Hoffselva - hike along the river in Oslo
- Admin
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Hoffselva receives its water flow from the areas around Holmenkollen, Voksenkollen and Vettakollen. The waterway flows through Holmendammen, Smestaddammen and Hoffsdammen and ends up in Bestumkilen by Skøyen. In these ponds there is rich bird life, especially ducks and swans. In the river there is a tribe of sea trout. From Smestad to Skøyen you can walk along the river almost all the way. On this stretch, it has two waterfalls.
The hike starts at Smestad subway station. From the station, go down Hoffsveien. After a few hundred meters you will find Smestaddammen on the right. Turn right here and follow the Turveien and the path that goes around the dam.
When you have come around the dam and have walked a little back towards Smestad over the bridge for the outlet from Smestaddammen, you turn right onto a path that runs along the left bank of Hoffselva as seen from Smestaddammen. From here there is a walking path/path all the way down to Skøyen. Most of the route goes through deciduous forest.
After a couple of hundred meters you come to a new partially overgrown pond called Hoffsdammen. This is an artificially constructed concrete dam that was first used as a mill and farm pond for Hoff gård, but which was later developed to supply the Skøyen area with water in the summer and produce ice in the winter to cool food for the citizens of west Oslo. This is actually where Hoffselva begins.
After approx. 1.5 km from Smestad you come to a bridge over the river. It is possible to continue down along the river on the other side, but then you walk in densely built-up areas. Therefore, continue straight ahead and you will have better contact with the river.
After a further few hundred metres, you come to a waterfall called Dronningfossen where Makrellbekken flows into Hoffselva.
When you have walked approx. 2 km from Smestad subway station, you come to a new waterfall - Hoffsfossen - which is crossed by a wooden bridge. Here you cross the river and continue down on the hiking path/path along the other side of the river.
In short stretches, the Hoffselva is culverted. This applies in particular at Skøyen and under the E18 motorway and the train line. In many places along the river, benches have been set up.
The route is well marked with signs. When you come down to Skøyen and meet the tram line, you have to go right a short distance up to the nearest tram station to be able to cross the tram line. Go back along the tram line until you get down to the river and continue walking along the river. At Skøyen, you have to walk a short distance on the pavement along a busy road to get to Bestumkilen on the other side of the motorway.
The Hoffselva flows into Bestumkilen at the boat harbor and the car park for motorhomes. There is also a small shop/kiosk and benches where you can relax.
More excursions: www.turideer.com
This week's excursion: Hike along the river - Hoffselva from Smestad to Bestumkilen.
Duration: Distance approx. 4 km - time consumption approx. 1 - 1 1/2 hours.
Suitable for: Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
Getting there: Take the subway or bus to Smestad subway station. Go down Hoffsveien until you reach Smestaddammen. The route starts there. Follow the river down to Skøyen and Bestumkilen. You can either choose to go the same way back to Smestad, or take a bus or train from Skøyen.