Gems along the Akerselva river
It's not too widely known, but one of Oslo's most unique and beautiful attractions is a river. A walk along Akerselva lets you explore many of the Norwegian capital's great features: Soothing nature and creative urban life, quaint wooden houses and new neighbourhoods, remnants of history and inspiring street art – with lots of good food along the way.
Starting at Maridalsvannet, Oslo's largest lake, Akerselva flows through the whole city and into the Oslo fjord. The eight kilometre long walk along the course of the river takes you through parks and small forests, across picturesque bridges and past twenty-something waterfalls that once powered all of Oslo's industry.
Along the way are numerous charming spots where you can stop to refuel with food, drinks, culture and intriguing local stories. We have gathered several of our Akerselva favourites in this guide, and invite you upstream from Oslo's city centre and all the way to the river's origin.
Fairytale bridges and riverside nightlife
If you're in the city centre, the area around Ankerbrua, better known as "the fairy tale bridge", is a good place to start your Akerselva adventure. Characters from old Norwegian legends wish you a good journey.
Soon you'll reach a new bridge, which takes you across to Akerselva's urban oasis Brenneriveien.
Sculptures and graffiti add colours and life to the area, which is home to multiple music clubs and Oslo's most popular arts and crafts market. It's one of those places where creativity just flows, truly inspiring to visit.
To your right is the bar and music venue BLÅ, which has served as a second home for many a music, art and literature-loving Olslovian over the last three decades. In summer you may enjoy a good cup of coffee or a cold beer on BLÅ's legendary patio, accompanied by the happy burble of the river.
Right across Blå lies Ingensteds, a club and culture hub located in an old textile factory. If you're out walking in the evening, this is a good place to catch a concert or simply just enjoy life out on the terrace.
An extra bonus if you visit at night: You'll get to see both patios wrapped in lights. Truly magical!
Sustainable treats at Vulkan
Our next stop is Vulkan, a new Oslo neighbourhood tucked in on a former industrial site by the river. Defined by innovative, eco-friendly architecture, Vulkan includes both hotels, culture venues, restaurants and the very heart of the neighbourhood: Mathallen Food Hall.
Behind the doors of this large old factory building is a foodie's paradise of 30 specialty stores, cafes and eateries that offer local specialties and imported delicacies you won't find elsewhere in the city.
Pick up some good cheese, a pint of homemade ice cream or a whole meal to bring outside in the sun. Close by are several nice outdoor spaces where you can enjoy your Mathallen treats – right by the river, of course.
Art and love declarations at Seilduken
You'll discover works of art many places along Akerselva, so it's only fitting that you eventually reach the mothership: The Oslo National Academy of the Arts.
The school resides in a former canvas factory known as "Seilduken". From the top of the roof, the neon installation This is it by renowned Norwegian artist Gardar Eide Einarsson gives you some food for thought.
The bridge that leads from the academy and further up the river reminds us that true love is alive and well. Filled with love declarations engraved in padlocks, it becomes a touching reminder to take a moment to appreciate our loved ones.
Perhaps you carry someone special in your heart you'd like to dedicate a padlock to?
As if hundreds of romantic messages weren't enough: The waterfall behind the bridge lights up at night!
A photo stop by Aamot bridge
The 150 year old beautiful chain suspension bridge Aamot bru is one of Akerselva's most photographed attractions. It was moved to Oslo in the 50s, originally intended as a gift for the Museum of Science and Technology.
The bridge is known for an inscription on one of its pillars that reads "100 men I can carry, but l collapse from rhythmic marching." The warning is real enough: A French bridge of the same design collapsed when a regiment of soldiers marched across it in 1850.
The old wooden planks actually sway a bit when you step on them, so we recommend treading carefully across.
Culture along Akerselva
Akerselva ties together several notable cultural venues in Oslo. We have already mentioned Blå, one of Oslo's leading music clubs, and Ingensteds, which presents exiting performers in an intimate setting by the river.
At Vulkan you'll find Dansens Hus, Norway's national stage for dance. This is a great place to explore contemporary dance in its many forms: From children's performances to international guest plays with world-renowned choreographers. At Dansens Hus Bar, you can sit and enjoy the view of Akerselva with a cup of coffee or a drink.
A bit further up the river lies Det Andre Teatret, home to some of Norway's best improv comedians. They offer comedy on the fly several times a week, all year round, and also host international guest performers from time to time. The theatre's outdoor bar is a great place for a break in the summer.
The most beautiful outdoor event by Akerselva is called Elvelangs – riverwalk by torchlight. Once a year, on the Thursday evening closest to autumnal equinox, a total of 4,000 torches light up the Akerselva river from north to south. As people walk along the river, they get to experience light sculptures, dance, music, art installations and more.
Waterfalls and waffles at Mølla
Welcome to Akerselva's most beautiful waterfall! The path that takes you up past the foss at Mølla is a bit steep, and you'll need to pass through a cloud of soft spray – but that's just refreshing.
As if the view of the waterfall isn't spectacular enough, there's another treat waiting for you behind the trees on the hilltop: Hønse-Lovisa's House. This tiny red cottage is named after a brave and warm female character from the books of Oscar Braaten, an Oslo-based writer known for his depictions of working-class life along Akerselva.
Hønse-Lovisa's House exhibits contemporary art and crafts, and serves Oslo's best waffles in an idyllic garden with a great view of the river. It's as if we've left the city and gone somewhere far out in the countryside.
Industrial history from Beierbrua
Right next to Hønse-Lovisas House is the Beierbrua bridge. From here you have a view to Café Månefisken, another Akerselva gem filled to the brim with stories. Once a laundry facility for the army's uniforms (and, rumour has it, a place for illegal sales of spirits), it is considered by many as the very symbol of Oslo's industrial past.
The city's industrial history follows us along the whole route. Akerselva is the only industrial river in Europe that runs through a capital with both its start and finish within the city limits.
Centuries of development are documented along the banks of the river: From 18th century wooden structures via the characteristic 19th century factories built with red bricks, to more recent industrial complexes.
If you'd like to learn more about Norwegian labour history and the daily life along Akerselva, go on a slight detour to the Labour Museum in Sagveien.
A river bath in Nydalen
Akerselva is a popular spot for outdoor recreation of all kinds, and along the way, depending on the weather and time of year, you may have come across joggers, padlers, fishers and rubber rafts enthusiasts.
The water in Akerselva is clean enough to swim in. If it's tempting to jump in at this point, the river bath at Nydalen makes it easy for you.
Channel your inner child and splash around in artificial ponds and waterfalls. Just be aware of the river currents, so you don't float back to start.
Farewell at Frysja
Frysja, once the name of the whole river, is a large park area situated among friendly old factory buildings, behind the Museum of Science and Technology. We are now very close Akerselva's source, Maridalsvannet.
In summertime people gather here to swim, right by one of Akerselva's tallest waterfalls. The area is also used for fishing, family pikniks and, of course, as a start and endpoint for trips along the river. Like our walk, which has now come to an end. Thank you for joining!