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

Hike Son to Drøbak

There is a train to Sonsveien station and from there it is just over 3 km to Son and the coastal path. Follow the pedestrian and cycle path, path and small roads to Son SPA and Hotel. Continue along the rocky slopes to the north or take the walking path past the tennis court, past Sonstranda and cozy small roads with white-painted houses further towards the centre. The Dørnberger house in Strandgata dates back to the 17th century and the eccentric painter Carl Dørnberger lived here in the period 1896-1940. Son was an artists' town at the beginning of the 20th century. In the center there is a large guest harbour, summer boat from Oslo, brewery life and restaurants. Son Kystkultursenter is also located here. Son was an important timber port during the Dutch era in the 16th century. Timber and lumber were exported to the Dutch states, and Dutch goods were imported.

Over the bridge at the marina, the tour continues on pavement along Kolåsveien, but soon turns off towards the golf course and eventually onto a gravel road towards Kjøvangen pier and beach. Several beaches await; Hulvik beach, Krokstrand free area and Emmerstad Bay. Along the way, the path goes up to the viewpoint Stjernåsen. There are several signs with information about alternative routes. At the heart of Emmerstad bay, the path continues at the water's edge, so here there can be challenges if there is high tide. The stairs above Okseryggen are steep, but with a nice view, before it continues through the cabin area.

Hvitsten is a small, cozy place with a wharf, a beautiful wooden church and ship history. Many of the figureheads of Fred. Olsen's shipping company is on display in the parks. Close by is Nedre Ramme, which was Edvard Munch's villa from 1910. Here you can follow the cultural trail "In Munch's footsteps" and see the remains of the Cairns from the Bronze Age. The beautiful Ramme Gård today contains a baroque garden, gallery, café and concert stage. Here it is possible to stay overnight at Ramme Fjordhotell. Sagakollen nearby also offers accommodation in self-service cabins.

Between Kjeppestadbukta and Skiphelle there are several options. Closest to the water's edge, the route runs along rocky beaches, rocky outcrops and small woodlands. Some parts can be slippery and a bit demanding. Another option is along cottage roads with some path further up the hill. Just before Skiphellebukta, there is a commemorative plaque for the D/S Donau – a German ship that was sunk by, among others, Max Manus during World War II. From the bay, you can follow Skiphelleveien/Elleveien or continue along the rock cliffs if there is no high tide. At Torkildstranda is Galleri Finsrud with art by Reidar Finsrud. The gallery is located in an old ceramics factory. Finsrud is behind the bronze sculptures "Mermaids" and "Neptune" in Drøbak harbour.

The last section towards Drøbak is on cozy small roads. The streets are narrow, the houses are white and the roses smell of summer. Here, the Oslofjord is at its narrowest and the ferrywoman Jacobine, who in the 19th century rowed people across the fjord in all kinds of weather, is honored with a statue and a separate historical walking route; Jacobin route. In the beginning, Drøbak was a modest beach town with fishermen's huts before, at the beginning of the 18th century, it grew in population and wealth through the export of "Dutch beams" (timber) and blocks of ice. Eventually, the city became well known as a resort and seaside resort and attracted many of the country's most famous painters who frequented the Reenskaug Hotel.

The Christmas house is open all year round and the Drøbak Aquarium shows the wildlife of the Oslofjord. In the square there are several cozy cafes and in Badeparken there are grasslands, jetties and a beach. In the summer there is a boat between Oslo and Drøbak. Oscarsborg fortress is a short boat ride away from the Sund pier.

To geth here. Check entur.no or ruter.no :

Train: Train to Sonsveien and local bus to Kleiva (Son).

Bus: Bus from Drøbak. 

Boat: Route boat B21/B22 from March – October from Aker Brygge – Son. stops in Son and Drøbak.

CLICK ON OUR INTERACTIVE MAP BELOW TO SEE THE WHOLE ROUTE AND POINTS OF INTEREST:

Markaopplevelser

My name is Bjørn Eide and I own the company Markaopplevelser, which started 10 years ago and is located in Lommedalen.
Join the adventures in our grand nature; Where to find the best lakes for fishing? Where can we experience Blackcock and Tiur mating? Where does the Osprey live? These are examples of experiences I can show you. I share my local knowledge by inspiring and motivating my audience.

I emphasize safe guiding and take you through magnificent scenery.

Nature has always been a place I have lived in close contact with, ever since I was a little boy. With a mother born and raised in Krokskogen, and grandparents who had their work in there, the paths were just waiting for me to explore.
As an active cross-country skier for many years, I have crossed the forest many times. In the summer, I am an avid angler.

I have a lot of local knowledge in Bærumsmarka, Krokskogen, Nordmarka and Vestmarka. I'll be happy to guide you and your colleagues through some splendid nature experiences all year round.f

Welcome.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo 

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.

Jessheim Discgolfpark

A fantastic easy activity for everyone, and easy to use for team building and internal competitions.

The course has some open holes at the start, and at the end the holes are in the woods.

All 18 holes take about one and a half to two hours to complete (depending on the number of players and skill level).

It is also possible to take a shorter loop of 9 holes with a good mix of challenges (takes about an hour to complete).

Hole 1 starts on the south side of Nordbytjernet by the tennis court.

Udisc is an app that can be used as a scorecard.

It is completely free and open 24/7.

Water and toilets are available at the Nordbytjernet kiosk, which is open during the summer.

Welcome!

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

Hølenviadukten and Smaalensbanen

Smaalensbanen is part of the old railway route from Oslo to Halden, through Vestby municipality. The route extends from Kjenn and Kjennstjernet in the north, through Hølen town over the Hølenviadukten, to Sonsveien station in the south. Like the old railway route, the Smaalensbanen is flat, and therefore accessible to everyone. The area is suitable for walking and cycling, and as a transport artery through Vestby municipality. The entire route is approx. 5 km long.

 

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