Nordmarka Forest and Holmenkollen

The vast areas of untouched nature that surround Oslo are only 20 minutes from the city center. They represent a source of recreation that the city’s inhabitants use a lot, but also increasingly by visitors, both in summer and winter. Can any other capital cities offer skiing, kayaking, skating, and island hopping – all within the city limits?

Some good starting points for outdoor experiences in the wilderness include Holmenkollen, Frognerseteren, Sørkedalen, and Sognsvann. You can easily reach these places with public transportation, and once you get there, you have many possible activities in front of you!

The Association for the Promotion of Skiing, The Norwegian Trekking Association Oslo, and The Agency of Outdoor recreation and Nature management have many cabins in the forests in northern Oslo that are open throughout the year (check the opening hours before you go). Some are unserviced cabins that one can use if one has the key, while others serve lovely home-baked snacks for hungry hikers and skiers. Some also offer accommodation with meals included.

Even though many of the trails in the forests are marked, it is a good idea to bring a map of the area. The Tourist Information has a free simple map of the area, while the best maps can be bought at The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) or at bookstores in Oslo.

Below are some of the activities found in the forests around Oslo. On the right are some useful links to attractions, eateries, and scheduled events.

Attractions:
Holmenkollen Skimuseum and Tower

Food / Cabins:
Frognerseteren
Skiforeningen: cabins
Oslo Municipality: cabins
Norwegian Trekking Assos.: cabins

Annual events:
Holmenkollen FIS World Cup Nordic
Children's Holmenkollen Ski Event

Various:
The Norwegian Trekking Assos.
Fishing authorities (for permits)
Interactive map of the forest
Route suggestions summer (pdf)
Route suggestions winter (pdf)