The great outdoors beckons from all sides when you're in Oslo: from the waterside, the Oslo Fjord is filled with shady islands perfect for island hopping while, from the inland side, the city borders on the Oslomarka. This wooded area 1,700 square kilometres in size – with many kilometres of marked trails through cool valleys, across green hills and past red houses on blue lakes – is only 15 minutes from the city centre.
The Norwegians love spending time in nature, so it’s an added advantage that Oslo has a giant forest within the city limits. Simply take the metro to Oslomarka, stroll for 15 minutes and – voilà! – you’ll find yourself all alone in the middle of a wonderful forest. You can go for a short stroll but a longer hike is also an option – you’ll find dozens of cabins to spend the night, some self-serviced, others with staff serving breakfast and dinner. In a nutshell: 3 options to enjoy nature close to the city, from afternoon picnics to overnight hikes.