Opera House – Vulkan

The Oslo fjord and the Aker river offer many acoustic resources, both naturally created, such as waves and rapids, and sounds from human activity on or near the water. The fjord and the city lakes are often surrounded by natural areas and are slightly beside and below the main traffic routes, which has a positive effect on the urban sound experience. You start your walk just behind the Opera House at the artificial island of Sukkerbiten, from where you dive into the crowded inner city from an open acoustic environment shaped by the fjord. On your walk you will also cross some of the busier and denser areas of Oslo at Jernbanetorget, Youngs­torget and Vulkan. At these areas you can explore how sound spreads and accu­mulates along large buildings and street canyons. The difference between the 20th century city structure and today’s Oslo is becoming clearly audible. The tour ends at the Aker river, where old trees and industrial workshop buildings provide good conditions to experience Oslo’s acoustic qualities.

Start: Sukkerbiten behind the Opera House
End: Vulkan market hall at Aker river