Nordmarka is the vast forest area to the north of Oslo, covering hundreds of square kilometres of hills, lakes, rivers and dense woodland. Motorised traffic is normally forbidden, except for electric bikes, so the forest is remarkably quiet and wild for being this close to a capital city.
Nordmarka has a dense network of marked trails, making it the most popular hiking and skiing area for Oslo residents. Popular destinations include Kopperhaugen, Kikut, Mellomkollen and Bjørnsjøen. Some of these can be reached in a few hours from the nearest metro station; reaching the northern end around Roa takes several days. For overnight stays, there are serviced cabins like Kopperhaughytta and Kikutstua where you can book a room and get food, as well as many unserviced DNT cabins scattered through the forest. Book ahead for weekends, especially the serviced cabins.
In winter, Nordmarka is crisscrossed by groomed cross-country ski trails. The trail from Sognsvann to Ullevålseter can get very busy on Sunday mornings. In summer, the same trails become hiking and cycling paths. Access points reachable by public transport include Sognsvann (metro line 5), Frognerseteren (metro line 1), and Skansebakken and Skar by bus.
Nordmarka has a dense network of marked trails, making it the most popular hiking and skiing area for Oslo residents. Popular destinations include Kopperhaugen, Kikut, Mellomkollen and Bjørnsjøen. Some of these can be reached in a few hours from the nearest metro station; reaching the northern end around Roa takes several days. For overnight stays, there are serviced cabins like Kopperhaughytta and Kikutstua where you can book a room and get food, as well as many unserviced DNT cabins scattered through the forest. Book ahead for weekends, especially the serviced cabins.
In winter, Nordmarka is crisscrossed by groomed cross-country ski trails. The trail from Sognsvann to Ullevålseter can get very busy on Sunday mornings. In summer, the same trails become hiking and cycling paths. Access points reachable by public transport include Sognsvann (metro line 5), Frognerseteren (metro line 1), and Skansebakken and Skar by bus.