Oslo’s main river, the Akerselva – a relatively small waterway hidden from tourists – flows mainly through residential neighbourhoods, and very few foreign visitors make their way to its banks.

Within Oslo, the river begins at the Maridalsvannet drinking water reservoir and winds its way through the city for 8 km until it reaches the Oslo Fjord. The last few hundred metres of the river run through an artificial channel beneath the historic centre and are hidden underground.

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What is there to discover along the river?

Set off on a long walk, ideally following the entire course of the Akerselva.

The uninterrupted walking path, dotted with numerous parks, stretches for 8 km. It’s best to start in the north, as you’ll then be walking downhill all the way.

• The route starts at Kjelsås station, which you can reach from the city centre by the RE30 and R31 trains, or more slowly by trams 11 and 12.
• The route ends at the main bus station in the city centre
• Map of the walking route

Along the river there are numerous parks, waterfalls and beautiful historic footbridges.

Also of great interest are the fish ladders – special concrete channels that lead around waterfalls and weirs to allow fish (particularly salmon) to migrate upstream along the entire course of the river.

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