A City River Walk

Akerselva in Oslo, Norway, was once considered the divide between east and west, between blue collar and white collar neighbourhoods. But not anymore. As I moved out of the riverside, working class area of Grünerløkka, the young professionals moved in, and the prices rocketed. I don’t find the neighbourhood as charming as I once did, but I still love going for a walk along the river, which runs all the way down from Maridalsvannet to the fjord. This almost 10 km stretch has several access points to the trail that follows the river, but my favourite stroll is from lower to upper Grünerløkka.

Situated by the river are residential buildings and offices, restaurants and bars, bathing spots and playgrounds, some with great views of the small waterfalls that dot the river. With such a long body of water, there need be a few bridges to help you cross over. They come in different shapes and sizes. Some nicer that others. Some more exciting than others. The one I “fear” the most is Aamodt bru – a suspension bridge you can feel sway when you walk over. The sign on the bridge says: A hundred men I can carry, but will fail under rhythmic march. Once I was on there, with the bridge packed with people. My only thought was to get off! I was sure it was coming down 🙂 A horrible feeling! At one point you will also pass a street art area, next to the self-governed cultural centre Husmania, and the concert venue / club / bar Blå. Might be easy to overlook, so be on the look-out, as it is well worth a detour. If you are a Skam fan, you will also recognise Beierbrua.

I usually start where Trondheimsveien crosses the river, and walk upstream. My exit point is where you find the red house of Hønse-Lovisa (fictional/literature character), which today has a cafe, handicraft shop, and insect hotel.

If you want to take a dip in the river, you’ll have to continue for 2.5 km, until you reach Nydalen.

Whichever part of the river area you decide to explore, you have to move east of the main thoroughfare of the city.