Akerselva Kayak and Packraft Tour | River CleanUP Oslo
The Akerselva kayak and packraft tour is one of Oslo’s most unique outdoor experiences. Through Fjord CleanUP, it is also an opportunity to help clean Oslo’s river, protect the Oslofjord and make a real environmental difference while exploring the city from the water. We run over 10 Akerselva clean up events every year, both in the winter and summer where we use kayaks, packrafts, freediving and walking as a means of cleaning. To join one of these Akerselva clean up tours, you need to sign up as a Fjord CleanUP member but you can join Mad Goats for an Akerselva Packraft and Kayak Tour at anytime throughout the summer. You can book the Mad Goats Akerselva and Packraft tour here – they provide fun and professional guides, all the equipment and even transport all your belongings to the end of the trip in Bjørvika.
Fjord CleanUP members working together to clean rubbish from Akerselva River
Why Akerselva is one of Oslo’s greatest treasures
Akerselva is the heart of Oslo. Flowing from Maridalsvannet through waterfalls, parks, historic factories and vibrant neighbourhoods before reaching Bjørvika and the Oslofjord, it tells the story of the city itself.
Thousands of people walk beside the river every day, but very few experience it from the water. Paddling through Akerselva gives a completely different perspective, taking you through hidden sections of Oslo before emerging beside the Opera House and the spectacular Oslo waterfront.It is no surprise that the Akerselva kayak and packraft tour has become one of the city’s most memorable adventures. Unfortunately, everything flows downstream The beauty of Akerselva hides a challenge. Plastic bottles, takeaway cups, cans, fishing line, construction waste and other rubbish regularly find their way into the river. Heavy rain washes litter from streets and drains into the water, where it is carried towards the Oslofjord. The final section between Nedre Foss Gård and Bjørvika is especially important because it is the last opportunity to remove rubbish before it enters the fjord. Every piece of rubbish removed here helps protect marine life and keeps Oslo cleaner.
Fjord Cleanup member cleans a road cone from the Akerselva river in Bjorvika Oslo
How Fjord CleanUP helps
Fjord CleanUP is a volunteer-driven environmental organisation dedicated to protecting Oslo’s waterways. Every year we organise 10+ Akerselva cleanups as part of our popular Sunday CleanUP events. Volunteers clean the river using kayaks, packrafts and land-based teams, removing floating rubbish and litter trapped along the banks before it reaches the Oslofjord. We believe environmental action should be practical, social and fun. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Oslo, you can make a difference. Join the Fjord CleanUP a become a member
Fjord CleanUP works together with Mad Goats, the company that pioneered the famous Akerselva kayak and packraft tour over ten years ago. The journey starts at Nedre Foss Gård and finishes in Bjørvika, taking paddlers through one of Europe’s most unique urban waterways. Instead of simply enjoying the experience, we encourage participants to help improve the river by collecting rubbish during the trip whenever possible. Adventure and conservation can work together. Book the Mad Goats Akerselva Kayak & Packraft Tour. Special offer – “GoatLife15” (get a 15% discount on Mad Goats famous tour).
To encourage more people to protect the river, Mad Goats offers 2 free places on the Akerselva kayak and packraft tour through our initiative. Use the code: AkerselvaCleanUP. Bring gloves, bring a rubbish bag and help leave Akerselva cleaner than you found it. The tours operate from April to October. Book here.
Safety briefing before Akerselva Kayak and Packraft tour
Kayak 4 Trash by Fjord CleanUP
One of our most popular initiatives is Kayak 4 Trash. After becoming a Fjord CleanUP member, you can borrow kayaks from the Mad Goats Bjørvika location free of charge, provided you collect rubbish during your paddle. Instead of simply enjoying Oslo’s waterways, you actively improve them. You can paddle around Bjørvika, the inner Oslofjord or towards the Akerselva canal and river while removing floating rubbish before it reaches the sea. It is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to help the environment.
Learn more about our Kayak 4 Trash initiative.
Two Fjord CleanUP members cleaning the canals in the new Bispevika apartments in Bjørvika.
Corporate, school and organisation cleanups
Fjord CleanUP and Mad Goats also organise cleanup experiences for:
- Companies
- Schools
- Universities
- Community organisations
- International visitors
Activities include:
- Akerselva river cleanups
- Oslofjord kayak cleanups
- Beach cleanups
- Land-based litter collection
- Sustainability and CSR events
These experiences combine teamwork, outdoor adventure and environmental action while making a visible difference for Oslo. Corporate CleanUP Events
Akersleva River CleanUP event with Fjord CleanUP and Rusken
Why your help matters
The Oslofjord belongs to everyone. Every bottle removed from Akerselva is one less bottle entering the fjord. Every volunteer inspires another. Every kayak trip can become environmental action. Akerselva has shaped Oslo for centuries. Now it is our turn to protect it.
Learn more
Visit the official Fjord CleanUP website:
https://www.fjordcleanup.no/
Read about Fjord CleanUP on Visit Oslo:
https://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?name=Fjord-CleanUP&tlp=6704413
Read about Fjord CleanUP on Visit Norway:
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings//fjord-clean-up/503999
Every bit of trash counts!
Frequently Asked Questions Akerselva River CleanUP
Can you kayak on Akerselva?
Yes. The Akerselva kayak and packraft tour is one of Oslo’s most unique outdoor experiences and runs during the season with professional guides. Mad Goats is the main provider of the Akerselva Kayak and Packraft tour.
Where does the Akerselva kayak and packraft tour start?
The tour starts at Nedre Foss Gård and finishes in Bjørvika by the Oslofjord.
How can I help clean Akerselva?
Join Fjord CleanUP, attend a Sunday CleanUP, become a member or participate in Kayak 4 Trash.
What is Kayak 4 Trash?
Kayak 4 Trash allows Fjord CleanUP members to borrow kayaks from Mad Goats while collecting rubbish during their trip.
Can companies arrange a cleanup?
Yes. Fjord CleanUP and Mad Goats organise corporate, school and community cleanup events throughout Oslo.
Help keep Akerselva beautiful
Whether you join a cleanup, become a member, take part in Kayak 4 Trash or experience the famous Akerselva kayak and packraft tour, you are helping protect one of Oslo’s greatest natural treasures.
Together we can keep Akerselva cleaner, healthier and more beautiful for future generations.
Cleaning the Akerselva Canal before it flows into Oslofjord in Bjorvika
