Oslomarka covers two thirds of Oslo’s area. This gives the landscape a special place alongside cultural experiences and the Oslofjord: forests, trails and outdoor activities are among the destination’s many different facets.
Forest trails for a variety of activities
Oslomarka offers hiking trails for all ability levels, from easy walks to more challenging climbs. The options range from a leisurely circular walk to a route with greater elevation gain. The forest trails are used for walking and cycling, with cross-country skiing added in winter. So which option appeals to you may also depend on the season.
A combined walking and cycling path provides a specific route through the landscape, connecting central Oslo with Fiskevollbukta and Hvervenbukta. This means the trails in Oslomarka and a named connection between the city centre and these two places offer different options. If you prefer forest paths, Kongeskogen has forest trails and hiking paths. The paths there offer another option for hiking; seasonal conditions on the trails can vary.
Fjord islands, beaches and activities by the water
The islands in the inner Oslofjord offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking, visiting cafés, swimming and beach activities. Some facilities are seasonal. Ferries run from Rådhusbrygga near Aker Brygge to several islands; routes and timetables vary by season. Check connections and times before travelling.
Langøyene is a popular recreation and swimming area with several beaches, picnic areas and sports grounds. At Huk, you’ll find a sandy beach with a beach volleyball court and a beach restaurant; the restaurant’s opening may vary by season. The islands and beaches offer different reasons to spend time outdoors, from picnicking to swimming.
Museums, history and outdoor art
On Bygdøy, the museums present Norwegian history from the Viking Age to the present day. The Kon-Tiki Museum displays the original balsa raft from the Kon-Tiki expedition. The exhibitions about Kon-Tiki and Ra are specially designed for children; exhibition programmes and opening details may change. An open-air museum shows how people in Norway lived from 1500 to the present day.
History can also be found in various forms beyond the museums: Hovedøya is home to the ruins of a monastery founded in 1147. Ekebergparken is a public sculpture and cultural park; check the current access conditions before visiting. Historic ruins, exhibitions and art in the park thus offer different cultural points of interest.
A practical look at Bygdøy and Holmenkollen
You can compare two connections for travelling to Bygdøy. The Bygdøy ferry runs year-round from central Oslo across the fjord and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Bus route 30 also runs year-round, takes 15 minutes from the city centre and stops at all the museums on the peninsula. The journey times are similar; the bus route is notable for its stops at the museums, while the ferry’s stated feature is the trip across the fjord. Before travelling, check the ferry frequency and operating hours, as well as the bus route 30 timetable with Ruter.
The Holmenkollen National Ski Arena offers a different perspective, introducing visitors to various aspects of Norwegian ski culture and providing views from the ski jump tower. The Holmenkollen area is connected to Nordmarka. Tryvann and Frognerseteren serve as starting points for hikes and excursions in both summer and winter. Together with the hiking trails in Oslomarka and the winter trails for cross-country skiing, these options encompass seasonal activities as well as culture and landscape.
Discover more destinations: Oslo, Sor-Trondelag, Østfold, Nordland, Vest-Agder, Lofoten, Troms, Sogn Og Fjordane.
Back to the main travel overview: Norway.
