Oslo's relatively small and hidden from tourists main river, the Akerselva, flows mostly between residential areas and few foreign visitors head to its banks.
Within Oslo, the river starts at the Maridalsvannet drinking water reservoir and meanders through the city for 8 km to the Oslo Fjord. The last few hundred metres of the river run in an artificial channel under the historic centre and are hidden underground.
What to discover around the river?
Take a long walking tour and walk ideally along the entire course of the Akerselva.
The uninterrupted pedestrian promenade with its many parks measures 8 km. Start ideally in the north, because then you will only go downhill.
- The route starts at Kjelsås station, which can be reached from the centre by trains RE30 and R31 or more slowly by trams 11 and 12.
- The route ends at the main bus station in the centre
- Walking route map
There are a large number of parks, waterfalls and beautiful historic pedestrian bridges along the river.
Also of great interest are the fish ladders, special concrete channels that run around waterfalls and weirs to allow fish (especially salmon) to migrate upstream throughout the river.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Oslo.
