Norway is a wonderful destination for hiking – with pristine and beautiful nature, ravishing national parks, and a law that allows hikers to stay overnight in a tent almost anywhere, Norway is a perfect spot for hikers from all over Europe. Even if you are visiting the Norwegian capital, there are still ample opportunities for hiking in Oslo, Norway.
While the Norwegian capital is very appealing to travelers because of the cultural, architectural, and historical sites (just look at the attractions at Karl Johans gate), hiking near Oslo is also an activity that attracts more and more adventurers yearly. Deep green forests, beautiful lakes and rivers with crystal clear water, and myriads of hiking trails entice many wanderers, and for a good reason!
So if you’ve been asking, ‘what are the best trails for hiking near Oslo?’, this is the article for you. We’ll lay out some great routes for hiking in Oslo, as well as what you need to bring along for your hiking adventure!
Explore this section of the best hiking tours in Oslo, all perfect for an exciting summer adventure near Norway’s charming capital.
Best View of the Oslofjord Hike (3 hours 30 minutes; from 1,300 NOK per person) Venture into the forest near Oslo from the Frognerseteren station and witness the city’s spectacular cityscape from above, standing on top of Vettakollen Mountain and enjoying the beauty of Oslofjord.
Private Wildlife Forest Hike(5 hours hiking 12 km; 10,372 NOK per group of 4) Hike through the magical Nordmarka forest to Skjennungstoppen and discover the local wildlife! This is a challenging hike for people with experience.
Private Spectacular Holmenkollen Walk (3 hours; from 4350 NOK per group of up to 4) Spend your morning on an easy and exciting hike around the quiet Holmenkollen neighbourhood, best known for the remarkable namesake ski complex, which hosted the Olympic Games and boasts the world’s oldest ski jump.
Day Trip River Hike and Lake Swim (3-4 hours hike; from 6,500 NOK per group of up to 8) Hike through dramatic gorges, climb through waterfalls via ladder, and hike through a river to reach a beautiful mountain lake where you can take a dip!
Private Great Lake Tour (4 hours; from 8,868 NOK per group of up to 4) Immerse yourself in Oslo’s natural beauty on this private hiking tour, featuring a scenic train ride to Snippen, a climb to stunning fjord and Lake Maridalsvannet views, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Prior hiking experience and proper shoes are recommended for this exciting adventure.
Before you rush to explore the best trails for hiking in Oslo, there are a couple of things you should be aware of. Read our tips on hiking near Oslo, Norway, here:
Depending on the nature of your hike in Oslo, the packing list of yours may vary. If you are planning just to go for a lengthy walk in Bygdøy, you might not need a lot of equipment. But a multi-day hiking adventure requires you to have all the necessary equipment.
Here is a list of things we recommend you bring along.
Essential hiking gear:
Camping gear:
Extra clothing list:
Bygdøy and Nordmarka Forest are, indeed, two of the most popular and easily accessible hiking areas in and around Oslo. However, Oslo offers much more than just that, and here we have collected 5 accessible trails around the Norwegian capital.
Bygdøy, an inner peninsula in Oslo, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its set of world-class museums and stunning nature. With beautiful landscapes and pleasing beaches, Bygdøy makes for a perfect for hiking in Oslo, Norway.
There are a couple of hiking trails on the peninsula which offer some captivating vistas over the fjord and nearby islands. You can easily get to Bygdøy from Oslo city centre: just take the bus no. 30. If your looking for something a little more exciting, there is also the popular Bygdøy ferry, which operates in warm seasons. While the ferry is usually very full, it’s an exciting way to get up close and personal with the fjord!
Nordmarka, a forest in and around the city, is a perfect area for hiking near Oslo. This forest is a genuine paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. You might spot beavers, foxes, moose, deer, hares, and eagles. It’s also an accessible spot; you can just take a metro from the city centre of Oslo to Frognerseteren and get there within 30 minutes.
When you reach the metro station, you will find blue and red trails. Red trails are for skiing in winter, the blue trails are the ones you are looking for. The most popular trail among hikers in Nordmarka is the trail to Sørkedalen, which spans about 14 kilometers and takes 6-7 hours to complete. On your way, you will have a chance to make a stop for a delicious lunch at one of the cozy café cabins. The terrain is mostly flat, which makes this trail easy for almost anyone to hike.
Østmarka Forest is another great option for hiking near Oslo. It represents a huge forest of over 250 square kilometers that abounds with pine trees and features a couple of trekking trails that run past vast, calm lakes.
If you want to try hiking here, head to the nearest metro station, get to line 3, and travel to Ulsrud station. From there, you can set out on an 8-kilometer-long hike that starts south of the Mariholtet Sportsstue café. In addition to the perfect opportunity to swim in the lakes, you will get a chance to climb some rocky ridges and see some waterfalls in this area!
The Mellomenkollen is often described as the Alps of Oslo and makes for a great day trip. It will undoubtedly allow you to get some rest from the noisy city vibe and experience an exciting outdoor adventure.
The trail to this mountain spans around 12 kilometers (3-4 hours to complete one way) and runs through Nordmarka, the forest we have already mentioned above. The path will take you past the glittering Øyungen Lake, where you can dare to swim. As soon as you climb the mountain, you will get a fantastic view of the forest and nearby parts of Oslo.
To get here, travel to the Skar bus station: for that, take the bus no. 54 to Godals vei and then change to bus no. 51. Bear in mind that return buses run only once an hour, so be sure to check the bus schedule and plan ahead.
This is just another great opportunity to find an easily accessible hiking trail near Oslo. Take the metro to the Røa station and follow the secluded trail that runs next to the riverbank. On your way, you will have to cross bridges and hike past roaring waterfalls, so you can take this moment to soak up the indescribable Norwegian nature. Even though the hike isn’t that difficult, it can be challenging for beginners.
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