Biking along Akerselva
July 15, 2018
Spring is here and it means longer days and warmer days are on the way!
One of the best ways to discover Oslo is taking a bike ride along Akerselva. Along the trail are beautiful sceneries including parks, street arts, cafes, bridges, waterfalls, restaurants and museums.
The river marks the divider between the East and West Oslo and provided power to some industrial companies during the early period in Oslo. It now offers a natural and actual representation of how Oslo developed through the years.
It showcases the preservation of 1700s industrial building wood construction, 1900s red bricked factories with iron-shaded windows, high brick factory pipes, dams bridges and pipelines turned into lovely restaurants and buildings.
The entire river is about 8.2 kilometers long and an elevation of 149 meters from Maridalen to Bjørvika. So be mindful that some parts of the trail are steep.
Bikes are available all over the city during April to November. A day pass costs 49kr. Check https://oslobysykkel.no/ for more information about city bikes.
It is possible to fish salmon and sea trout during summer, from July to August. You can read http://www.ofa.no/FiskeiMarka
/Akerselva/FiskereglerforAkerselva.aspx for more information about fishing rules in the Aker river..
Here are some recommended stops along the river if you start from Kjelsås going to Grønland.
- Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology. Though I suggest you take a day or half day in this museum.
- Nydalen Bryggeri & Spiseri
- Hønse-Lovisas hus serves Norwegian waffle and coffee while enjoying the view of Møllerfossen
- Labour Museum
- St. Pauli
- Aamot Bridge
- Mathallen Food Hall and Indoor Market. Enjoy a wide selection of food and drinks. I you love ramen, I suggest to find Sapporo Ramen Bar. It is located outside the hall, just above the parking area.
- Blå
- Syng
- Grunnerløkka Minigolf Park. Grunnerløkka is considered the hippest area in Oslo where one can discover numerous little cafés, restaurants, bars, design and vintage shops and second-hand stores.
Nydalen Station
We started the tour from Nydalen, but if you like a longer trail then you can start all the way up from Kjelsås. From Jernbanetorget take the no. 4 or 5 train or bus 37 to Nydalen.
If you like a longer trail, then go all the way up to Kjelsås. Take the local train or bus 54 to Kjelsås.
If you feel tired, take a rest, lie in the grass and enjoy the freshness of the surroundings.
Hønse-Lovisas house and Mølle waterfall.
Aamodt Bridge.
"100 men I can bear, but fail during rhythmic march."
Enjoy a mixture of nature and urban life as you bike along the river!
