The Little Fjord Tour

This architectural and cultural tour starts at the city hall or Rådhuset, which dominates the western waterfront. While the building itself is a source of civic pride, the art works that adorn both the interior and exterior visualise the history of Norway and throw light upon the Norwegian spirit. Simply not to be missed!
Next up is the slate and marble-glass edifice that is the new National Museum. Opened in 2022, it was designed by German architect Klaus Schuhwerk.
The tour then follows the old quayside along Aker Brygge to the Astrup Fearnley Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, and the Tjuvholmen peninsula. While the former shipyards and workshops of Aker Brygge were developed into an ‘instant city’ in the 1980s - 90s, Tjuvholmen was designed and realised more recently as part of the extensive plan to transform the Oslo harbour into a vibrant new residential and recreational area.

Depending on the length of the tour (from 3hours to half a day), the walk may be extended to include medieval Akershus fortress and the Kvadraturen (the ‘new’ city planned by Christian IV in 1624), or take in Norway’s premier street, Karl Johans Gate, from the Royal Palace (with its lush green park) and National Theatre down to the Norwegian parliament or Storting.

Summertime affords the additional opportunity of finishing up with a mini-cruise on the public ferry that circulates the unique islands nestled at the top of the fjord. Departures leave regularly throughout the day from Aker Brygge.

The little fjord tour is a walking tour over a relatively short distance. Whilst perfectly manageable on rainy or cold days, it’s always best to be prepared for inclement weather!