Oslo: 2-hour Christmas Private Walking Tour

If you’re considering a quick dive into Oslo’s holiday atmosphere, this 2-hour private walking tour promises a cozy and culturally rich experience. While it’s not a lengthy or exhaustive exploration, it offers a neat snapshot of the city’s Christmas traditions, sights, and seasonal joy. What makes this tour worth thinking about is its focus on local customs like “Lille Julaften” and tasting traditional Gløgg, along with some of Oslo’s most picturesque holiday decorations.

We particularly like the way this tour combines history and festive cheer—visiting landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Nobel Peace Center while soaking in the Christmas lights. Plus, the inclusion of mulled wine adds a warm, authentic touch that makes the outdoor winter walk more enjoyable. However, a potential downside is that some travelers might find there’s not enough Christmas-specific content to justify the guide, especially if you’re looking for a heavily immersive holiday experience.

All in all, this tour seems best suited for visitors who want a guided overview of Oslo’s winter sights and traditions without committing to a longer, more expensive tour. It could be perfect for first-timers eager to see key landmarks with a festive twist, or those with limited time but wanting a taste of the season’s magic.

Key Points

• Short and Focused: A concise 2-hour tour ideal for quick sightseeing with holiday flair.
• Festive and Cultural: Emphasizes Norwegian Christmas customs like Julebord and “Lille Julaften.”
• Beautiful Locations: Visits notable landmarks such as the Nobel Peace Center, Oslo City Hall, and the Royal Palace.
• Seasonal Treats: Includes tasting mulled wine (gløgg) and browsing a Christmas market.
• Scenic Views: Offers glimpses of Oslo’s decorated streets, harbor, and snow-covered palaces.
• Private Experience: Personalized guidance and a relaxed pace, perfect for those who prefer intimate tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of What to Expect

This tour starts at the Nobel Peace Center, right in the heart of Oslo’s cultural district, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city. From there, you’ll meander through the city’s main sights, all decorated for the festive season. The tour includes stops at Aker Brygge, with its lively harbor views, and the Oslo City Hall, famous for its murals and role in Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies.

One of the highlights is the visit to Spikersuppa, where a Christmas market brings the seasonal atmosphere alive with cozy stalls selling crafts and holiday treats. The final destination is the Royal Palace, offering a picture-perfect winter scene—especially if there’s snow. The entire walk is designed to be leisurely, with stops to appreciate the scenery and learn about Norwegian holiday customs.

The Landmark Stops: What Makes Them Special

Nobel Peace Center: Starting here, you get a taste of Oslo’s international reputation and cultural depth. It’s a good jumping-off point that sets a meaningful tone for the tour.

Aker Brygge: Known for its waterfront charm, this area shines during winter with lights reflecting on the water, making it a lovely sight. We loved the way this place combines scenic views with lively outdoor eateries, even in the cold.

Oslo City Hall: Beyond its architectural appeal, this building is central to Norway’s history of peace and diplomacy, and during Christmas, it’s often decorated to reflect the season’s spirit.

Royal Palace: The crown jewel of the tour, this sight offers a majestic backdrop covered in snow (if lucky). It’s a reminder of Norway’s monarchy and a beautiful way to end the walk on a festive note.

Christmas Market in Spikersuppa: This is the heart of Oslo’s holiday festivities. The stalls brim with handmade crafts and holiday goodies, and the scent of Gløgg and roasted chestnuts fills the air. It’s cozy and picturesque, perfect for soaking up the seasonal vibe.

What We Love About the Experience

The small group or private setting makes this tour relaxed and personal. You’ll get a guide who can tailor the experience a bit and answer questions, which brings a more engaging feel than a large group tour. Plus, the seasonal scenery—lights, snow, and festive decorations—makes even the shorter duration feel magical.

The inclusion of mulled wine (or gløgg, as locals call it) is a lovely touch, adding warmth and a genuine taste of Norwegian holiday traditions. It’s the kind of small detail that makes this tour feel authentic and enjoyable.

Considerations and Potential Downsides

One review pointed out that there’s “not much Christmas to need a guide for,” suggesting that the holiday elements might be subtle or not as immersive as some would hope. If you’re expecting a deep dive into Norwegian Christmas customs, this may be more of an overview rather than an in-depth cultural experience.

Also, since the tour is primarily outdoors, you’ll want to dress warmly—layers, waterproof shoes, and hats are recommended. The tour’s 2-hour duration is perfect for a quick glimpse, but if you’re after a more comprehensive or festive-filled experience, you might find this limited.

More Great Tours Nearby

Price and Value for Money

At $454 per group (which is reasonable given it’s private), you’re paying for personalized guidance and a curated experience. While not the cheapest option, it’s a good way to see key sights and enjoy holiday treats without the hassle of planning multiple stops on your own.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The meeting point at the Nobel Peace Center is central and easy to find. The tour runs in the winter, so comfortable, warm clothing and sturdy shoes are essential. The pace is slow, suitable for most ages, but keep in mind that it’s mostly walking outdoors, so plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience suits visitors who want a brief, manageable introduction to Oslo’s Christmas atmosphere—especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of local traditions and scenic sights. It’s also ideal for those who prefer a private or semi-private experience with a guide who can answer questions and personalize the walk.

If you’re after a fully immersive, long, or highly festive experience, this might feel a bit understated. But if you’re looking for a charming, scenic, and culturally informative walk during the holiday season, this tour hits many right notes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the leisurely pace and outdoor stops make it suitable for most ages. Just ensure children are dressed warmly and comfortable for walking.

Can I see the Christmas lights and decorations during this tour?
Yes, the tour takes place when the city is decorated for the holidays, so you’ll enjoy the lights and festive displays along the route.

Do we get to taste Christmas treats?
The tour includes mulled wine (gløgg), which adds a warm holiday flavor. There’s also a Christmas market visit where you can browse and enjoy other seasonal treats.

What landmarks are included in the tour?
You’ll see the Nobel Peace Center, Aker Brygge, Oslo City Hall, the Royal Palace, and more. These highlights are part of the public spaces decorated for Christmas.

How long is the tour?
It lasts 2 hours, covering several sights at a relaxed pace.

Is the tour private or a group?
It’s a private tour, offering more personalized attention and flexibility.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for outdoor walking.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This Oslo 2-hour Christmas private walking tour offers a gentle, scenic, and culturally engaging way to experience the city during its holiday season. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a short, personalized glimpse of Oslo’s festive sights and traditions—especially if you’re keen on seeing iconic landmarks and enjoying seasonal treats like gløgg.

While it may not be packed with Christmas festivities, the combination of beautiful decor, impressive views, and a touch of local customs makes it a worthwhile, relaxed addition to your Oslo itinerary. Just remember to bundle up, take your time, and enjoy the peaceful charm of a wintery Norwegian city in full holiday mode.

Note: Always check availability and start times, as they can vary. And if you’re craving a deeper dive into Norway’s holiday traditions, consider pairing this with other cultural experiences in Oslo.

You can check availability for your dates here: