Nature Archives

Ravinedalen Gardermoen

A short distance from Oslo Airport Gardermoen you will find one of the most beautiful ravines on Romerike – here you will notice the planes either landing or taking off in addition to the silence in the ravine between each plane. Right at the end of the "old" / western runway you will find the descent into this amazing ravine.

Here you will also find a sign describing the trip and information about the place itself. When you walk the approx. 1.5 kilometer long path down to the very bottom of the ravine, at the end of April and the beginning of May you will see an eldrorado of dandelions here. Even on hot days, it will be cool and a rich multitude of sounds in the ravine.

At the bottom of the ravine by the river Sokna, there is also a memorial to 20 people who died here when a plane carrying allied soldiers crashed here on approach on 10 May 1945 – a strong and important story. In 2012, a memorial grove was created and you can read the history of the place.

The area itself was protected in 1985 and the hiking trail opened in the early 90s. Down in the ravine is the municipal border between Ullensaker and Nannestad and you will visit both municipalities on the trip.

Have a good trip and remember your camera! Access: Park in the car park not too far from Scandic and Best Western Plus Oslo Airport Hotel – not a big car park but you can park there.

Take the walkway towards the end of the runway and here there is a small entrance down to the ravine. You can also take the shuttle bus from Oslo Airport Gardermoen – then direction Scandic and Clarion. There are also scheduled buses to Nannestad and Maura.

The Halden Canal

Push the boat out

Norway’s Halden Canal offers a splendid mix of culture and relaxation. Constructed in the 1850s, the Halden Canal remains fully functional and is recognised as a site of national technical-industrial heritage. The canal is 80km long with three elaborate lock systems – one of which, in Brekke, is the highest in north Europe. The Canal Museum at Ørie offers an overview of its history and functions, while a boat trip aboard M/S Brekke provides the opportunity to enjoy a cosy meal and the beautiful nature in the canal area.

One of the best ways to explore the system is to take a paddling tour, staying overnight at one of the quality hotels, campsites or cabins.

The Halden Canal region offers:

Canoe rentals

SUP-boards

Water-bicycles

Bicycles rentals

Canal boat tours

Canal museum

Freshwater fishing

Local food

Different types of accomodations

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

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.

Fishing in Akershus and Østfold

If you want to go fishing outside Follo, Fiskeland invites you to experience the world-class angling in the heart of Norway!

In Østfold and Akershus counties, located in the south-east part of Norway, a wonderful variety of fishing experiences await you, including pike fishing in the large lakes of the Halden river valley, fly-fishing for grayling in the lazy currents of the Vorma river, and fishing for hungry brown trout that crowd the many small and silent lakes that lay hidden in the pine forests of Østfold.

If you are a passionate fisherman, the chance to explore on your own is an important part of the fishing experience. Our website will give you excellent local information and all the details you need to plan the perfect fishing trip to our part of Norway. We’ve even included a special selection of ideally located cabins and houses for your stay.

These idyllic houses and cabins are available through our carefully developed network of local farmers and landowners – many of whom can trace their families back in this area for hundreds of years – who wish you a warm welcome to the shores of our quiet forest lakes, trout rivers and pike lakes. Even your fishing card can be arrange through your host!

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Hiking to Nipkollen in Nannestad

Nipkollen is 544 meters above sea level in Nannestad municipality, at the top there is a view to the north and west. There is a blue-marked path right up to the top, it can be a bit far between the markings in some places. The first 2 km is a steady climb and you walk on a good path all the way.

To get there take the E16 towards Gardermoen and Hønefoss, take the exit towards Maura and drive through Maura and up towards Nordåsen, turn in at Rema1000 and Esso. After 1.5 km there is a roundabout (turning place for the bus), turn right at the roundabout where you will find a small car park at the top of Holkebylia. It might be a good tip to enter Kløvberget Terrasse on the GPS.

After parking, return to the roundabout and follow the road 50 m back down, the walk starts at the edge of the forest on the right. You see a sign for Nipkollen, which is in the forest next to the residential buildings there.

You won't regret the altitude gain when you reach the top, it pays off in the form of a fantastic view!

Hiking to Mistberget

Do you like hiking?
Mistberget is a peak in Eidsvoll municipality , located 663 meters above sea level . Although it´s only 663 meters , the view from the top is one of the finest views in the OsloRegion.
The road up is not long , about 3 km walk from the meeting point parking space at Oppsaleng – but it is recommend to wear good shoes and bring you some water – because it is a demanding hike.

At the top it stands a 16 -meter high old fire watch tower , and from this you can see over large parts of Romerike and into the neighboring counties.
Getting there: E6 past Nebbenes . Take the road 181 towards Hobart ( first exit after Nebbenes if you come from the south) . Follow Road 181 about 1 km. Turn right and follow signs to Åsleia . Drive further north and uphill about 3.5 km.

Have a nice trip!

Information from Visit Greater Oslo

Hiking to Vardasen

The path from Gullhella is signed with blue path marks. It enters the western part of the hill, named Haugeråsen after the farm below.

At the top of Vardåsen there is some forest and a DNT hut Wentzelhytta as well as a wooden "lavvo" for sleep over or a break. From the top, follow a clear path northeast (currently unmarked) to Jutemyr. From there, follow the red-marked ski trail to the starting point. Other possibilities are walking through the residential areas to a bus stop or to Bondivann st.

Tip: You can explore Vardåsen more by following the paths paths at Vardetjern and Pilgrim Trail on the hillside in the west.

Practical information.
Access by train or car to Gullhella station

By car / bike: Parking space at the end of Gullhellaveien and at Trettesty 36
Easy walk of about 4.9 km. It takes about 1h 15 min each way to walk.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING IN THE VARDÅSEN:
The ridge has large rocky mountains to the west where mountain climbers romp. It is nice to soak up the spring sun with warm granite in the back and wide views.

The wall consists of three large slopes with a height of between 100-150 meters. The climb takes place on traditional moldings and scratches with good friction. The stone quality is very compact and is very suitable for wedge climbing. The Vardåsen climbing field is widely used for course activity, as the cliff is idyllically located in the afternoon sun and the difficulty of the routes has the main weight in the 4-5's.

Hiking to Kolsåstoppen

Kolsåstoppen is a well-known profile of residents in Asker and Bærum. Between the peaks lies an idyllic small lake "Seterstjern". Once you have arrived at the top you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over Oslo, Bærum and Oslo Fjord. Parts of Kolsåstoppen located within Kolsåstoppen nature reserve is part of the Dælivannet conservation area. Dælivannet was a popular spot for painters and some paintings from this area are hanging in the National Museum. Near to the lake there is an area with old rock carvings of boats

There are two different routes to the south peak of Kolsås where the view is spectacular. Enjoy!

Tour 1 – from Stein Gård

From Stein Gård there is a blue-marked path and the sign for Setertjern. The path goes a little south of Knabberud farm and follows a steep slope to the south, before some ascent up to Setertjern. From there it is signposted further south to Søndre Kolsås. Here the view must be enjoyed a bit, before you follow the blue markings further down from the top. The upper part here is steep, but is partly arranged with stairs and railings. The path takes you down to a gravel road where you walk north past the KIFhytta, here you have the opportunity to make use of benches and seating and just enjoy the beautiful view. Continue on the east side of the summit back to Stein Gård.

Tour tip: From Setertjern, we recommend taking the trip to Gråmagan, an approx. 300 m detour. Here you can see remains of an old village castle from the migration period.

The trail is approximately 6.8 km long, moderately difficult to complete with some steep sections. About 2 hours of walking each way.

Practical info: You can take public transport: Bus 150 to Stein Gård. By car: Parking at Stein Gård, on the north side of rv168 or at Kolsåsbakken.

Tour 2 – from Hauger subway station (line 3 Kolsås)

The route is shorter and family friendly. From Hauger station, you follow the road up the hill before you come to a wide footpath that turns into a path further in. The walk is well marked, follow the signs. Some scrambling for a short stretch and some steep sections towards the end – it's well worth it. Railings and steps are set up in certain sections.

The trip takes about 25-30 minutes at a fast pace or 45 minutes at a family-friendly pace each way.

Up for a longer hike (1,5 hours) this is great tour to combine going over Kolsåstoppen via Nordre Topp and down to Stein Gård or down to Bærums Verk for a refreshment/meal at one of the local restaurants and cafés.

Remember to pack sufficient water and a snack.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo