Oslo WWII Walking Tour: Akershus Castle & Film Locations

Oslo’s WWII scars revealed on city streets and fortress walls

You’ll walk Oslo’s main streets with a local guide who brings WWII history alive through hidden details, film locations from Number 24, and honest stories at Akershus Castle. Expect small surprises—like laughter over mispronounced Norwegian—and moments where you’ll pause and really feel what happened here.

What’s included

• Your day includes a guided walk through central Oslo with stops at Akershus Castle, Karl Johans Gate, Parliament Square and other WWII sites.
• accessible routes for wheelchairs or strollers.
• plus an optional written guidebook with maps and photos available for purchase after your walk.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oslo WWII historical sites

• Visit Royal Place
• Walk Karl Johans Gate WWII sites
• See Parliament building
• Explore market square
• Visit University square
• View National Theater and Sønsteby monument
• Tour Akershus Castle and fortress

The Experience

We were already halfway down Karl Johans Gate when I realized how much I’d been missing just walking these streets. Our guide, Erik, had this way of pausing mid-sentence to point at something — a building corner, a faded plaque — and suddenly the whole place felt different. He told us about the occupation, but it was more like he was remembering it for someone else. There was this chill in the air (maybe just Oslo in spring), but also from hearing how people hid news under their coats or passed secret notes right where we stood. I kept glancing at faces passing by, trying to picture what it must’ve felt like then.

The Royal Palace looked almost too peaceful for all the stories attached to it. We stopped near Parliament and Erik showed us a spot where resistance fighters once met — honestly, I’d walked past it twice that week and never noticed anything unusual. He mentioned the film Number 24; I hadn’t seen it, but now I kind of wish I had before coming because he pointed out scenes filmed right there. Someone in our group tried to pronounce one of the Norwegian names from the movie and Erik laughed — not unkindly, just that warm Norwegian way that makes you feel like you’re part of some inside joke.

Akershus Castle was the last stop, its stone walls cold under my hand. You could almost smell old gunpowder in the damp corridors if you let your imagination go there (maybe I did). The guide handed out these little written guides after — “Unretouched history,” he called them — with photos and maps you could actually take home if you wanted. The tour ended without any big speech; we just stood there for a minute looking back toward the city center. I still think about that silence before everyone wandered off in their own directions.

Top questions

Is this Oslo WWII walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and transportation options are available if needed.

What landmarks are included on the tour?

The tour includes Akershus Castle, Karl Johans Gate, Oslo Royal Palace, Parliament, market square, University square, National Theater with Gunnar Sønsteby monument.

Do I need to watch Number 24 before joining?

No, but watching Number 24 before the tour can add extra context since several locations from the film are visited.

Can infants or small children join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the entire walking route.

Is lunch included during this Oslo WWII history walk?

No meals are included; however, you can purchase a written guidebook after the tour.

How long is the day trip from central Oslo?

The walking tour takes place within central Oslo and covers major WWII-related sites on foot.

Is this suitable for travelers with heart conditions?

This experience is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to walking requirements.