Oslo Jewish Heritage

his tour allows you to immerse yourself in the Jewish atmosphere of Oslo being guided by the author of the photo guidebook "Unretouched History. Footsteps of Jewish History in Oslo".

You will look at how it has changed in different periods and feel the Jewish spirit of some of these places. Your tour begins with a visit to the Jewish Museum, where you will have an interesting and detailed guided tour with many historical exhibits. 

The Oslo Jewish Museum aims to collect, preserve, research and communicate reliable knowledge about Jewish immigration, life and integration into Norwegian society. Since January 2005, the museum has rented large parts of the first floor of an old synagogue. It was important for the museum to preserve the traces of the old synagogue from the pre-war period in Oslo. When the museum began restoration work in the winter of 2005, the building was run-down after decades of non-maintenance. However, the museum team found beautiful decorations from the years the synagogue was used under several layers of paint.

With the help of the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), among others, all of the original decoration was uncovered where remnants of it could be found. Extensive paint samples of the building's exterior facade were secured to ensure that the original appearance could be restored.

During the tour you will learn about modern Jewish life in Oslo, the reason why Jews did not settle in Norway until the mid-19th century, and get familiar with the first Jewish family to settle permanently in Oslo. The tour of downtown Oslo includes the main historical sights: the fortress, City Hall, Karl Johan main street, and many hidden corners that large groups do not usually explore. Jewish history and sights are included and you will also learn many surprising stories, such as: Ben-Gurion's gift to the city of Oslo. Historical pictures related to Jewish Oslo will illustrate the tour.

After the walking portion you can stay in the city center or return to the port with your guide.