horticulture, Gartneriet. The restaurant is Debio certified and has the gold label. HM The King disposes of the main building and Oscarshall Castle with associated parks, while the Norsk Folkemuseum foundation has the right of disposal over the farm. The area has several marked hiking trails. The Royal manor hosts many activities and offers guided tours for schools, kindergartens and families. Check out the information on the links below.

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24. Norsk Folkemuseum

    The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Norsk folkemuseum, shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present through its collections from around the country. The160 buildings in the Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. The Gol Stave Church dating from 1200 is one of five medieval buildings at the museum. The contemporary history is presented through exhibitions and documentation projects. Permanent indoor exhibitions include folk art, folk costumes, toys and Sami culture. There is also a variety of temporary exhibitions and audience programs all year round. Manage your booking and read more in the links below.

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25. Barcode Oslo

    Check out the 12 magnificent buildings that rise towards the Skyline behind the opera. They are called Bjørvika Barcode, and comprises twelve narrow high-rise buildings, varying in heights and widths, arranged with intervals akin to a barcode. Hosting prominent national and international businesses, the area accommodates 10,000 daily workers, alongside 400 apartments and a daycare center. Street level offerings include diverse restaurants, shops, galleries, and services, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. The Barcode concept emphasizes architectural distinction, openness to the fjord, and ample light. Each building, designed by different architectural firms, embodies unique characteristics, creating an extraordinary architectural experience. Barcode stands as a testament to modern architectural innovation and urban vibrancy.

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Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

no, de, en, it, fr, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 6 travelers per booking

Operated by

Guide To Go

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos