Winter Kayaking Trips on Oslo Fjord

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Last winter Mad Goats decided to bite the bullet and go all horns in with winter kayaking. What this entailed was first, staying open all year round! Then we bought drysuits to keep you warm, happy and safe, then we finally launched our winter kayaking activities: winter kayak rental, winter kayaking courses, and winter kayaking tours – all perfectly combined with a floating sauna experience to warm up afterwards at Mad Goats Sauna Tjuvholmen. 

Discovering the joys of winter kayaking (eventually)

Why did we take so long to get around to this you ask? They have been providing winter kayaking activities in places like Bergen, Stavanger and Trømso for yonks! Well, unfortunately, I had it in my head that kayaking was more enjoyable during the summer, and thus should only be reserved for that time of year… oh boy was I wrong! When I finally decided to open up my goaty mind to the possibility and potential of winter kayaking on Oslo Fjord, it really stuck like a beaver biting into a tree, and there was no goat-ing back! 

The thing is, once you start winter kayaking on Oslo Fjord, you quickly realise that it is an absolutely kick-ass activity, it is ridiculously beautiful and calm out there during the winter. There are no smelly and noisy boats – and consequently, the sounds and the water is so much clearer! The colours and lights are unique to the season, and can quite honestly only be experienced during this time of year. Something about the contrasts in light, the sharp lines, fresh cold air,  and the deep red, orange and purple hues of the sunset, just all add up for a truly special and spectacular experience. Let’s just say that I am very glad that I finally opened up my mind to winter kayaking! 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mad Goats Norway (@madgoats_norway)

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mad Goats Norway (@madgoats_norway)

Bjørvika from Aker Brygge

This is an urban and short trip where you get to see many of Oslo’s famous landmarks from a kayaker’s perspective – the best perspective! Starting from Aker Brygge Marina, you paddle over to Vippa Tangen where you could stop for a quick snack, then around the corner into the Bjørvika bay area. Here you can take your time to paddle past all the coolest sites, from Salt Art Musics Northern Norwegian tents, the Oslo Opera House, Opera House Beach, Sukkerbiten, Oslo Badstuforening, Akerselva River, into the Oslo Bukta bay area (Bispevika) and finally around the famous new residential area of Sørenga. Note: be aware that there can be ice formed on the surface of the water in the more sheltered and shadowy areas. If you are going to attempt pushing through the ice, then we recommend you have a very good kayak roll (eskimo roll), a very good self-rescue, are wearing many layers of warm clothing and are with other paddlers. 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mad Goats Norway (@madgoats_norway)

Around Hovedøya from Aker Brygge

Hovedøya is Oslo’s closest and most famous island, rich in history and covered in unusual plants. It is extremely special to have these types of locations so close to a large capital city like Oslo, so if you live here or are visiting, be sure to take advantage of this! The trip is a short one and you can stop on one of the many beaches dotted around the island – bring a warm thermos flask of tea or coffee to warm yourself up with!  

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mad Goats Norway (@madgoats_norway)

Kavringen Light House + urban exploring around Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen

Yes, a lengthy title and for good reason – there are many nooks and crannies to be explored! Urban kayaking is really a delightful experience. You get to see things that 99.9% will never get to witness by entering a magical subterranean-like world underneath the central Oslo promenade. Surprisingly, there is a lot more marine life than you might first think inhabiting the inner-city Oslo Fjord waterfront, from starfish, crabs, seagulls, seaweed and fish! Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you so you don’t mistakenly come out beside the ferry docking platforms, and have fun on your urban kayaking adventure! 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mad Goats Norway (@madgoats_norway)

Ulvøya, Malmøya and around the Bydøy Peninsula

Longer trips can be totally epic and we definitely recommend them. We do however advise you to not be an absolute beginner, that your kayak group consists of at least two people with intermediate experience – for instance, has completed the Grunnkurs Hav Våttkortkurs and has a reasonable fitness level. Remember, there is limited light so bring a head torch and plan to be back well before you need to use it! Have fun but be safe goats! 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mad Goats Norway (@madgoats_norway)

Requirements to rent a kayak during winter and explore Oslo Fjord

To rent a kayak from us during winter (October – April) you must have your våttkort and go with at least one other person – this is all to keep you safe! You can sign up for a våttkort course from us at any time throughout the year. Our main kayak base is in Bjørvika and this is where we do our winter activities from. We provide all winter kit including drysuit, hood, mittens etc. From May to September we also have paddling bases in Lysaker, Sukkerbiten, Lysaker, and Sjoa. We offer kayaking and SUP courses, tours, and rentals both on the sea and the river. We love having a good time out on the water and we want people to have access to the joys of paddling as much as possible.

Thanks for reading! Don’t hesitate to get in touch regarding all things kayaking and stand up paddleboarding in Oslo and Norway! Maaeeeeeeeeehhh!!!! 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mad Goats Norway (@madgoats_norway)

Book now Our most popular activities

Guided whitewater kayak and packraft tours in Sjoa, Norway

Mad Goats run guided kayak and packraft tours on the Lagen River, which is graded from 1-2. This means it is a beginner friendly whitewater paddling tour. We recommend you have attended the 6hr våttkort introkurs with us before joining this tour, but if not that is ok and we will make sure to put you in a packraft, which is much more stable than a river kayak. Hope you are fired up for an incredibly beautiful and exciting adventure on one of Norways most pristine rivers!

Self-service Kayak Rental – Lysaker, Oslo

Self-service kayak rental (kajakk utleie) from Lysaker, Oslo. Book online, get a code and pick up a kayak and all equipment - it is that easy! Remember that at least one person in the group needs their våttkort. You can get your våttkort with us on our 3hr introduction to kayaking course (kajakk kurs) held in central Oslo.

Private 3hr våttkort Introduction Course (introkurs) to Sea Kayaking – Lysaker

3-hr private NPF Våttkort ”Introkurs i havkajakk” from Lysaker, Oslo. Join us on the water with our fun and experienced instructors and learn the basic sea kayaking skills. Bring your work colleagues on an experience they will love and find very rewarding! Once you get your våttkort you can rent kayaks from us from our locations along the Oslo waterfront. If you are looking for a longer course then we recommend you join our 2-day basic course (Grunnkurs i Havkajakk). Ideal activity for team building in Oslo.

Prepaid Gift Cards

Looking for the perfect gift for adventure seekers? Look no further than our value gift cards, which can be used towards unforgettable sauna and kayaking experiences. With gift card values ranging from 300 to 5000 nok, you can give the gift of adventure without breaking the bank.

Akerselva River Tour for Private Groups

A true Mad Goat urban paddling adventure in central Oslo. No previous experience required and all equipment provided. This tour is perfect for bachelor parties (Utdrikningslag), team building (teambygging aktiviteter) and kick off events! There is nothing like a day out on the water with Mad Goats to get your friends or colleagues fired up about life! Hands down the best kayaking experience (kajakk opplevelser) in Oslo! Gift cards are available.

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

* indicates required