Kayaking in Oslo – Why is everyone talking about it!?

Everything you need to know about kayaking in Oslo!

Kayaking in Oslo is an exhilarating and fun way to explore the city’s beautiful waterways. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy the thrill of paddling through the city and on the Oslo Fjord.

First, here are some keywords for internationals so you can understand the Norwegian kayaking terminology;

1. Kajakktur; kayak tour

2.  Våttkort kajakkurs; Norways nationall recognised kayaking licence

3 Kajakkutleie; kayak rental (you need your våttkort to rent a kayak in Oslo

What is the history of Norges Padleforbunds Våttkort?

The “våttkort” or “wet card” is a certification offered by the Norwegian Canoe Association (Norges Padleforbund) that demonstrates that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to safely kayak in Norway. The våttkort is valid for life and is recognized by all kayak rental companies in Norway. Although we do recommend renewing the Våttkortkurs if you have not been paddling for a few years – use it or lose it as they say!

The reason the våttkort came about was that there was a spate of drownings in the early 2000s so the Norwegian Goverment made plea for someone to help stop this – this is how the Norges Padle Forbund was born and the wetcard system created. Since it’s inception there has not been a single drowning by those who have participated in a våttkort course – now that is a positive outcome! So we can say with some certainty that kayaking in Oslo is very safe. Unless you go sit in front of the Colorline ferry that is…so don’t do that please!

For those new to kayaking courses in Norway (kajakkurs i Norge) are a great way to learn the basics and gain confidence on the water. One popular option is the “Våttkort course” offered by the Norwegian Paddling Association (Norges Padleforbund) through qualified kayak instructors – find out more on their webpage – https://www.padling.no/. The våttkort courses cover everything from basic safety and technique to more advanced maneuvers, as you climb higher up the “våttkort stigen”.

How to get my våttkort and get into kayaking in Oslo, and Norway

1. DntOslo

DNT OSLO AKA the Norwegain Tourist Association also offers guided kayak trips, rental services and våttkort courses in central Oslo. They offer lots of organised activities you can join if you want to get out in nature and meet new people. Find them here: https://www.dntoslo.no/

2. Learn2Kayak

Another great option for beginners and people wanting a very slow and safe introduction is “learn2kayak” who are based in Lysaker, Sollerudstranda. They concentrate on the våttkort kajakkurs but also offer the occasional kajakktur – find more about Learn2Kayak here – https://www.learn2.no/learn2kayak

3. Oslo Kayak Tours

Coming in 3rd is Oslo Kayak Tours, a kayak tour company based at Sjølyst Marina on the outskirts of central Oslo. They have a lot of experience guiding tours on Oslofjord. We would recommend Oslo Kayak Tours to families and groups wanting a safe and chill experience. Kayaking is a great way to explore the city’s waterways and see the city from a different perspective. Their kayak tours are suitable for both beginners and children and include all the necessary equipment Find more about Oslo Kayak Tours here – https://www.oslokayaktours.no/

4.  Oslo By Kayak

Oslo By Kayak offers våttkort courses and tours. A relatively new company but one that has a unique touch, connecting people with mindfulness and yoga. More about them here: oslobykajakk

5. Oslo kajakklubb

Oslo Kajakklubb is probaly Oslos largest kajakklubb. They are located on the westside of Oslo, which is known to be the most wealthy area of the city. They have a strong emphasis on competition flat water paddling, with a gym facility and pretty fancy kayak base. They do, however have a lot kayaks, run a lot of våttkort kajakkurs and do also offer kajakk utleie – find more about Oslo Kajakklubb here – https://www.okk.org/

6. Akerselva Padleklubb

If you wanto get into kayaking in Oslo and need kayaking buddies then Akerselva Padleklubb is the best choice! Akerselva Padleklubb is the most central kayaking club in Oslo. They are based in Grønland and in Bjørvika. Akerselva Padleklubbs mission is to get city youth into kayaking and to open up access to the fjord and Akersleva River for all people in Oslo. They are an organisation with a big heart and a lot of integrity – check out more about Akersleva Padleklubb here – https://www.akerselvapadleklubb.no/

Are you ready to grab the goat by the horns and try kayaking in Oslo?!

For those looking to take their kayaking skills to the next level, our kayak courses in Oslo are available to help you improve your technique and become more confident on the water.

For those who want to explore on their own, we offer a wide kayaks and equipment for rent (kajakk utleie), as well as guided kayak trips through the city’s waterways and around the Oslo islands.

No matter your skill level or experience, kayaking in Oslo is a great way to have fun, stay active and explore the city. So, grab your the goat by the horns and head out for a kayak tour on Oslo fjord (kajakktur) and explore Oslos beautiful fjord and city waterfront!

Hope you learnt something new and are ready to go kayaking in Oslo! So, as we like to say at Mad Goats as often as possible “CATCH YOU ON THE WATER!”

Check out this fun little short video of an Australian exploring the Oslo fjord by kayak

Book now Our most popular activities

Guided whitewater kayak tours on the Sjoa, Otta and Lågen Rivers

Mad Goats can guide you down the 3 main whitewater rivers in the Sjoa and Heidal area - The Otta, Lågen and Sjoa. These rivers grade in difficulty from 1 to 3 so we can easily find the right fit for you! If you are wanting to be guided down Åsengjuvet or the Åmot sections we can arrange this but you will need to show a high level of competence first on the Sjoa play run section (Sjoa Normal) - catch you on the water!!

Winter Kayak Tour to Huk Strand

Public sea kayak tours for all levels every Saturday from Lysaker. During winter, the sunsets are that much richer in color and the fjord is still and quiet, without the roar of boat traffic - it is an incredibly beautiful time to kayak on Oslo Fjord. Drysuits and all gear provided by us.

16hr Våttkort Basic Course in Sea Kayaking – Overnight – Lysaker

Overnight NPF Våttkort basic course (Grunnkurs i havkajakk) on Oslo Fjord. This is a beginner kayak course that runs over two-days, which includes camping overnight on an island on Inner Oslofjord. We also run the same course without the camping element if this suits you better - check out “basic course 2x days - Lysaker”. Private basic courses (Grunnkurs Havkajakk) on request.

Våttkort Basic Course in River Kayaking – Sjoa, Norway

NPF 2-day basic våttkort course in whitewater kayaking in the famous Sjoa valley. This is a beginner kayaking course so you do not need to have kayaked before to join. This the Norges Padleforbud “Våttkort Grunnkurs i elvepadling / elvekajakk) and you will be awarded you Grunnkurs Elv våttkort after completion. On this course you will have the opportunity to learn the kayak roll (kajakkrulle) with is a must when learning how to river kayak - it is not fun swimming down all the whitewater rapids. We have accommodation (overnatting) options if you need a place to stay overnight in Sjoa.

Self-service Paddle Board Rental – Sukkerbiten, Oslo

Stand-up paddleboard hire / rental (SUP padlebrett utleie) in Sukkerbiten near the Opera House- Enjoy stand up paddling on Oslo Fjord! Our SUP rental is super easy, just book your time slot online, get the code and go pick up your paddle board, life jacket and paddle. Once you are done, put the equipment back, as instructed - enjoy exploring central Oslo, Bjørvika!

Oslo Fjord Kayak Tour – Bygdøy

Summer sea kayaking tour (kajakktur) around the beautiful Bygdøy Peninsula, where we stop at the famous Huk Beach for a swim, toilet break and to stretch our legs. The tour starts and ends at Sollerudstranda in Lysaker. Suitable for beginners. All equipment provided. We can also arrange this paddling tour (padletur) as a private tour (privat tur). Our Oslo kayak tours are a wonderful way to explore Oslofjord (Oslofjorden) while staying active and getting close to nature.

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