Kategori: Nature trails

Hike Nesset to Hvervenbukta

There is a bus to Nesset, at the bottom of the Bunnefjord, and from there you follow the road and signs in the direction of Breivoll. Nesset was a lively and important hub in Follo from the end of the last century when the steamboats transported travellers from all over Follo to the capital. Breivoll Gård is a beautiful green area with a farm café, kayak rental, DNT accommodation and a popular hiking area with potholes and a sandy beach and a number of activities are arranged on weekends. The forest here alternates between rich deciduous forests, low-herb forests with lots of hazel and shrunken pine forests on the hills, and there are many important vegetation types as well as a rich wildlife.

Continue past the beach north to the right on the gravel road that takes you into the forest, past green pastures with horses and onto Strandveien past white-painted picket fences and cozy summer cottages. Old boathouses, boats and piers are close along the coastal path and there are nice places to take a break along the way and observe the rich bird life. Pass the marina along Kjæresveien before we slope steeply up to the right through the residential area and eventually come out onto Nebbaveien which is followed further.

Scheduled boat traffic on the fjord started in earnest in the 1860s, when steamships became more common and it took 1h15 minutes by boat from Oslo to Nesset at the bottom of the Bunnefjord. Nebba is one of the old steamship piers with nice benches. Follow the signs that now lead to the Sherpa stairs, which consist of 278 steps. This was done by hand with simple tools such as pickaxes, skewers, sledgehammers, hammers and chisels over the course of 18 working days and 300 tons of stone were used. The trip goes in steep terrain and is rewarded with a view of charming Sjødalstrand at the top.

The monks on Hovedøya ran salt extraction on Sjødalstrand and had a herb garden here. Wild herbaceous plants still grow wild here. Today, the place is characterized by the beautiful plum garden with local production of jams, chutneys and plum pies by hand according to traditional recipes.

The trip continues into the black forest towards Svartskog and eventually over into a paved road with dense spruce forest. Before embarking on the slopes down Roald Amundsen's road, you can continue straight ahead for about 100 meters and see if Svartskog kolonial is open on weekends. Homemade pastries and good coffee are served here.

The sculpture of Roald Amundsen with his dog stands majestically on the rocks with his gaze southwards, and to the right behind him is the entrance to Uranienborg. He is best known for leading the first expedition to arrive at the South Pole in the race with Scott. Here Roald Amundsen planned his expeditions and on the pier the polar ship FRAM was prepared before departure for the South Pole. His home is now a museum where guided tours are arranged in the summer and on weekends. The house was built in 1908 and stands exactly as he left it when he died in a plane crash in the Barents Sea while searching for his friend's expedition in 1928.

The trip continues through Amundsen's garden on a path and eventually onto Ingierstrandveien past beaches and older cabins. After Prosted, we turn off from the road and follow the marked path to the upper right – it can be a bit demanding and then follow the Line Path through the forest along the power line north to Ingierstrand.

Ingierstrand Bath is an icon in modern architectural history and was one of the two most important sea baths along the Oslo Fjord since its opening in 1934 and could have up to 120,000 visitors a season. Guests were transported by steamboat from the capital. Today it is a popular recreational area with diving towers, beach, rocks, grassy areas and beautiful pine trees in the hilly terrain.

You can continue the trip along the road to explore the popular beaches Sandbukta and Bestemorstranda – but we put the trip back up into the forest on the marked path to avoid the road. The path comes out on Ingierstrandveien again and we follow it to the junction and go down towards the sea over the river to Ljansbruket.

After rounding the promontory along the road to Hvervenbukta, follow Mastemyrveien under the E18 towards Kolbotn for return by bus or a stop at Quality Hotel Entry for a good meal or pleasant stay.

To get here: 

Bus towards Drøbak. Stop: Nesset. Check entur.no or ruter.no

The Pilgrim’s Route 5 Olavsgaard-Kløfta

Oslo – Olavsgård 20 km

Departing from the Pilgrim Centre, you set off towards one of Norway’s most famous historic sites: Eidsvoll. At Galgeberg the Way splits into two, and you can choose either the West Way or the East Way. Galgeberg is a part of Old Oslo between Vålerenga and Gamlebyen. The name means Gallows Hill, and tells us that since medieval times this was the site for public executions. Let us here choose the East Way – and we head towards the rolling countryside of Romerike. If you are looking for a rest stop in Oslo, why not try the pittoresque surroundings of Østre Aker Church. Our route through Romerike leads us through Skedsmo, Sørum and Ullensaker.

Accommodation:

Quality Hotel Olavsgaard, Hvamstubben 11, 2013 Skjetten, tel.: +47 63 84 77 00

Aaraas pilegrimsherberge ved Hellerudsletta

The Pilgrim’s Route – Moss – Son

The Pilgrim Paths

The Pilgrim Paths in Akershus is one part of the St Olav Way which takes you to Trondheim. In mediaeval time this was the main goal for pilgrimages in the Nordic area with the cathedral Nidarosdomen and St. Olav’s relics.

 

The Pilgrim Paths in Oslo and Akershus can be reached when arriving in Oslo with boat from either Kiel in Germany or from Denmark, or by air to one of the airports; Oslo Airport, Gardermoen or Rygge Airport in Østfold. You can go straight from the ferry or the plane and start your walk.

 

When in Oslo you have the choice of an eastern or western path. Are you arriving from the south you will meet the path from the south through Follo at the boarder of county Østfold. It takes you to Gamlebyen in Oslo.

 

Heading east from Oslo you will soon leave the suburbs and meet the rolling cultivated landscape in Romerike. At the river Nitelva was once the site of the battle between Olav Haraldsson and the local tribe in the petty kingdom of Romerike. The path later takes you past Raknehaugen. This burial mound is the largest barrow in Northern Europe. On your way you will pass many beautiful old churches. In Eidsvoll you have the option of taking the paddle steamer Skibladner to cross Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa. Accommodation options along the way are in hotels, hostels and in farms.

 

If you chose the western route from Oslo you will pass the only remaining mediaeval church in Oslo, Gamle Aker church. Here you’ll also find the Oslo Pilgrim Center where you can get advice for your pilgrimage.

 

The path takes you through the Vigeland Park with all its sculptures. Leaving the urban Oslo you walk through an older residential area on your way to Bærum and the mediaeval Haslum Church. From here you can follow paths through the forest. In Bærum you can stay in cottages at Sæteren gård and later continue across Krokskogen to Bønsnes, where Olav Haraldsson spent his childhood years according to the legend.

WildOslo – experiences in nature

Why choose Wild Oslo and what can we offer?

Because we are local, we live here and know the best places, in addition we offer rentals and guided tours. Being guided by us is like being shown around by a friend.

Escape the hordes

We rent out equipment, and have guided tours for small groups. No waiting in line, just nature. We are also family-friendly – on a guided tour, your speed is our speed.

The real Norway – nature experiences just on the doorstep of Oslo

If you are in Oslo, the area is covered by more than asphalt and concrete. Didi you know that we are on the same latitude as the capital of Alaska?

The opportunities with us are many – here is some of what we can offer:

– Rental of kayak and canoe at Langen. Langen is located in a part of Oslomarka called Sørmarka

– Rent a floating tent in Oslomarka

In the wintertime we can offer guided ice skating and skiing for beginners and more experienced guests

Welcome to an exciting activity a short distance from Oslo!

 

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Photo tour and view from Bråtan in Drøbak

Are you looking for a beautiful picture of Drøbak? A stroll up the steps at Bråtan might be just the thing.

Here, Drøbak lies below you, and if you go on an evening with a beautiful sunset, you can see the whole of Vestfjorden as the sun sets over Askerlandet.

You can either go up Tollbodbakken and through Chr. Krohg's way, or the path that goes up from Jørnsebakken directly across from Miramar. Here, you have a great view and excellent photo opportunities.

Bråtan is a cozy cluster of houses a little south of the center.

Many of Drøbak's sailors lived here in the old days, and the narrow paths between the houses show that people lived close together, making good neighborly relations essential for a pleasant daily life.

The buildings also quietly tell the story of a time when people had to struggle to make a living.

We recommend paying a short visit to the locally known ferry woman, Jacobine.

If you find the "steps" that lead you up to Brunskogen east of the house cluster, you'll get a fantastic view over Drøbaksundet. This is where you take out your thermos with something nice in it, before heading back to the center via Badehusgata.

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

The Pilgrim’s Route 7 Arteig Vestre – Risebru

Arteid vestre – Risebru 30 km

From Arteid you enter Ullensaker municipality, towards Kløfta, through Miklagard golf and up to Ullensaker church. The church site dates back to the Middle Ages, when the church was dedicated to, among others. and Saint Olav. Today's church is designed by Arnstein Arneberg and carries elements of the churches that have stood here before.

Turn right right after the church. The trail now runs in a varied cultural landscape, along the road and through forests to Jessheim center. The trail goes through Storgata. Here there are shops and cafes.

After the city center, the trail goes down Gropaveien, where pilgrims and other travelers have left their mark, the road has been eroded three meters into the terrain of traffic for many hundreds of years.

Raknehaugen is Northern Europe's largest monument from the Iron Age, built up of earth, sand and 75,000 logs, monumental and beautifully situated by Ljøgottjern. This is a nice place for a break. From here, the trail goes around Nordbytjernet.

At Eldstad is a great part through the cultural landscape, before going in the direction of Risebru

The Pilgrim’s Route 2 Son-Ås

Son – Ås 23 km

Vestby Church (1886), a red-brick church in neo-Gothic style, is an excellent place to break your trip and take a rest. After Vestby the Pilgrim Way meanders through rolling fields on its way to Ås. Here the Way cuts through the grounds of the University of Life Sciences, past the Agriculture Museum and up to the church.

 

Accommodation:

Ås Guest House (c. 2.5 km from the Way, beside the University grounds), Sagaveien 38, 1430 Ås, tel.: +47 951 79 798