Norway’s distinctive culinary culture can be discovered by joining a wide choice of food tours on offer in the country’s charming capital of Oslo.
(Photo: OsloWay / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Widely considered a foodie destination on the rise, Oslo’s food scene is characterised by traditional Norwegian fare infused with an increasingly international flavour. Many of its finest food can be found in low-key establishments, but in recent years a smattering of high-end restaurants dotted across the city have begun to receive global attention. If you’d like to experience Oslo’s eating habits, traditions and innovations for yourself, then here are 5 of the capital’s best food tours.
Street Food Culture Walking Tour
Delve into Oslo’s street food scene on this 2.5-hour guided that takes in a mix of local favourites and hidden gems for tastings. During the tour, you’ll traverse some of the city’s most scenic spots including the riverbank, neighbourhoods full of vivid street art, and one of the hippest districts around, stopping regularly along the way to sample local specialities that have become an integral part of the city’s rich food culture, such as Norwegian waffles, Norwegian hot dogs, Norwegian cheeses and cured meats, and a special soft drink typical of Oslo. The tour price includes all food samples and your live guide. From £58 per person.
History and Food Tour
This tour combines visits to Oslo’s historic highlights – including Akershus Fortress, Parliament, Royal Residence, and the National Gallery – with stops at various local eating and drinking spots. After meeting at Oslo City Hall, over the ensuing 3 hours you’ll listen to your guide as they provide facts and insights about Scandinavian cuisine and Norwegian history as you explore places of foodie interest such as a traditional Norwegian canteen, the Freja Chocolatier, the city’s main food market, and a sprinkling of historic restaurants. The tour price does not include any tastings. From £240 per group (max 10 people).
Norwegian nature and food experience
(Photo: Nordi Tours)
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city centre behind and discover Oslo’s rural surroundings on this 5-hour nature-filled food tour. Meeting your guide at your hotel, you’ll take a metro ride to the river station. On arrival, starting at the popular swimming spot of Nydalen, you’ll walk along the river Aker as your guide explains the industrial past of this important waterway that divides Oslo into east and west. Marvel at the powerful waterfalls, pass under historic bridges, and take in the street art at the bottom of the river banks inspired by the fairytales and folklore of Norwegian culture. The tour ends in the trendy neighbourhood of Grünerløkka, where you’ll get to sample a range of Norwegian delicacies and dishes, complete with food-themed commentary. From £297 per person.
Evening Guided Walking Tour with Beer and Snacks
(Photo: OsloWay / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Soak up the unique atmosphere of a food and drink-filled evening out in Oslo during this 2.5-hour tour. In the company of an expert guide, the tour begins with a guided tasting session of some of the best traditional Norwegian tapas-style food items. You’ll then move on to explore notable sights and places of interest such as the Akershus Fortress, City Hall, the Nobel Peace Center, the Royal Palace, and Harbour promenade where you’ll be able to savour two different types of traditional Norwegian akevitt (a distilled spirit). Next, you’ll continue with more sightseeing before the tour concludes with a beer-tasting session in one of the best beer bars in Oslo. From £89 per person.
Oslo Food Tour with a Local Foodie, 100% Personalised & Private
For a more intimate and exclusive Oslo foodie experience, this private and fully personalised tour could be for you. Accompanied by a local food-loving guide, you and your select group of family or friends will get to hand-pick your 3-hour itinerary to suit your preferences and tastes. Wherever you choose to visit, you’ll be treated to fascinating narration along the way to ensure you depart equipped with new-found knowledge and understanding of Oslo’s deep-rooted food culture and heritage. The tour price includes 6-8 traditional Norwegian dishes and 1 drink. Hotel meet-ups (available on request for central location) are also available. From £106 per person.