Offisiell reiseguide for området rundt Oslo
Oslo Sauna by the lake. This is Norway. You will be surprised how ‘Alaska’ the area looks like, so close to the center (18 minutes by car, 32 minutes by bus – from the Opera) With a beautiful view over the lake Langen, you will get the feeling of being in the wilderness.
It doesn’t get more Norwegian than this: Sauna, wilderness and a dip in the cold lake – Norwegians favorite activities. Don’t miss this chance to get back to nature!
Losby Gods is a great starting point for many trips in the summer; walking, jogging and cycling.
We would like to give you some suggestions for trips in Losby's deep forests and Østmarka's exciting nature. The suggested tours are mostly on forest roads or footpaths, the dotted lines show paths. These paths are blue-marked, and the number of km is indicated on the map.
The times estimated in the descriptions do not include time for stops/breaks, but only the time it takes to walk or cycle the route.
REMEMBER; Blue markings are summer trails. Red markings are cross country skiing trails for winter.
Over several centuries, Losby Gods has been the center for exciting excursions, activities and good food and drink for visiting guests. Feel free to take the opportunity to eat something good here before or after the trip. In the Losby Pavilion, they can tempt you with homemade buns, freshly baked waffles, coffee, soft drinks, ice cream and chocolate. If you want more food, grilled hamburgers and sausages are served after 12.00.
Route Description
This stage is characterized primarily by dense forest and a few small hamlets. From Magnor, the first 5 km follow a separate and safe bike path along County Road 202. The final kilometers toward Lake Harstadsjøen are on a car-free gravel road. There are several nice picnic spots along the western side of the lake. From Gåsvika to Rømsjøen, traffic is light. Grocery stores are available in Magnor, Skotterud, Setskog, and Tørnby, just north of Rømsjøen. There's also a 3 km detour from Rømsjøen to Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort.
Challenges
On the western side of Lake Stangnessjøen, Route 9 follows a gravel road ("Vektervegen") that in places narrows to a wide trail. The last few kilometers before reaching Harstadsjøen are on loose gravel. From Harstadsjøen to Gulltjenn, there is a climb of nearly 100 meters over three kilometers. A similar ascent awaits from Rømsjøen up Vortungsveien toward Lake Vortungen and the unique Rømskog Hotel & Spa Resort. Traffic between Harstadsjøen and Lake Setten is noticeable, including some heavy vehicles like timber trucks. This road section is also somewhat winding and has limited visibility. This stage is suitable only for experienced adult cyclists.
Rømskog
Here you'll find a Joker grocery store and a gas station. Rømskog is a small, peaceful village with about 700 inhabitants. It used to be the center of its own municipality and is now part of Aurskog-Høland in Akershus. Nestled deep within the forest and surrounded by over 100 lakes, the area features varied terrain with forested hills, including Slavasshøgda (formerly the highest peak in Østfold). For those seeking spectacular views, there’s a unique wooden fire lookout tower on Haukenesfjellet—within walking distance from Rømskog Unike Hotel—offering expansive views across forest and water, even reaching Gaustatoppen on clear days.
Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort
The unique Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort is built on stilts in Lake Vortungen, offering panoramic water views directly from the guest rooms. Facilities include a saltwater pool, cold plunge pool, steam and traditional saunas, and an outdoor hot tub right at the water’s edge—perfect for tired cycling muscles.
Distance: 64 km
Difficulty: Medium
Region/Area: Eidskog, Innlandet, Aurskog-Høland
Time: Approx. 4 hours
Surface: Mostly asphalt
Recommended bike: Hybrid
Traffic: Generally low
Start & Finish: Magnor / Vortungen, Rømskog
Signage: Yes, as part of National Cycle Route 9
Information from Visit Greater Oslo
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 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 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
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
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.