Akerselva River
Akerselva River
4.5
About
The river Akerselva runs from Maridalsvannet through the centre of Oslo and into the Oslo Fjord. The river is 8 km of recreation, through forests and industrial history, fishing, swimming and several waterfalls. The highest waterfall is next to Honse-Lovisas hus (a small, red house) and the Beier bridge.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
310 reviews
Excellent
175
Very good
113
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16
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Sco
Aberdeen, UK4,097 contributions
Feb 2020
We walked a lot along the pathways to the north of the river, on the outskirts of Oslo, in the area of Kjelsås.
A lovely area, taking in the peace and tranquility of the place. Generally very clean and tidy during this mild February. Lots of people out walking, cycling and jogging at the weekends over the undulating ground. Lots of seats to sit on and take in your surroundings. Play areas for the kids every so often and also areas to feed the ducks. Evidence of the beavers having beavered away on the trees along some of the riverbanks. Man made waterfalls to be seen and evidence of the industrial past.
An excellent river, for an excellent capital!
A lovely area, taking in the peace and tranquility of the place. Generally very clean and tidy during this mild February. Lots of people out walking, cycling and jogging at the weekends over the undulating ground. Lots of seats to sit on and take in your surroundings. Play areas for the kids every so often and also areas to feed the ducks. Evidence of the beavers having beavered away on the trees along some of the riverbanks. Man made waterfalls to be seen and evidence of the industrial past.
An excellent river, for an excellent capital!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
Mississauga, Canada54 contributions
Aug 2022
We walked the paths beside the river, all the way from the National Arts school, all the way in to the downtown area. It takes you past waterfalls, parks, and some little hidden gems. A very relaxing thing to do.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FyFazan
Oslo, Norway1,481 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Akerselva River is a nice walkway with lovely scenery right in the middle of Oslo!
Sadly drug dealers, homeless people and beggers are "infiltrating" this areas, which makes the visit less comfortable. We're priviliged here in Oslo with so much forests around us, so luckily I don't come to this area very much.
Still it's a nice river with several walkways for dog walkers and joggers, but I would never say this is a must visit to any foreigners or people not living closeby.
At least skip coming here in the evening or nighttime, if you're not interested in breaking the law...
Sadly drug dealers, homeless people and beggers are "infiltrating" this areas, which makes the visit less comfortable. We're priviliged here in Oslo with so much forests around us, so luckily I don't come to this area very much.
Still it's a nice river with several walkways for dog walkers and joggers, but I would never say this is a must visit to any foreigners or people not living closeby.
At least skip coming here in the evening or nighttime, if you're not interested in breaking the law...
Written November 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dyoll
Oslo, Norway34,663 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
This is a pleasant walk down the river where Oslo's industry developed before the days of electric power. A good mix of green parks and old industrial buildings that have now been restored and have new life as offices. A few places where you can get refreshments along the way and you are never too far from the bus route if you want to cut the walk short. Could be combined with a visit to the Technical Museum.
Easy to access, take the 54 bus from Nationaltheatre or Oslo S, direction Kjelsås, and get off at 2nd to last stop - Stillatorvet - about 30 min. Easiest is to start the walk here - just a few metres in same direction as bus travels on right side you'll find the path - the paths are mainly gravel, so use sensible shoes. Just follow paths along the river, note that below first waterfall you should cross over the roadbridge and follow the river on the other side. Passes below the new Mathallen - might be worth a stop there for lunch or refreshments.
If you want to do the whole walk, then after getting off the bus, cross the road and continue in the same direction as the bus until you find a path on the left. Again just follow the paths along the river, past the Technical Museum, until you reach Maridalsvann. Turn around and walk back.
The walk ends at Vaterlands bridge, nearest T-bane (Metro) is Grønland, but it's just a short walk to Oslo S station.
Easy to access, take the 54 bus from Nationaltheatre or Oslo S, direction Kjelsås, and get off at 2nd to last stop - Stillatorvet - about 30 min. Easiest is to start the walk here - just a few metres in same direction as bus travels on right side you'll find the path - the paths are mainly gravel, so use sensible shoes. Just follow paths along the river, note that below first waterfall you should cross over the roadbridge and follow the river on the other side. Passes below the new Mathallen - might be worth a stop there for lunch or refreshments.
If you want to do the whole walk, then after getting off the bus, cross the road and continue in the same direction as the bus until you find a path on the left. Again just follow the paths along the river, past the Technical Museum, until you reach Maridalsvann. Turn around and walk back.
The walk ends at Vaterlands bridge, nearest T-bane (Metro) is Grønland, but it's just a short walk to Oslo S station.
Written January 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine L S
Oslo, Norway83 contributions
Jun 2019
This river that goes through Oslo is definitely worth visiting, taking a walk along it for an hour or two. There is lots of information about it (in English) -- just google it -- and there you will find a description of all the sights along the way. Very good if you have children who need some physical activity time. Highly recommended.
Written August 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
Frankfurt, Germany7 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
When you start walking close to Hausmanns Gate & Christian Kroghs Gate there is like drug addicts (hard drugs like heroin and so on) on every corner. We found empty injections in front of our airbnb in Christians kroghs Gate and the park between the street and the river has a major drug problem. I walked in the morning with my dog and I had to watch out that we are not stepping in some used heroine injections.
The street Brugata is a small shopping street but crowded with the scums of every nation if you are intelligent don’t go to this area...
The street Brugata is a small shopping street but crowded with the scums of every nation if you are intelligent don’t go to this area...
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The river Akerselva is 8,2 km long. I agree that the lowest part, a few hundred meters of the river - could be problematic.
Written July 14, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David M
Oslo, Norway234 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
This beautiful walk is very popular with the locals.. Along the river you will walk through Oslo's old industrial area, which thanks to regeneration makes it very interesting. It also passes through the very vibrant Grünerløkka part of town which is definitely worth a visit, there are no tourist prices here.
However, be warned, although many of the sights are very enjoyable, you will most likely also come across some of the not so nice sides of town, Oslo is a pretty safe place compared to many other cities. Unless you know the area, I would not walk here alone at night. I would also avoid the bottom part between the old Schous brewery and Grønland where the river enters Oslo fjord as this is where many of the pushers hang out.
Please don't be put off, take a tram to the Schous brewery and start your walk up the river from there.
However, be warned, although many of the sights are very enjoyable, you will most likely also come across some of the not so nice sides of town, Oslo is a pretty safe place compared to many other cities. Unless you know the area, I would not walk here alone at night. I would also avoid the bottom part between the old Schous brewery and Grønland where the river enters Oslo fjord as this is where many of the pushers hang out.
Please don't be put off, take a tram to the Schous brewery and start your walk up the river from there.
Written July 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MPnr1
Oslo, Norway155 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
River starts at Maridalsvannet that is Oslos drinking water reservoir.Next stop is Frysja were the river is wider and is bath friendly with grass beaches.Next another place to take a bath at Nydalen comfortable,easy to get to water,with jacuzzis,waterfall,child pool,stores,cafe,restaurant/pub,subway.Next stop scary Bjölsenfossen the rivers highest waterfall 16 meters,challenge to find waterfall its close to trechows bru.Next stop is also a waterfall called nedre vöyenfossen,its impressive with water clouds coming out of it ,next to waterfall is steep road popular to run up and next to is a comfortable grass area with great view of river and people running up hill.Next stop the Cuba park a little cozy park in neighboorhood Grunerlökka.After that comes the" grunerlökka silo" used to bee big tanks for corn but was rebuilt to house students,look at the corn tram inside building threw window,used to bee used to transport corn between grunerlökka and vippetangen(harbour).Next stop Ankerbrua a bridge with naked nowegian folk story characters,big debate in newspaper when it was built.Last part of river runs threw Vaterland in neighboorhood grönland,this part used to bee Oslo poorest part with sewer flowing direct in to river,today this place still has poor people in the area.In area is statue of Olafia who helped poor and prostitutes in the area.There is a lot more to discover along the river.
Best:Bjölsenfossen
Worst:Between bridge Nybrua and down to Vaterland is a part with drugdealers,drugaddicts,crazy people,unfriendly people, I dont recommend to walk this part.
bring camera,comfortable shoes,food,drinks,something to sit on,swimming suits.
This could bee a hole day expedition or just a short walk either way its a great experience :)
Best:Bjölsenfossen
Worst:Between bridge Nybrua and down to Vaterland is a part with drugdealers,drugaddicts,crazy people,unfriendly people, I dont recommend to walk this part.
bring camera,comfortable shoes,food,drinks,something to sit on,swimming suits.
This could bee a hole day expedition or just a short walk either way its a great experience :)
Written December 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonasaa99
Oslo, Norway19 contributions
Sept 2014 • Business
Where else would you find drug dealers, blogger moms jogging with their strollers still with superfood leftovers on their lips, and dog owners ignoring their dog droppings at every turn? Well - pretty much everywhere in Oslo, but Akerselva has its own charm. Never go there after nightfall (!!!), try not to walk there alone, and avoid dark places. Also, don't be alarmed if you spot huge rats. They are the bloodstreams of the local economy. I have love-hate relationship to this place.
Written September 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vindens
Los Angeles, CA147 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
I used to live close to the river, looking down on the drug trade from my living room. This sewer of a river is not a place to spend any time. It can be a good place to see everything thats wrong with Oslo though, reallity tourism. Once a year you will also spot police chiefs and politicians talking a stroll around noon with a bunch of journalists telling how much they have cleaned the area up, almost like a scene out of "The Wire"
Written April 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the differences or similarities of the river Akerselva in oslo to the river Thames in England?
Written October 29, 2016
Akerselva is shorter and more narrow. No boats can travel the river. The river is also "wilder", due to obstacles and waterfalls. The river starts from the lake where Oslo get its drinking water, and you can follow the river by feet or bicycle the 8,2 km long river. Enjoy!
Written October 29, 2016
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