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Off the beaten path in Oslo: Akerselva river

Akerselva river by Tord Baklund, Visit Norway

The scenic Akerselva river in Oslo, Norway 

The Akeerselva river is 8 kms, starting from the Maridalsvannet lake at Kjelsas, cutting through historic areas on its way to the Oslo fjord, with some stunning waterfalls.
The entire river area is now an eco-park – a green lung in Oslo and a popular recreation area.
The river starts in the Maridalsvannet lake at Kjelsas, running through modern Nydalen and historic Grünerlokka. The water in the river is clean, and swimming in Nydalen is a popular activity in summer.
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Historic Nydalen. Photo by Rita de Lange, Fjord Travel Norway

Historic Nydalen

Historic Oslo:

This river used to be the most important part of Oslo from the start of the industrial age, with all kinds of industry popping up along the river. Naturally, this led to industrial discharges and pollution, but in the 1980s, a local initiative to limit emissions and revive the flora and fauna of the river began, and today Oslo is proud of its river, with picturesque walking trails, beautiful trees and charming, refurbished brick factory buildings, and clean water.

By the Akerselva river by Didrick Sternersen, Visit Oslo

Akerselva river at Kjelsaas

How to get to the Akerselva river:

You can either start on the city side of the river, or start at the beginning.
From the city side:
Take the tram #11 (marked Kjelsas), #12 (marked Disen) or #13 (marked Grefsen Stasjon) to the Nybrua stop at the beginning of Grünerlokka, then walk down to the river on the left hand side, and start your walk up along the river. The trams start from the Jernbanetorget square by the Oslo central station (Oslo S).
From the top end:
Take tram #11 (marked Kjelsas) to the end of the line, then walk 50 m back, then down to the right approx. 500 m and you will soon see and hear the river, as there is a tiny waterfall. You can walk up along the river to the Maridalsvannet lake, or down towards the city centre. You can walk off the walking trails en route and catch a tram back to the centre (to the left off the left bank of the river, going downwards).


 

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