Top 6 Norway History Tours

1.Tromsø: Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,326 reviews · 4 hours · from $141Our pick

Travel about 35 to 40 minutes from Tromsø to a Sami reindeer camp. Feed a herd of up to 300 by hand, warm up with hot chocolate and stew, then hear Sami stories and a traditional joik song inside a lavvu. English-speaking guides lead the four-hour visit.

“The reindeer were very sweet and happy to pose in exchange for a snack of reindeer food. The young Sami guide Inga gave us a truly excellent summary of Sami folk history, legends, challenges and lifestyle. We had a lovely reindeer stew (they had a vegetable soup available also) in their stunning circular laavu. Inga explained that circles have a special significance to Sami in many ways, including that everyone has an equal opportunity to be near the warmth of the fire.”

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2.Tromsø: Sámi Reindeer Sledding and Sami Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,400 reviews · 4h 30m · from $230

Travel from Tromsø to a Sámi reindeer camp in about an hour. Feed the herd, ride a reindeer-pulled sled for up to 30 minutes when snow allows, and share Bidos or a vegan meal in a warm setting. English-speaking Sámi guides, including guides such as John and Michael, explain culture, clothing, food, and reindeer herding.

“The raindeer feeding was fun. It was cold (as was expected) so there were fires and a builing near by to warm up. It wasn't rushed at all. The meal was plentiful and tasty with a vegan option available. The Sami culture was facinating! If I would ask for anything it would be a longer talk. Bonus: the location was very scenic.”

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3.Oslo: Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2 hours · from $42Top rated

Meet your English-speaking guide by Oslo City Hall and walk through Christiania Torv, Akershus Fortress, Bankplassen, and the old city center. Expect Norse myths, trolls, nisse, huldra, Viking beliefs, prison tales, and stories of daring thefts. Guides such as Maria and Anastasia add humor, local tips, and plenty of time for questions.

“The tour was very intersting and we enjoyed the details about viking and nordish history. Our guide (I think Anna was her name) was very friendly and had a very deep knowledge. Would book this tour again at any time.”

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4.Longyearbyen: Historic Coal Mine Tour at Gruve 3

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 401 reviews · 3 hours · from $120

Ride from Longyearbyen to Gruve 3 for a three-hour guided visit with English-speaking guides such as Camilla, Anders, and Caroline. See old mining machinery, walk nearly 800 meters underground, and crawl through a low production tunnel. Warm clothes and steady footing are essential.

“The tour was incredible - very informative- able to ask many questions and a very hands on experience. You get to feel, see and sense what it was like to be a miner and crawl through part of a tunnel. Totally recommend. Our guide Camilla was superb”

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5.Bergen: Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen’s Historic Landmarks

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 194 reviews · from $28Best value

Spend one hour aboard the sightseeing boat Eric the Red, or Eric Bloodaxe as the departure details call it, touring Bergen’s harbor with English commentary. You’ll see Bryggen, Bergenhus Fortress, Skuteviken, Sandviken, Nordnes, U-Boot Bunker Bruno, and waterfront homes from the sea. The boat has indoor seating, outdoor decks, a bar, and wheelchair access on the main deck.

“Very good commentary. Freezing cold but that wasn't their fault and they provided us with blankets. Lovely views of the city.”

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6.1 Hour Photo & History Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 57 reviews · 1 hour · from $93

Spend one hour aboard Hermes II, a 1917 wooden cargo boat restored as a certified preservation project. Your English or Norwegian host shares the ship’s story while you view Tromsø, Fjellheisen, Polaria, and Tromsø Bridge. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, blankets, and thermal suits are available.

“It was absolutely awesome! We had a nice view and the drinks were very tasty. They gave us blankets that kept our legs warm. The best part was that my child was allowed to steer the ship. It was such a great experience! I can only recommend this tour.”

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