🌲 Routes through forests and lakes near Oslo
Beautiful ‘nature a step away from the city’: circles around Sognsvann, walks to Oyungen from Maridalen, the sandy shores of Bogstadsvannet, the lake trails of Østmarka (Noklevann/Ulstrudvann) and the islands of Oslofjord (perfect for a picnic day in summer).
🧭 Lakes and forests near Oslo (distances, coverage, season)
≈3.3 km · flat · asphalt/gravel · 45–60 min. Pushchair/pram friendly.
5–12 km on forest roads and boardwalks; loops to small lakes and viewpoints.
≈7–9 km · 2–3 h · gravel/trail. Lakeside picnic spots, small bridges over streams.
Slightly steeper and quieter; loop options 10–14 km with Maridalen views.
≈8–10 km · 2–3.5 h · forest trails, beaches and rocky outcrops.
Family-friendly link with swimming stops; good boardwalks and picnic tables.
≈6 km · 1.5–2 h · flat; beaches, fields and farms along the way.
Extend into the valley: wide gravel tracks, seasonal farm cafés.
Fort ruins, pine woods and beaches; 3–6 km trails.
Bays, birding spots and picnic lawns; loops 2–8 km.
🧩 Find a walk near Oslo (time/distance/family)
🏞️ Norway's most picturesque lakes — where to go
- Gjende (Jotunheimen): turquoise water between the mountains; gentle walks at Gjendesheim or the classic Besseggen (for experienced hikers).
- Mjøsa: the country's largest lake — the embankments of Lillehammer/Hamar/Gjøvik, boat trips, museums nearby.
- Lovatnet and Oldevatnet (Nærfjord): emerald icy shades, suspension bridges and beaches.
- Bonhusvatnet (Hardanger): a short, intimate trail to a glacial valley; fords and waterfalls along the way.
- Jølstravatnet: clear water, picturesque shores, art galleries in the villages.
- Femunden (Femunnsmark): a spacious lake in a wild park — kayaks, lakeside camps and tranquillity.
🧩 Selection of ‘lake’ trips (region/days/focus)
🌳 Norway's most beautiful forest routes
- Nordmarka (Oslo): hundreds of kilometres of forest roads and trails, seasonal café huts, lakes every 2–3 kilometres.
- Femundsmarka: wild pine taiga, kayaks and campfire sites, long day trips without steep climbs.
- Hallingdals: cosy forest loops along rivers and lakes, accessible from valley towns; a good base for family hikes.
- Trillemarka-Rollafsfjell (nature reserve): old-growth forests, gentle streams and quiet trails (almost without crowds).
- Bymarka (Trondheim): forests and lakes right next to the city — an excellent ‘northern counterpart’ to Nordmarka.
⏱️ Forest circle time calculator (family pace)
🎒 Checklist for a day at the water and in the forest
🛡️ Seasonality and etiquette by the water
- Summer: warm water in shallow bays, swimming at organised beaches, check water quality indicators.
- Autumn/spring: wet roots and rocks — trekking soles are a must.
- Winter: short daylight hours, ice/black ice — studs and a torch; stick to official trails near lakes.
- Fire: campfires only in permitted areas/outside the fire hazard period; a gas burner is safer.
Nature: do not feed birds and foxes, keep dogs on a leash, follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle.
Conclusion: there are dozens of easy circular walks by the water near Oslo (Sognsvann, Øyungen, Nøklavan, Bogstadsvannet) and a great ‘island’ day out on the Oslo Fjord. For a weekend trip in the country, try Gjende, Mjøsa, Lovatnet/Oldevatnet, Bonnhusvatnet, Femunden. If you love the forest, go for Nordmark, Femunnsmark, Hallingdal. Seasonal equipment, an early start and respect for nature turn any walk into a perfect Norwegian ‘day by the water’.
❓FAQ
Yes, the circle around the lake is flat and short; add benches/platforms on the shore and leisurely photo stops.
Yes, in dry weather. Oijungen has soft gravel paths and trails; Noklevann is slightly longer but with a wider choice of ‘shortcuts’.
Choose 1-2 islands (for example, Hovedøya and Langøya), take a blanket and a snack, walk along the 2-6 km circular trails and swim at the equipped beaches in summer.
For a relaxing holiday — Mjøsa (promenades, boat trips); for photo opportunities — Lovatnet/Oldevatnet; for ‘wild’ outings — Femunden.
On weekdays and early in the morning, Nordmark is quiet, but for complete silence and campfire sites, it is better to go to Femunsmark or forest reserves such as Trillemark.
Yes: Bogstadsvannet (sand and gentle shores), Noklevann/Ulstrudvann (swimming spots and decks), Hovedøya (beaches and shade from pine trees).
Yes: the forest trails are packed down, and there are beautiful ‘blue hours’ around the lakes . Take spikes/a torch and plan short loops.
Yes, but on a leash. Watch for signs on the beaches; there are many birds and otters near the water — keep your distance.
In the warm season, use repellent and check your clothes after a walk; on open islands, the wind helps, and in the forest, choose long sleeves.
Yes: the lakes around Oslo are accessible by public transport and ferries to the islands; many trails start at the stops.
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