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Oslo, Norway
Photo: Orland, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
North Oslo comprises the part of Oslo north of the third ring road and the eastbound railway. This district is home to a couple of fine museums and most importantly the wide forested hills, Nordmarka, with countless lakes, fine paths (summer), ski trails, ski slopes (winter) and excellent panoramas. The big ski jumps, birth place of modern competitive skiing, are impressive constructions and offers fine panoramas. This part of Oslo offers unique recreational areas for both the city of Oslo's own population and for the many visitors. Hiking and cross-country skiing in the forests so close to the busy city has made this capital so rare.
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The ski jump located on the west side of Oslo, which was rebuilt for the World Ski Championships in 2011. It first opened in 1892 and has been re-built many times since then. It had more than 1 million visitors every year, and was one of the biggest tourist attractions in Norway. There is also the oldest ski museum in the world, opened in 1923. Walking and mountain bike riding are popular activities here during the summer.
built with inspiration from the stave churches and benefits from dragestil wood carvings. The chapel used by the Royal Family at Christmas time and Holmenkollen ski festival.
Among Oslos best hidden secrets. Gustav Vigeland's not so well-known younger brother erected the building as a museum for his art in 1926, but later decided it should serve as a mausoleum, with his urn placed above the door. The main attraction in this museum with no windows is the 800 square meters fresco "Vita", (Italian for "life"), showing the human life from conception till death, but other examples of his art are also on display. Included in the Oslo Pass.
A fun and very interactive place for both children and adults. Contrary to information in the common tourist brochures this building.
Marka
Oslo is surrounded by wide and partly dense forests, generally known as Marka, of which Nordmarka is the largest and most accessible section (in addition to Nordmarka there similar areas east, south and west of the city). There are lots of roads and trails criss-crossing these wide forests, but no cars, only skiers, hikers and bicycles. So it is essentially the largest park in town. There are countless lakes, many rivers and small waterfalls too. Small summits that rise above the city offers excellent panoramas. Entry points everywhere, usually 10-15 min from the centre. Access by bus, metro, tram, car or bicycle. There is a fine network of high quality foot paths (roads) suitable even for wheelchairs and baby strollers, as well as many "nature trails" for hikers and skiers only. Roads closest to the city have street lights. In winter used for cross-country skiing, also a small ski resort (alpine skiing). The Moose (elg), mainland Norway's largest animal, roam the forest and occasionally strolls into town. Note: the Oslo forest is drinking water supply for 1 million people. Restrictions on camping, barbecue and swimming.
Sognsvann lake is one of the most popular places in Marka (Oslo forest), nice meadows and easy path around lake, paths continue through the forest - metro line 5 to Sognsvann station. Surprisingly this lake is the geographical mid point of Oslo.
Norway's longest tower
A 265 meter long circular walkway leads to the top of the tower, designed in such a way for universal accessibility. Great views of the Oslo Fjord in the distance and the Groruddalen valley in low bird's eye view.
For fresh water swimming, Akerselva is considered clean north of Nydalen. The best spot may be at Frysja (bus 22-25-54 to Stillatorget). Don't forget that many of the lakes in "Oslomarka" are for swimming and recreation (Sognsvann lake for instance). Note that some major lakes (Maridalsvannet in particular) are drinking water for the city, restrictions on swimming and camping. Buy a map and bring your swimming gear!
see above
The area around Holmenkollen (T-bane 1) is well suited for cross-country skiing, but also a nice area for hiking during summertime. While you are there, you can also visit the ski-museum which is located close to the ski-jump. For additional fun, buy a cheap sledge or "akebrett", or rent a proper one from Frognerseteren, and sleigh down from Frognerseteren to Midtstuen station. This was actually the venue of the sleighing competitions in the 1952 Winter Olympics, and the hill is referred to as "Korketrekkeren" (the corkscrew). If you buy a day-card for the subway, you can race all day long, but make sure you are well dressed, as you are going to get wet. The Holmenkollen ski festival, a competition in different types of Nordic skiing takes place here each March since 1892 (only interrupted by WWII).
Climbing in outdoor trees, zips and on a climbing wall.
Perfect for adults and teenagers who want to challenge themselves with expert guidance.
The capital's greatest ski resort for alpine skiing. Ski school and ski equipment rental. Dinig. After ski Fridays. Oslo Vinterpark offers multiple lifts and slopes stretching from the Tryvann Tower, at the top and all the way down to Sørkedalen, where the 1300m Wyllerløypa ends. See weather forecast.
climbing park
To adults and children: challenge yourself, swing through the trees, fun zip lines, balancing along a section of posts. The Climbing Park is designed and constructed so that trees can grow to their natural shape and size. Routes and paths are placed naturally using the latest technology and an independent arborist that puts safety first. Knowledgeable training.
Shop for furniture and eat cheaply!
Chain restaurant
Serves nice food for a fair price/quality ratio. All kinds of dishes available, you do need to go to the bar to order
-is a dragestil complex consisting of patisserie Seterstua and restaurant Finstua as well as banqueting facilities. Wonderful views over the entire city. The food is based on Norwegian cuisine traditions, but is expensive.
Neighborhood bar with football on both large screen and flat screen. Occasionally jazz concerts. Sushi dining, or as a take away.
Bogstad has cabins and tent space. Close to the campsite there is a mini-mart Kiwi (used by the locals), a petrol station Statoil with heat-up fast food options, and a fast food restaurant Jafs! which does pizzas, kebabs and burgers ("Hamburger meny" take-away, 100g burger & French fries & salad & drink, kr 95).
Haraldsheim Vandrerhjem
The biggest HI hostel in Oslo. Not too far from the action (but it is hard to find), walking distance to the lively neighbourhoods of Torshov and Grünerløkka. Located in a very quiet area of Oslo, this is a place you'd go to sleep, not to party. The breakfast is outstanding for a hostel and is vegan-friendly, although with reduced choice. It is advisable to reconfirm your booking before you come and inform at what time you are going to arrive although the reception is open 24 hours.
Oslo Vandrerhjem Rønningen
Open June 1 - August 19. 7.5 km from the center.
Peacefully located on the edge of the forest Nordmarka.
Økern
A conference hotel with 242 hotel rooms and 17 conference rooms. Panoramic views from the upper floors.
Comfortable hotel and conference facilities. Well-equipped fitness room.
Close to the skiing facilities at Holmenkollen, this is a hotel built in the classical Norwegian dragon style.
Hotel and conference center
The name is taken from a castle in Asbjørnsen and Moe's folk tales. Spectacular views from above the city and close to forest and ski facilities.
Located in a suburb, not very far from the offices and commercial business districts of Helsfyr and Økern.
Historic hotel in the forest, located over the city and close to the Holmenkollen ski facilities and hiking areas. Used for conferences, celebrations, honeymoons and weddings. Traditional Norwegian building style in timber.
One of the largest shopping centers in City of Oslo, located in the northeastern tip.
Shopping center, located centrally in the Grorud district.
Shopping center along the Holmenkollen line.
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Oslo (Gardermoen) · International · OSL
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