5. Oslo: Stories, Myths, and Legends Guided Walking Tour
We will glimpse a unique, less-known history that has captivated the minds of locals and visitors for centuries. We'll start our tour at the entrance to Oslo's City Hall, a monumental building where we can learn about the beliefs of legendary Vikings. From here, we'll descend into the shadows to explore tales of a mysterious underground kingdom believed to have been inhabited by trolls. We will stop at Christiania Torv to hear stirring stories about witches, and ghost apparitions said to haunt certain areas in Oslo. While shortly touching upon this subject of unexplained phenomena, our guide will narrate tales that history books can back up. Next, we will visit the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built to protect the city and its inhabitants. Here, we'll learn about the castle's rich history and the events within its walls, including tales of prisoners and executions. As our tour continues on Bankplassen, we will delve deep into the city's less-than-pretty history and learn about famous heists and robberies in Oslo. Crime goes hand in hand with punishment, and our guide will discuss how local prisons worked in medieval times and what punishment systems existed back then. As our tour ends, we'll make our way to the Oslo Cathedral to take in our tour's final sights and sounds. Along with learning about this unique Norwegian folklore and stories, our knowledgeable guide will also point out historical sites around Oslo, all of which add colour and intrigue to this remarkable city's long-standing cultural heritage.