At Happypaddle we offer guided paddle tours through the heart of Oslo, but not in the way most people expect.
Instead of crowded streets and sightseeing buses, we take you down the Akerselva river in stable, beginner friendly packrafts. Along the way, you will experience a completely different side of the city. One moment you are surrounded by nature, the next you are floating past Grünerløkka, under bridges, through hidden tunnels, and all the way towards the Oslofjord.
The idea for Happypaddle actually started quite simply. I used to paddle to work down by the Opera House, and every time I was on the water I kept thinking the same thing: “More people need to experience Oslo like this.” Seeing the city from the river completely changes your perspective. It feels calm, adventurous, and surprisingly close to nature, even though you are right in the middle of the capital.
What started as a personal hobby slowly turned into a small local company focused on creating fun, social, and memorable experiences for both tourists and locals. We have been running guided paddle tours since 2021, and over the years we have had the pleasure of introducing both Oslo locals and visitors from around the world to the river.
We are also proud to operate as a fully green business. Instead of using cars or vans, we transport all of our equipment through the city using wagons and public transportation. It might not be the fastest way to do things, but we believe it is the right way. For us, being close to nature also means trying to take care of it.
We are a small team based in Oslo, and we genuinely love showing people the city from this unique perspective. Some guests join us for adventure, some for relaxation, and some simply because paddling through the middle of a capital city sounded too strange not to try.
No previous experience is needed. We provide all the equipment, a short safety introduction, and plenty of local tips along the way. Our tours are designed to be accessible for most people, whether you come alone, with friends, family, colleagues, or as part of a larger group.
Expect laughter, a little bit of splashing, and probably a few moments where you forget you are still in the middle of Oslo.
And yes… you will most likely get a tiny bit wet. That is part of the charm.
