Hagahogget

Difficulty: Medium/demanding. There is some climbing on the last part up towards Hagahogget.

Length: Approx. 7.1 km round trip.

Starting point/parking: By bus from Asker station, bus number 275, get off at Vøyen. Approximately 200 meters from the starting point. If you come by car, there is off-road parking at the starting point for the tour. You can look up the address Semsveien 139.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

From the parking lot, our tour proposal starts on a well-marked gravel road towards Bergsåstoppen/Sandungen at Sem grendehus. The road has a slight climb all the way to a well-marked hiking trail. Continue on the blue-marked trail in slightly hilly terrain over Semskollen. You will then come to the first crossroads where you turn right and follow the signs to Bergsåsen.You will come to a crossroads where there is a sign for Hagahogget on the right, there you follow the signs for Hagahogget. It is mostly easy to follow the blue marked path. The path has varying degrees of incline all the way to the goal of the trip.

At Hagahogget you should take time to rest. Hagahogget is 415 meters above sea level. Here you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of Skaugumåsen to the north, and behind there eastern parts of Oslo. To the south you can see Håøya. And not least you will see a beautiful view of Asker and Semsvannet.

The return is the same way back to the starting point.

Have a good trip!

Tømmeråsen

Tømmeråsen is an easily accessible peak in Ski municipality at 313 meters above sea level and is Ski municipality's highest point. There are great views at the top. The trip takes place in varied and exciting forest terrain.

The tour starts at the Krokhol golf course, if the clubhouse on the golf course is open, this is a nice place to stop for a light snack or a cup of coffee. If you come by car, it will be possible to park here. When you start walking, follow the forest road through the golf course for 300 meters until you see a barrier on the left, and go past it. 150 meters after the barrier, follow a blue marked path to the right. Here the path will gradually rise upwards in a varied forest terrain for one kilometre. First you walk around Svarvestolen, a peak at 271 m. When you have passed a gorge here, you will come to Paddetjern, which has an idyllic rest area, where it is nice to swim in the summer. At the water's edge there is an idyllic bonfire, but remember the bonfire ban 15 April – 15 September and always check for the risk of forest fires. From Paddetjern it is 1.5 km to the viewpoint, the last kilometer will climb steeply up the ridge that makes up Tømmeråsen.

In clear weather at the top you will be able to see all the way to Gaustatoppen and Norefjell. Especially the view to the left is impressive. You will also be able to see all the way to Færder lighthouse outside Tjøme in Vestfold. (You may need to have binoculars for this). It has been arranged with benches, campfires, cairns and other things at the top so it will be possible to take a breather on the ground and enjoy the view. On the return trip on the same way back, you can look back on a great summit trip!

There are many nice paths in the area and it is also possible to arrange a round trip. When you follow the path back along the hill, you can continue the path straight ahead and pass over a bog north of Tretjerna. Just after the marsh, the path meets Høykrokholveien and you turn left and follow the hiking trail for approx. 2.5 km back to the car park.

The Isi River tour – hiking

The Isi river winds like a blue-green oar through Vøyenenga, Skuidalen, past Bjørumdalen and into the idyllic nature reserve in Kjaglidalen.

A walk along the Isi river is varied, with narrow paths, nice hiking trails, road and forest road. Isielva appears with waterfalls, rapids, pools and peaceful parts. There are many nice places to take a rest and listen to the passing water. The experience will also vary with how much water there is in the river. You can make long or short walks. Some parts of the tour are suitable for walking, while other parts are also suitable for bicycles, prams or wheelchairs.

The lower part of the river offers parts of unexpectedly beautiful nature in an otherwise built-up and industrialized area. The river starts in Hole municipality, but we have limited ourselves to describing the part that flows through Bærum. Here you can walk from the fjord by Sandvika, and far into the countryside through a cultural and natural landscape with deep roots back in time. In the past, the river was important as a source of water for humans and animals, laundry and swimming. Isielva was an important local food source. Salmon and trout were fished, a fishery that is still significant.

Today, the Isielva region is a very important breeding area for salmon and sea trout. Much of the sea trout fished in the inner and outer Oslofjord has been conceived and raised in the Sandvik River / Isielva. You who use the river are a crucial helper to protect the fish, so that it completes the cycle and swims back to the sea to fatten up, and then come back to spawn and secure the stock further.

We wish you a good trip! Regards from Bærum Elveforum

(Republished with permission from Bærum Elveforum)

Hiking to Nipkollen in Nannestad

The trip to Kopperudtoppen, which is located in Hasleråsen, is suitable for everyone, and at the top you can enjoy the view both from the new tower that has been erected and take a break in the beautiful gapahuk.

Park at the old Hasler garden. The trip is about 3 km each way. You can also walk from Finstad by Løkenvangen, via paths from Nes or via blue markings on the light trail from Ullensaker nord.

Kopperudtoppen is the highest point in Ullensaker, 313 m above sea level, in the very north of the municipality, up to the border with Eidsvoll

WildOslo – rent a kayak or canoe

WildOslo rents equipment for a weekend or a day in nature. The lake Langen is located in the part of Oslomarka called Sørmarka.

Kayak rental Booking: https://wildoslo.com/nb/leie-kajakk-oslo/

Canoe rental WildOslo has two canoes at Langen Booking: https://wildoslo.com/nb/leie-kano-oslo/

Paddling on Langen is a bit like paddling on a wide and sleepy river. The length is approximately 9 kilometers long, so you are unlikely to paddle the whole way. You paddle past small islands, some farms, duck families and beaver huts most of the time you are paddling in wilderness.

You start in the north, at Bru near Siggerud. Langen is popular with fishermen, and you can find everything from perch to trout, bream and protected eel. There are many nice places to go ashore, as well as rough camping sites here and there. The stretch is approximately 9 kilometers long, with many opportunities to go ashore to swim or eat. Paddle oar, vest and a map of Langen are included.

Guided tours: We live here and know the best places. We offer guided tours. Being guided by us is like being shown around by a friend. Welcome to an exciting activity just outside Oslo!

By car; You drive in 21 minutes from Oslo S and we have free (private) parking. Or take the bus to Bru – it takes 31 minutes from Bjørvika. (Bus 550, change to bus 515 at Klemetsrud)

 

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Wilderness route – National biking route # 9

About National Cycle route no.9 from Elverum to Halden (355 km)
National Cycle Route No. 9 is known as the Wilderness Route and stretches from Trondheim to Halden (or the other way around). The cycle route passes through the easternmost parts of Innlandet, Akershus, and Østfold, often close to the Swedish border. The full route is around 800 km long. The route is not signposted north of Trysil.

Under we only present the southern section of Route no.9: Elverum–Halden.

The Wilderness Route offers a great nature experience suitable for experienced adult cyclists, possibly accompanied by cycling-savvy teenagers from 13–14 years old. True to its name, the route mainly passes through areas dominated by forests and lakes. If you want to experience silence and long stretches practically free of car traffic, then The Wilderness Route is for you!

Note! When it comes to the northern part of the route, there are no larger towns along the way, and the distances between grocery stores, dining options, and services can be quite long. Further south, the trail takes you through Ørje, and it’s only a short detour to shops and dining in Aremark. However, you should be well prepared for this route, with sufficient equipment and food/drinks. Also remember to bring an extra tube, a pump, and some tools for the journey.

Click here to read a presentation of the Wilderness Route

Practical details and info
Map
See the digital map and elevation profile in the RideWithGPS-app
See the digital map and elevation profile in the Komoot-app
See digital map and elevation profile on Google Maps (including accomodation)

Challenge level
Moderately demanding because of the longer daily stretches, but with many easy cycling sections along the way.

Place names along the route
• Start: Elverum train station  | Target: Halden city centre
• Route: Elverum – Hernes – Sørskogbygda – Gravberget – Velta – Fallsjøen – Røgden – Svullrya – Varalden – Skjærvangen – Rømsjøen – Ørje – Strømsfoss – Aspern – Halden

Distances and elevation
• Distance: 355 km
• Total ascent:  Approximately 4,000 meters of elevation gain, with 300 – 700 meters of elevation per day's stage. (There are few really steep slopes.)​​​​​​

Terrain
• About two-thirds asphalt
• One third dirt/gravel road. Somewhat varying substrate quality.

Car traffic
Varying, but generally little car traffic. Some traffic up to Ørje, less further on to Skotterud, further north there is less, long stretches are almost completely traffic-free.

Signage
• The route is signposted as a national cycle route and has burgundy-coloured signs with a cycle logo and the number 9.
• There are some deficiencies in the signage. Remember to dowload the GPX-file to your mobile or GPS-device and bring a map.

Recommended bike type
• Mountain bike with low studded tires, gravel bike, or hybrid bike with slightly wide tires, 40 – 45 mm.
• Shock absorbers are not required.

Charging and electric bikes
• Charging points are relatively far apart, and the Wilderness Route is less suitable for e-bikes, especially in the northern section.
•  Simple measures to extend the range of an e-bike can be to ride with reduced battery assistance or to bring an extra battery.
• The bikes can be charged at the accommodations.
• In addition, there are charging point here:
– The Pluss, attraction in Magnor
– The tourist office in Ørje

 

Public transportThere is a train connection between Elverum and Hamar with connection to Oslo/ Gardermoen (check departures in advance), and trains from Halden.

Bike rental
The nearest bike rental is available in Hamar (the Tourist Office in Hamar) or Lillehammer (Hafjell). There is a train connection from Elverum to both Hamar and Lillehammer. There is also bicycle rental in Ørje if you choose to only cycle parts of the route.

Luggage transport
There is no luggage transport service along the Wilderness Route.

Tour description
If you cycle the Wilderness Route, you cycle close to nature the whole way. When you start in Trysil, the first half of the route leads through the Finnskogen forests. Here you cycle on wide dirt roads and you pass various lakes and ponds, waterways, large pine forests and a number of hills of 4-600 meters in height.

It is a vast and relatively untouched outdoor paradise, characterized by an absence of settlements. Here you can cycle long stretches without meeting anyone and the silence in these forests is striking. In this part of Finnskogen, there are a number of campfires, simple rest areas and gaping huts at several of the ponds along the route. On the hiking maps of Finnskogen, you will see that these places are marked.

The southern half of the Wilderness Route runs more through cultural landscapes and through a several hamlets and small towns. Here, the service facilities are also more frequent. In Ørje, for example, there are several eateries and frocery stores, as well as the only sports shop before reaching Halden.

From Ørje and further south, the route follows the Halden Canal, where you can see a number of cultural heritage sites and information boards from the time when the canal and boats were an important transport artery for both people and goods. Feel free to visit the locks at Ørje, Strømfoss (a very short detour), and Brekke (a 2 km detour). Today, the canal is mainly used for tourist traffic with several boats in operation.

Recommended stages
Below you will find daily stage proposals with descriptions.
• National cycle route no.9 day 1: Elverum-Gravberget Gård
• National cycle route no.9 day 2: Gravberget Gård – Finnskogtoppen
• National cycle route no.9 day 3: Finnskogtoppen – Magnor
• National cycle route no.9 day 4: Magnor – Rømskog 
• National cycle route no.9 day 5: Rømskog-Ørje
• National cycle route no.9 day 6: Ørje-Halden 

• See the entire National cycle route no.9 from Elverum to Halden

 

For more information about sightseeing places, or other types of accomodation:

Day 1 – 3 Read more about Øst Norge
Day 4 – 5 Read more about Akershus
Day 5 – 6 Read more about Indre Østfold and the small towns Ørje and Strømsfoss that you pass
Day 7      Read more about Halden

Information from Visit Greater Oslo 

Håøya – The Pearl of the Oslo Fjord

Håøya – The Pearl of the Oslo Fjord

Right next to the fortress island Oscarsborg lies Håøya, with boat connections from Oslo and Drøbak in the summer and on weekends in spring and autumn. This is one of the Oslo Fjord's coziest islands with idyllic swimming coves, great hiking trails, designated boat spots, the café Håøya Naturverksted with its goats, and nice camping spots. A varied and idyllic island gem to visit both for a day trip or an overnight stay. Håøya boasts a very rich biodiversity, with over 550 plant species.

The southern part of the island is classified as a nature reserve with valuable old-growth forest and nesting sea eagles. On Håøya, you'll also find one of the Oslo Fjord's coziest cafés serving famous cinnamon buns made with goat milk – and during the summer season, the goats are milked every day at 2:00 PM, and children are invited to watch.

Tour facts:

How to get there: B21 and B22 to Håøya.

Hike length: There are several coastal trails on Håøya.

Local tip: Visit Håøya Naturverksted and try their cinnamon buns!

Spro Cave at Nesodden

The mine is a popular hiking destination among the local population on the west side of Nesodden, just north of Nordre Spro brygge. It is about 1 km to walk from the pier to the mine. The mine was in operation from the 1880s until after World War I.

The mine is a narrow hallway that goes about 30 meters into the mountain and ends in a mighty hall. Here the roof has collapsed, so today it is bright in the middle of the main cave. Crow's silver, or Muscovite as geologists call it, sparkles and glows in the walls.

Tour of Sandvika and Slependen by bike

Sandvika is Bærum’s city and the largest commercial, service and culture centre in the municipality. The town is beautifully situated on Sandvik River, right near the river mouth flowing into the fjord, with a backdrop of verdant hills. The route offers shopping, recreation, cultural sites and rural surroundings.

Without detours, the route is about 7.5 km long.

The route begins outside Thon Senter Sandvika. Start at the centre’s main entrance on Claude Monets Allé. Set a course northeast, cross Sandvik River and take the first road to the left on Løkketangen. You will arrive at Elias Smiths vei. Straight ahead is Løkkehaven, with its cast-iron Løkke Bridge, immortalised by Claude Monet in 1895. Here are small wooden houses with a gallery, arts and crafts, and a café, along with a chess sculpture by Sverre Hoel.

From Elias Smiths vei, take a right and then the first possible right again, over Rønne River on a small wooden bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Follow the river southward to some pleasant cafés and restaurants. Pass Bærum rådhus (Bærum City Hall), designed by Magnus Poulsson and completed in 1926 and later in 1960. At the town hall you will find a statue, “Friheten” (Freedom), and a fountain called “Elementene” (The Elements), both by Arnold Haukeland. Continue straight on to Kadettangen. Here you can stop for a cup of coffee at Artista gallery café, watch Rigmor and Rigfar – the ferry boats, sit at the guest harbour or walk over to Kalvøya, known for its festivals and lovely nature trails.

Continue around Kadettangen. Back to Sandviksveien, turn left, straight over the bridge, then another left, and follow the river southwards. You will arrive at Kjørbo Park. At the edge of the fjord is Kjørbo Farm, Sandvika’s oldest, established during the late Iron Age. You will pass Politiet (Police) – which is a circle-shaped indoor car park, as well as Thon Hotel Oslofjord and Thon Senter Sandvika (one of the largest Nordic shopping centres), before arriving back on Sandviksveien.

Time to get those wheels spinning. Turn left and follow Sandviksveien about 1.4 km. At the first roundabout, keep to the right up Slependveien. After about 1 km you will see the Slependen lime kiln from 1914. The lime kiln is used as a symbol on Bærum’s municipal crest. Interested in seeing Tanum’s medieval church? If so, take the gravel road to the left, halfway out onto the field. If not, continue straight on to Bjørnegårdsvingen. Cycle over the bridge, keep to the right along the pedestrian and cycle path. Cross the river one more time and pass Sandvika High School on the left. You have arrived at Løkke Bridge and Løkkehaven, where you can conclude your trip with a game of “outdoor chess”.

For recreational routes: the nearest gateway is Tourist Information at Thon Senter Sandvika (shopping centre)

Phone: 67 52 23 00

E-mail: thonsentersandvika.kundeservice@thon.no 

Coastal path Tofte to Rodtangen

This tour is referred to as the Oslo Fjord's finest and most pristine coastal stretch. Along the trail you will find a number of beautiful swimming and fishing spots as well as historic burial sites from the Stone Age. The trail runs mostly near the water's edge with formidable views.

The trip starts at Sagene boat harbor in Tofte. Take time to look at Roald Amundsen's polar ship M / S Maud, which he had built for his second expedition to the Arctic. She is now stored in the Sagene harbor. Then follow the path along the water until you reach Østnestangen. Here you can take a detour to the left to the lighthouse on Østnestangen. Or take the path to the right towards Sandbukta and Rødtangen.

Østnestangen and Sandbukta are parts of a nature reserve with varied geology, flora and wildlife. Rare red-listed species such as Mistletoe grow here and you can walk in deciduous forests.

The beaches are like pearls on a string with Sandbukta and Ertsvika as the finest, surrounded by clear-cut boulders. The path on to Knatvoldstranda is quite hilly and a bit challenging. When it's time for ice cream and refreshments, it can be bought from the kiosk at Knatvoldstranda camping and cabin rental during opening hours.

Solfjellåsene and Haraldsfjellet nature reserve have large deposits of yew and calcareous vegetation with rich and rare flora. Take a detour to Haraldstangen and enjoy the fantastic view before following the Coastal Path further.

Rødtangen – a favorite summer place

In 1857, a pharmacist and a lawyer rowed the long way from Drammen to Rødtangen to swim in clean seawater. This was the start of a stream of bathers to Hurum who from the 1870s arrived with the scheduled boats from Oslo and Drammen.

Rødtangen was an important unloading station for Drammensfjorden and the lighthouse has probably been there since the 18th century. Today you can see the fog bell on Nebba and hear «Olea tell about life on Rødtangen and the fog bell». Scan QR code on site.

Rødtangen is a favorite summer place, with a few permanent residents. Here is also a campsite and a shallow beach perfect for families with small children.

The area is rich in cultural monuments. Two dolmen tombs from the Stone Age and well-preserved burial mounds from the Bronze Age are among the most important finds. Both the dolmen graves and the burial mounds were built to be visible from the fjord. Signs along the path provide good information about the cultural monuments.

The trip is hilly and occasionally in quite steep terrain, but suitable for most people, but remember to pack a packed lunch and plenty of drinks. One way, the trip is 7 km and takes about 3 hours. Many people go one way and take the bus or taxi back. If you want a longer trip, you can continue to idyllic Holmsbu where you can round off the day with a great meal in the center and spend the night at Badehotellet.

Access:

Parking at Tofte. Parking at the bottom of Sagene valley or parks by the marina. For timetables and bus times, see Ruter.no