Akerselva River Rafting in Oslo: Paddle through city and fjord

Paddle from Oslo's cultural heart to the fjord in 90 minutes

Kayak or packraft down the Akerselva River in Oslo, starting at Nedre Foss Gård Park and paddling through Grunerløkka and Grønland before exiting a 500-meter tunnel onto the Oslofjord, finishing near the Munch Museum and Opera House. A live guide leads in English, Norwegian or Swedish; photos are taken and shared free; your gear is transported to the endpoint by van.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Munch Museum10m
2. Oslofjord10m

Kayak tour along Akerselva River and Oslofjord

• Start trip at Nedre Foss Gård Park
• Paddle through central Oslo
• Pass through Grunerløkka cultural centre
• Paddle through 500m tunnel to fjord
• Arrive at Bjørvika waterfront district
• Pass Munch Museum on Akerselva canal
• Paddle onto Oslofjord for city views
• Finish at Oslo Opera House and return

The experience

You start at Nedre Foss Gård Park beside Mathallen and paddle into central Oslo on the Akerselva River. The route winds through Grunerløkka, the city's cultural center, where apartment blocks and street art line the water. You're paddling through the neighborhood, not watching it pass. The river carries you between two worlds, urban and natural, at once.

After Grunerløkka comes Grønland, and then the tunnel: 500 meters of paddling through stone that opens directly onto the Oslofjord. You emerge onto open water with central Oslo spread across the skyline. From here you paddle past the new Munch Museum and finish at the Oslo Opera House, which the operator notes is best seen from a kayak seat. The van and trailer wait at the river mouth to collect you and your group.

You choose between a single kayak or packraft, or a double packraft if you want to paddle with someone else or bring children under 10 (they ride free with a caregiver). The operator supplies paddle, life jacket and helmet. You bring a change of clothes and dress for the day's weather. Mad Goats, the original founder of the Akerselva tour over a decade ago, handles the logistics: your belongings travel separately to the endpoint, so you paddle light.

What’s included

• Kayak or packraft with paddle, life jacket and helmet.
• live guide in your choice of English, Norwegian or Swedish.
• transport of your belongings to the tour endpoint.
• free photos taken and shared after the trip.
• kids under 10 paddle free with a caregiver in a double packraft.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 10:30, 13:00 and 16:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Senior (76 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years): free · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, Norwegian and Swedish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 10.78

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mad Goats Norway

Is this one for you?Book the double packraft if you're paddling with children or want to stay together as a pair. The single kayak or packraft suits anyone paddling solo or in their own rhythm. The 90-minute length fits a half-day in Oslo without eating into the rest of your itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Norwegian and Swedish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years): free. Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my four-year-old on the Akerselva rafting trip?

Children from age 4 are welcome. Kids under 10 ride free in a double packraft with a caregiver, so you paddle together as one unit.

What happens to my bag and clothes during the Akerselva paddle?

The operator transports your belongings to the tour endpoint in a vehicle, so you don't carry them on the water. You finish near the Opera House where the van is parked.

Does the guide take photos on the Akerselva tour?

Yes, the guide photographs the trip and shares the photos with you free after it ends. You can also bring a waterproof phone case if you want to take your own.

What is the tunnel section like on the Akerselva River?

The tunnel is 500 meters long and runs beneath the city before opening directly onto the Oslofjord. It marks the transition from the river to open water and the final stretch past the Munch Museum to the Opera House.

How long does the whole Akerselva rafting trip take?

The trip is 90 minutes from start to finish, covering the river through central Oslo neighborhoods, the tunnel, and the paddle across the fjord to the Opera House.