Scandinavia · HISTORICAL TOURS

15 Historical Tours in Scandinavia Worth Booking

43 tours  ·  from $10

The 15 best historical tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Tromsø: Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch - Meeting the herd of reindeer
Historical Tours, Lunch Experiences, Reindeer & Sami Experiences, Reindeer & Sami Experiences in Tromso, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tromso Tours

Tromsø: Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch

1.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 ranch, where you feed a herd of roughly 250 to 300 animals. Warm up with hot drinks and cookies, eat reindeer stew or vegetarian soup, then hear Sami stories and a traditional joik song from guides such as Johannes, Inga, or Daniel.

“The tour was really nice. Super organized and informational + enough time with reindeers. Would recommend.”

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Stockholm: Ghost Walk and Historical Tour - The opening: Stockholm’s beginnings in the Old Town
Historical Tours, Stockholm Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Stockholm: Ghost Walk and Historical Tour

2.Ghost Walk and Historical Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,206 reviews · from $31

Walk Stockholm’s Gamla Stan with guides such as Callum, Chris, Cody, and Reece, hearing vivid tales of executions, plagues, murders, poltergeists, and medieval life. The 1.5-hour route uses narrow lanes, old walls, courtyards, and possibly a crypt to connect real events with local legend.

“The tour was just amazing! The time flew by and 1,5 hours were spent in a nice company with our tour guide Chris. I would definitely recommend that to you. Stockholm is a beautiful city, but something is hidden here, Chris will be the guy who will pull back the veil and tell you in the nicest, most engaging (!!) way possible the history of Swedish capital.”

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The Original Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour - Gamla Stan - History first, ghosts second
Historical Tours, Old Town Walking Tours, Old Town Walking Tours in Stockholm, Stockholm Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

The Original Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour – Gamla Stan

3.The Original Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour – Gamla Stan

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,165 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $38

Follow an English-speaking guide through Gamla Stan for 90 minutes of murders, plagues, executions, myths, and ghost stories. The route begins and usually ends at Järntorget 84, using narrow lanes, old courtyards, and the crypts beneath the German church. Expect history first, with humor and theatrical scares along the way.

“We did enjoy this experience, it was a bit more historical than ghostly. Much of the historical we got more in-depth from a day walking tour so maybe others got more from it. The highlight was the trip into the crypts of the German church and the related stories. Our tour guide was lively and entertaining. We had a good time and would still recommend.”

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Oslo: Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour - Meeting the guide at Oslo City Hall
Evening Experiences, Historical Tours, Oslo Tours, Private Walking Tours, Private Walking Tours in Oslo, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Oslo: Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour

4.Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour

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

Join an English-speaking guide such as Maria or Anastasia for a two-hour evening walk from Oslo City Hall through Christiania Torv, Akershus Fortress, Oslo Cathedral, and Bankplassen. Expect Norse myths, troll folklore, Viking carvings, prison tales, and stories of bold robberies.

“We enjoyed 2 hours of well paced information, being taken round the sites in the city. Our guide was patient as we asked questions, told our own anecdotes or stopped to take pictures. She made sure that even in the dark (our tour was from 4.00 to 6.00 p.m. which in December in Oslo is dark) we missed nothing and her stories about Norse mythology and Trolls etc was all I hoped it would be. The tour ran to time and her English was very good, so you were understood and she could understand you. Always useful when you want an English speaking tour guide. Would definitely recommend this walking…”

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Tromsø: Fjord History Cruise with Snack and Drinks - Tromsø Sound from the water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Fjord Cruises, Fjord Cruises in Tromso, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromso Tours

Tromsø: Fjord History Cruise with Snack and Drinks

5.Fjord History Cruise with Snack and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 364 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $156

Set out from pier 12 aboard Hermes II, a restored 1917 coastal boat, for a 2.5-hour cruise through Tromsø Sound and nearby fjords. Norwegian and English-speaking hosts share maritime stories, serve a warm fish cake and hot drink, and help you watch for eagles, seals, reindeer, and seabirds.

“Very interesting tour! Guides are friendly and make sure attendees’ welfare are attended to.”

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Stockholm: Old Town Historical Walking Tour - Cobblestones, colored façades, and a city built in layers
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Stockholm: Old Town Historical Walking Tour

6.Old Town Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 344 reviews · from $52

Join Kiki, an Authorized Stockholm Guide and native English speaker, for a relaxed two-hour walk through Gamla Stan. See medieval lanes, the Royal Palace, St. George and the Dragon, Stockholm Cathedral, and local shopping and dining spots in a group of up to 10.

“Our guide was amazing - informative and personable. We learned a lot.”

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Viking History, Runes & Countryside 9h Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala - Broby Bro and the story of Estrid
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Viking History, Runes & Countryside 9h Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala

7.Viking History, Runes & Countryside 9h Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $298

Travel from Stockholm into Sweden’s countryside with a local Viking history guide. Visit Estrid’s gravefield, Jarlabanke’s bridge, an ancient assembly site, Sigtuna, Gamla Uppsala, Uppsala Cathedral, and the castle. Guides such as Olof, Calle, Gabriel, and Philip bring the sites to life.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable about the Viking period but we didn’t really need an in depth knowledge of it. We enjoyed seeing the runes. Wish we had stayed longer in Sigtuna as a market and festival was taking place. We weren’t offered the opportunity to sit down for Fika. We paid way too much money for this tour. Also the description says something about cruise drop off but there was no cruise and no one mentioned it in their reviews. We told our guide we weren’t interested in so much of the Viking history and felt he could have given us a few more options. Our tour was cut…”

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Stockholm Viking History Full Day Tour to Sigtuna + Uppsala - Broby Bridge and the story of Estrid
Full-Day, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Uppsala Tours

Stockholm Viking History Full Day Tour to Sigtuna + Uppsala

8.Stockholm Viking History Full Day Tour to Sigtuna + Uppsala

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 218 reviews · from $266

Travel from Stockholm to six Viking and medieval sites, including Broby Bridge, Jarlabanki’s bridge, Arkil Assembly site, Sigtuna, and Old Uppsala. Guides such as Åsa, Calle, Olof, and Gabriel bring the stories to life in clear English. Expect a full day, limited walking, and lunch at your own expense.

“Wonderful tour through the history of the Norse. Our guide Olof was incredibly prepared even to the toughest questions and told us about history, habits and traditions of the local people from the past. The car travel was incredibly funny with Bianca! I absolutely recommend this tour to discover a part of history that influenced so much European culture. Thank you Olof and Bianca, Grazie from Italy!”

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Bergen: Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen's Historic Landmarks - Leaving Börshopen Pier
Bergen Tours, City Sightseeing Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews

Bergen: Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen’s Historic Landmarks

9.Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen’s Historic Landmarks

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

Sail Bergen Harbour aboard the 92-passenger Eric the Red, or Eric Bloodaxe as shown at the meeting point, with English commentary and outdoor views. The one-hour route passes Bryggen, Bergenhus Fortress, Skuteviken, Sandviken, U-Boot Bunker Bruno, Nordnes Sjøbad, and the Fish Market.

“Lovely short cruise - shame that people sat on port side could not see as everything was on starboard side but obviously hindered by divider in ship”

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Viking History and Swedish Countryside Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala - Hökeriet and a possible Swedish fika
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Viking History and Swedish Countryside Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala

10.Viking History and Swedish Countryside Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 162 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $274

Spend about nine hours with guides such as Urban, Angus, or Carl visiting Viking runestones, Jarlabanke’s Bridge, Granby, Sigtuna, Old Uppsala, and Uppsala Cathedral. Hotel pickup, a minibus, and guided commentary are included. Bring water, good shoes, and weather gear.

“We had a great time travelling outside of Stockholm and learning about the history of the Viking ruins and distant history of Sweden. Our guide was very knowledgeable and showed us a lot of very interesting sites and areas of the countryside.”

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Viking History Small Group Tour from Stockholm: Half Day Including Sigtuna - Jarlabanke’s rune stones and the old road network
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Viking History Small Group Tour from Stockholm: Half Day Including Sigtuna

11.Viking History Small Group Tour from Stockholm: Half Day Including Sigtuna

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $193

Travel from Stockholm into the countryside with guides such as Calle, Gabriel, Carl, Erik, or Emma. Visit Viking graves, Jarlabanke’s rune stones, Arkils tingstad, and Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest city. Hotel and cruise-port pickup are offered, but lunch and extra Sigtuna sightseeing cost more.

“I would recommend to be in a group with Calle, who was easy going and knew how to share his knowledge of the Viking and Swedish history. Regretfully, the second guide was quite abrupt and at some point quite rude to me. I love exploring and learning the history of the country I visit, however I much prefer to be in a relaxed atmosphere where questions can be asked , where there is respectful dialog instead of being lectured .”

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Oslo: History, Art and Secrets Tour - Aker Brygge and Oslo City Hall
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Oslo: History, Art and Secrets Tour

12.History, Art and Secrets Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 62 reviews · from $41

Spend 3 to 4 hours walking central Oslo with a local guide such as Anders, Radu, Magnus, or Luis. See the Royal Palace, Aker Brygge, City Hall, Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, and the Munch Museum while hearing stories about fires, art, architecture, and Oslo’s changing identity.

“Our tour with Anders was incredible! He was fun and the 3hrs went so quickly… he told us lots of stories and history in addition to many practical information and good tips about local restaurants where to try the traditional Norwegian food. Strongly recommended! See you soon Oslo Nico, Gabriella and Francesca”

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Fjord & History Cruise - The Arctic Cathedral from the water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Fjord Cruises, Fjord Cruises in Tromso, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromso Tours

Fjord & History Cruise

13.Fjord & History Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149Top rated

Sail Tromsø’s harbor and nearby islands aboard Hermes II, a beautifully restored 108-year-old wooden boat. The local crew shares stories about the vessel and places along the route, with views of the Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø Bridge, fjords, and possible wildlife sightings.

“Personal muy amable, hay bebidas calientes, hace mucho frío a bordo pero te dan ropa especial! Fue bonito, recomendado!”

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1 Hour Photo & History Cruise - Leaving Tromsø from Kystens Hus
1-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromso Tours

1 Hour Photo & History Cruise

14.1 Hour Photo & History Cruise

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

Step aboard Hermes II, a restored 1917 wooden cargo boat, for a one-hour cruise from central Tromsø. English and Norwegian hosts share the ship’s story as you view Fjellheisen, Polaria, Tromsø’s waterfront, and Tromsø Bridge. Tea, coffee, blankets, and thermal suits are available.

“The trip was so beautiful. The guides were so friendly and funny. We had the best time and saw Tromso from the water and it was such a unique vantage point. Also the ship was GORGEOUS. Very worth the money. Would book again! 100/10 thank you to the captain & staff for such a lovely memory!”

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Stockholm Old Town Gamla Stan, Historic Walking Tour, Small group - Mynttorget and the first old lanes
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Stockholm Old Town Gamla Stan, Historic Walking Tour, Small group

15.Stockholm Old Town Gamla Stan, Historic Walking Tour, Small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $48

Walk Stockholm’s Gamla Stan for about two hours with a guide such as Kiki, visiting old lanes, Stortorget, German and Finnish churches, the Royal Palace, and the city’s narrowest street. The English tour has a maximum of 10 people and ends where it begins.

“Kiki was most knowledgeable. Enjoyed the history lesson. It was fascinating to hear of all the battles and relations between the Scandinavian countries.”

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★ 5.0Jewish Heritage Tour in Oslo16 reviews
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