Upper Akerselva: from Kjelsås down through the old mill valley to Nydalen: a walk in Oslo

The existing Akerselva route starts at Nydalen; this walk covers the quieter top of Oslo's 9.8 km city river, which drops 149 m in 20 falls from Maridalsvannet to the fjord. Nydalen was once called Fallandalen, 'the valley of waterfalls', and from 1845 the falls powered Nydalens Compagnie's textile mill and, from 1853, Christiania Spigerverk's nail works. Start at Kjelsås station, end at Nydalen T-bane.

Best time: Late morning; pair it with the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology at the start, or continue on the existing Nydalen - Vaterland river route

The route, stop by stop

1
Kjelsås station
Start here. The upper end of the river is just north.
2
Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
Next to the station; a long stop if you have children. Hours and prices not verified in this session.
Norway's national museum of technology, founded 1914, in a 1986 building on the Akerselva at Kjelsås. It holds Norway's first steam engine (1820), first car (1895) and first…
3
Frysja
The dammed pool on the river at Kjelsås, just below the river's start at Maridalsvannet.
4
Brekkedammen
A weir on the river with an information board. From here follow the river path south.
5
Nydalsdammen
The dam pool in Nydalen, by the old industrial buildings that now hold offices and housing.
A small cove on Akerselva at the top of Nydalen with a grassy slope and a diving board, where Oslo people cool off after a run or walk along the river (Mer av Oslo). Spotted by…
6
Nydalen T-bane
End, or continue down the river on the existing route to Vaterland (about 5 km more).

Walking directions

Upper Akerselva: from Kjelsås down through the old mill valley to Nydalen

The route, stop by stop

More walks in Oslo