Akerselva at night time.
We will start the tour at Kjelsås. This is where Maridalsvannet flows into what becomes Akerselva. To get to Kjelsås you can take the tram (line 11 or 12) from many different stops in the city. Download the apps RuterReise and RuterBillett and you will easily figure out the system of public transport.
Eat, brew, play, repeat at Nydalen bryggeri og spiseri
Walking about 3 km down the river you arrive Nydalen. It is also possible to take the metro directly to here and start your river tour at this point if you are not a big fan of hiking. Just use the Ruter app from earlier.
If you choose to stop in Nydalen, a newly renovated area, you need to go to Nydalen Bryggeri & Spiseri. The place is both a restaurant and a brewery. If you are a group of 8 or more you can book a beer-tasting experience before or after your meal. The place also consists of a second floor with its own drink- and snack bar, where you can play shuffleboard, dart, board games or watch sport on the TV.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: Opens at 11 | Sat-Sun: Opens at 12
Address: Nydalsveien 30A, 0484 Oslo
Can you spot this one while you are wandering down the riverside?
A new way of theatre at Det andre teateret
The next stop is Det andre teateret (meaning the other theatre) which has its focus on improvisation shows. With its intimate and warm atmosphere, it is a great place to spend an evening with friends and laughter and maybe something to drink. The place is popular, so if you want to be sure you get a seat, you’ll be smart to book the show in advance.
Booking: https://detandreteatret.no/
Opening hours: Mon-Tue: Closed | Wed-Sat: Opens at 17 | Sun: Closed
Address: Ivan Bjørndalsgate 9, 0472 Oslo, Norway
A beautiful suspension bridge crossing Akerselva.
Refreshments under the open sky at Månefisken
Done watching the theatre? Walk further down to Månefisken for a coffee or refreshing drink under the sky with lights and candles, right next to the running river. A beautiful place to spend the warmer nights (or days).
Månefisken right next to the river.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10-16 | Sat-Sun: Depends on time of year
Address: Sagveien 23A, 0459 Oslo
The real Norwegian experience at Hønse-Lovisas hus
Right across the river from Månefisken lays Hønse-Lovisas hus. A tiny, tiny red house which is a cafe with very limited opening hours. But if it is open when you pass you should make time to eat a Norwegian waffle at this one-of-a-kind place.
Hønse-Lovisas hus is this small red house. The name means ‘Chicken-Lovisas house’.
Address: Sandakerveien 2, 0473 Oslo
Enjoy a spectacular show at Wallmans Oslo
If you are into more fancy and spectacular shows than improvising theatre you should visit this restaurant and show scene. At Wallmans you can enjoy your meal served by waiters dancing and singing and making a show of the whole evening. But it is expensive and you should book in advance.
Enter Wallmans walking the bridge over Akerselva.
Booking: http://wallmans.no/en/home/
Address: Møllerparken 6, 0459 Oslo
Student housing like you have never seen it before
During the short walk from Wallmans to the next stop, you pass three different colleges. So there is no coincidence that our 6th stop is a student housing. And it is not just any student housing. The building is an old grain silo, that is now transformed into circular apartments housing the students of Oslo. It is not possible for visitors to go inside, but the building is a great watch from the outside, and maybe you are lucky to get a glimpse through a window.
The silo has a different color at the windows for each floor of the building. There are 19 floors in total.
Address: Marselis’ gate 24, 0551 Oslo
The newer Oslo; Vulkan
While watching “Siloene” you are entering a part of Oslo that has really bloomed in the later years; Vulkan. In this area, you can find many different bars and restaurants, small shops and cafés. The two things I will recommend you to do in this area is to visit Mathallen which is an inside food market where you can taste and buy lots of different well-tasting goods. After visiting the food market you should cross the street and take the elevator up to the rooftop of BAR Vulkan (closed during October – April). The rooftop offers a great view over most parts of Oslo, and the place is great both for dinner or just drinks.
The area is full of great architecture.
There is always something happening at Vulkan.
Mathallen.
Address: Vulkan, 0175 Oslo
Get your boogie pants on and go to Blå
Located right next to Vulkan you find Blå. A bar, concert area, dance club and gathering place for all of Oslo’s people. I hang here, and so did my parents when they were younger. Everyone has some memories from this place. And you don’t even have to go inside and party at Blå to have this one on your “must see” list. The street where it is located, is a piece of art it selves. With its graffiti, lights and gigantic outdoor chandelier, it is a place I think most people will enjoy visiting. On Sundays, there is a market outside where you can buy food, books and maybe you will find an old vintage clothing treasure?
Somewhere on that wall is the entering door to Blå.
The outdoor chandelier.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 14 – 2330 | Fri: 14 – 03 | Sat-Sun: 11 – 03
Address: Brenneriveien 9C, 0182 Oslo