Did you know that the Oslo Pass is among the best ways to explore the city, both in terms of value and flexibility? With free use of public transport, entrances to all the main museums and discounts on sightseeing tours, restaurants and other services, it’s a one stop shop for any tourist wanting to maximize their stay. Today we present the second of two ways to combine the Oslo Pass with a walking tour, each with a similar route but their own distinct theme. Don’t miss out on Part 1, if you haven’t read it yet!

– MARITIME WALKING TOUR –

Start the day by climbing the rampart of Kontraskjæret, located on the northern limits of Akershus Fortress. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the popular Aker Brygge district filled with fashion stores and restaurants, as well as the ceremonial City Hall Pier lined with tall sail ships. Take in the view and relax, readying your mind for a day centered around the maritime way of life.

Next is a short boat ride from the quay on the back side of City Hall towards Bygdøy. Enjoy a small break and smell the ocean breeze while you take in the cityscape from the water.

Get off at the first stop, called Dronningen. From here, you get to climb the beautiful “Huk Avenue” lined by trees and flanked by white villas on both sides.

The first museum is the Viking Ship Museum. Marvel at the authentic, full size Viking longships excavated from burial mounds. Be surprised by how well preserved the ships are, and how accomplished shipbuilders and seafarers the Norwegians were in the period when the nation was first unified during the Viking Age.

From the Viking Ship Museum, follow the signage toward Bygdøynes. A short walk through the residential area takes you down to the sea shore dominated by large triangular buildings.

Inside is the Fram Museum, where you can actually climb aboard and explore the insides of the iconic Fram polar exploration ship, famous from its voyages with intrepid Norwegian explorer Fritjof Nansen. Perfectly preserved and displayed with the actual tools, interior and even cutlerly used by the crew, the museum gives you an authentic experience almost like a travel through time more than 100 years back.

A literal stone throw away is another highlight on the tour – the Kon-Tiki Museum. Enter to learn about the bold Norwegian adventurer and anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed 8000 km on a hand-built wooden raft from South America to the Pacific Islands to prove that ancient peoples were making this voyage. The original raft he sailed with, Kon-Tiki, is displayed prominently in the museum, as well as the perils the crew of six had to overcome.

By now you should be famished, and ready for lunch. Return once more to Oslo by boat, and head for the hustle and bustle of Aker Brygge you saw from afar in the morning. Here you will find a row of restaurants to choose from, but stretch your legs a little futher to the gem The Salmon – a restaurant combined learning center about Norwegian salmon industry. Did you for example know that Norwegian salmon provides 13,8 million meals every single day?

The highlight is still the food. Try out the trilogy of salmon where you can taste it hot-smoked, cold-smoked and cured, or the classic grilled salmon with garnish and mustard dressing. Everything on the menu is fresh from the ocean and bound to delight your senses!

After lunch, take the time to explore Aker Brygge with its many fashion boutiques and interior shops. Or, if the weather is still nice, take another excursion to the archipelago nearby. For a relaxing stroll taking you to the tranquil ruins of a medieval monastery, hop off at Hovedøya island. If the beach life is your thing, get off on Langøyene island.

The boat departs from just outside Vippa, Oslo’s funky street food court. Perfect for grabbing a lunch to bring with you on your picnic, or to sit down and eat a tasty meal once you’ve returned.

If you’d rather go out on a proper voyage yourself, buy a ticket with Oslo Fjord Cruise. The 2 hour fjord sightseeing cruise departs every day, all year, from 13:00 and 15:30. There’s even the 3 hour jazz cruise departing at 19:00, including a prawn buffet. Whatever you choose, you’ll get a nice discount of 15% with the Oslo Pass. A perfect way to end the day!