Oslomarka
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, hiking in Oslo is a perfect choice.
Oslomarka or Marka is the name of the wooded and hilly areas that surround Oslo. It constitutes a significant recreational offer to Oslo's population, and Oslo’s politicians have largely enforced the protection of the forested areas.
Oslomarka offers a wide range of trails for hikers of all levels, from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. One of the best things about hiking in Oslo is the accessibility. Many trails are easily accessible by public transportation, meaning you do not need a car to explore the great outdoors.
No matter where you choose to hike in Oslo, it is important to be prepared. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear, as the weather can change quickly. Additionally, bring enough food and water to keep you fuelled for the entire hike. Read more about responsible hiking.
Hiking in Oslo is a fantastic way to experience the city's natural beauty. With so many accessible trails, there is no excuse not to get outside and explore. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and hit the trails to experience the breathtaking beauty surrounding Oslo.
The city forest Oslomarka
With its vast network of forest roads and trails, Oslomarka is a nature Eldorado for Oslo residents and visitors alike. It covers two thirds of Oslo's area and even contains the city's geographical mid centre. You can explore thousands of kilometres of forest roads and paths in these amazing forests.
Oslomarka offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike, cycle, swim, climb, or pick berries and mushrooms. You can also enjoy a picnic at several scenic spots.
In winter, you can ski, ice skate or explore the snowy forest on foot. You can stay overnight in cabins by joining the Norwegian Tourist Association or camp in tents or hammocks for free.
Oslomarka is also the home of so-called “fairy tale” forests. The hallmark of such forests are dense clusters of old-growth forests and rich biological diversity of species where you can find deep silence and peace.
Geographical divisions
Oslomarka is divided into several areas, all of which are reachable with public transport. The most relevant ones are:
- Østmarka, located in the south and east
- Lillomarka, located in the north and east
- Nordmarka, located in the north
- Vestmarka , located in the west
History
Oslomarka has a long and rich cultural history both in terms of cultural monuments and in terms of folklore. The cultural monuments represent traces of travelling, settlements and resource use through thousands of years. The cultural monuments and the folklore are often connected to popular stories about Oslomarka and make important contributions to the exciting experience of the forest.
Wildlife
Oslo has a varied plant and wildlife in its immediate vicinity. Most of the animals that we know in Norwegian nature can be found in the forests around Oslo. Since the animals in the forest are wild, they may be difficult to spot, but if you are patient and venture out either dawn or dusk you may be able to spot animals such as moose, deer, foxes, badgers, and birds such as owls, woodpeckers, and eagles.
Finding your way
Entry portals
You can easily find the entry portals to the forest where the forest roads begin by using a map of Oslomarka. They are usually located near residential areas and are information billboards with maps of your chosen forest area and other useful information.
The entry portals are connected to the city by public transport. You can reach different areas of Oslomarka by subway, bus, tram or train from Oslo city centre. Many of the entry portals also have parking lots nearby.
Forest roads
Oslomarka’s forest roads are a great way to explore the different parts of the forest. Most of them have lights that allow you to enjoy the forest after dark. They are often near suburbs and popular among locals for weekday walks before or after work.
The roads are used for walking, cycling, and skiing in the winter. They are also suitable for people with walking disabilities and for families with baby strollers. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the dirt roads of Oslomarka. To prevent the public from driving into the forest, the entrances to the forest areas are blocked with road barriers.
Forest trails
Forest trails are marked with signs and colours to help hikers follow a given path. In summer, the forest paths are intended for walking and biking and in winter they are for skiing. The trails may be marked in blue and red to indicate their intended use:
- Blue colour: footpaths
- Red colour: ski tracks
There are also many nature trails with information boards about the history of the area throughout Oslomarka.
Planning your hike
There are many good maps and hikes available online that can be useful when planning your hike in Oslomarka, though most are mainly available in Norwegian.
The map at ut.no (in Norwegian) contains a topographic map with cabins, winter and summer trails, landmarks and hike suggestions in Oslomarka and all over Norway. The Norwegian Tourist Association also has hiking suggestions in Oslomarka at dntoslo.no (in Norwegian).
Cabins
Throughout Oslomarka, along the network of forest roads, you can find picturesque sports cabins. These sports cabins are open for the public and serve refreshments and homemade pastries. These serviced cabins make for a great destination for a day hike.
Suggestions for cabins you can visit:
- Ullevålseter in Nordmarka
- Kobberhaughytta in Nordmarka
- Rustadsaga in Østmarka
- Trollvannstua in Lillomarka
The Norwegian Tourist association (DNT)
Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) is Norway’s largest outdoor activities organisation. DNT’s local associations operate many staffed lodges and rent out unattended cabins in Oslomarka.
As a member of DNT, you can get access to affordable accommodation and you can take part in a number of organised hikes, excursions, courses and outdoor activities.
DNT also has shops where you can purchase maps and other outdoor equipment. The most central is located in Storgata 3 in the centre of Oslo.
Unserviced cabins
There are 27 simple unserviced cabins in Oslomarka, which are run by the DNT's local association in Oslo ("DNT Oslo og omegn"). These cabins are basic cabins and are a great way to experience the feeling of an authentic Norwegian "hytte".
Remember that the unserviced cabins are rustic and you must bring your own food and drink. The cabins do not have electricity or other modern facilities. The toilets are located in primitive small cabins for this purpose only. Water for usage is obtained from a nearby well or stream.
It is of the utmost importance that you clean the cabin and prepare it for other visitors when you leave.
If you want to stay in one of these cabins, you must be a member of DNT and rent a universal DNT Cabin Key.