🌙🚶♀️🌲 Oslo after 6 p.m.: short hikes without a car
🎯 Who is it for and what is the goal
Nomads, families and expats who want to get out of the office and enjoy the views, water and forest — without a car and without rushing through traffic jams. Below are three 60–90-minute ‘loops’ with convenient starts from the metro/tram/bus, evening life hacks for lighting and layers, and a ‘plan B’ in case of rain.
🏞️ Where to walk after work (overview)
⛰️ Vettakollen / Gråfsenkollen — short climbs with panoramic views
- Vettakollen. A classic with views of the city and the fjord. The start is just a few minutes from the Vettakollen T-bane station; the route is short and accessible even after a busy day.
- Route map: start/finish — Vettakollen (T-bane); type — round trip with loops; time — ~60–75 min; shelters — canopies at the station/residential buildings.
- Grefsenkollen. A gentle climb through the forest to the observation deck. A convenient starting point is the Storo hub (tram/metro) with a transfer to the bus to Akebakkeskogen, then a 30–40 minute walk along a marked trail; there are also shorter/longer options.
- Route map: start — Akebakkeskogen (bus); finish — back to the bus stop; time — ~75–90 minutes; shelter — shelters at bus stops.
🌊 Sognsvann / Ulstrudvan — flat lake loops
- Sognsvann. A circle along the embankment around the lake, well-trodden and fast, suitable for different levels of fitness (reference point — about 3–3.5 km). Start at the final stop Sognsvann.
- Route map: start/finish — Sognsvann (T-bane); type — loop; time — ~50–60 min; shelters — pavilions/station.
- Ulsrudvann. A peaceful loop by the water towards Østmarka; 10–15 minutes on foot from Ulsrud (T-bane). There is a marked swimming area nearby, which is convenient as a ‘quiet spot’ and landmark.
- Route map: start/finish — Ulsrud; type — loop; time — ~45–60 min; shelter — shelters by the beach/station.
🏖️ Bygdøy — coastal ‘promenade loop’
- An easy evening walk along the Kyststien coastal path with beaches and views. Easy to get to: bus 30 runs all year round, and in summer there is also a ferry from the city centre; in the evening, the bus is more convenient.
- Route map: start — stops along line 30 (Bygdøynes/Huk); type — round trip/short loop; time — ~60–75 min; shelters — museum shelters/stops.
🚋 How to get there without a car
- Plan your trip with the Ruter app: it will show you the nearest stops, travel times and barrier-free transfers. (Lines/timetables are subject to change — check before you leave.)
- Examples of how to get there:
- — Vettakollen: Take the T-bane to Vettakollen; a short climb to the view.
- — Grefsenkollen: Storo hub → bus to Akebakkeskogen → walk to the top.
- — Sognsvann: T-bane to Sognsvann; walk around the lake.
- — Ulsrudvann: T-bane to Ulsrud; 10–15 min walk.
- — Bygdøy: bus 30 (all year round); in summer, there is also a ferry.
If heavy traffic (runners/strollers) is expected on the trail at Sognsvann, choose alternatives in the forest — local media regularly suggest less crowded options at the same times.
🔦 Evening safety and lighting
- Reflectors on your jacket/backpack (look for the CE EN17353 label) and a small headlamp for dark areas and orientation.
- The ‘loop’ rule. Finish near transport: start and finish at the same station/stop.
- Communication. A charged phone, an offline map of the area and a note saying ‘where I'm going’ for family/friends.
🧥 Weather layers ‘office → trail’
- Base layer: thin merino wool/synthetic fabric to keep you warm after work.
- Insulation: light fleece in your backpack.
- Outer layer: wind/rainproof membrane.
- Footwear: waterproof trainers/trail shoes; dry socks are a must.
- Gloves/hat depending on the season; reflectors — all year round.
☔ Plan B for rain
- Short covered sections: choose loops with ‘arches’ (city embankments, museum canopies at Bygdøy).
- Libraries at the finish line: many Deichman branches are open in meråpent mode (self-service via the Oslonøkkelen app), which is convenient for waiting out a downpour and taking notes.
✅ Quick checklist ‘office → trail in 5 minutes’
- Fleece + membrane in your backpack
- Headlamp + reflectors (CE EN17353)
- Dry socks, light gloves/hat
- Thermos/bottle, energy bar
- Offline map + saved route in Ruter
❓ FAQ
Vettakollen (metro line 1) offers a 60–75 min climb with fjord views. Grefsenkollen starts from Akebakkeskogen bus stop (~75–90 min). For easy loops, Sognsvann (3–3.5 km) and Ulsrudvann (~45–60 min) are perfect. Bygdøy’s coastal path is another calm 60–75 min evening option.
Use the Ruter app to plan. Examples: metro to Vettakollen or Sognsvann; tram/metro to Storo + bus to Akebakkeskogen (Grefsenkollen); metro to Ulsrud (10–15 min walk); bus 30 year-round to Bygdøy. Choose routes that start and end at the same stop (“loop rule”).
Layers: merino or synthetic base, light fleece in your backpack, membrane shell against wind/rain. Waterproof trail shoes and dry socks are must-haves. Add gloves/hat, reflectors (CE EN17353), a headlamp, water/thermos, snack, and an offline map.
Finish where you started — near public transport. Wear reflectors and carry a headlamp for dark sections. Keep your phone charged, save an offline map, and let someone know your route. If rain is heavy, use “Plan B”: covered routes (Bygdøy museums) or nearby Deichman libraries (meråpent self-service).
