Tours Archives

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.

• 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

Vanakleiva

Vanakleiva Parking at Hvalstjern swimming area.

The length of the trip is approx. 6.5 km. The trip starts at the parking lot. Follow the road further after the barrier and past the bathing area. Right after the guard cabin of Norwegian People's Aid Fetsund, there is a path on the right. Follow this path until you come to a crossroads. Then keep to the right (sign Hvalsetra) and follow the forest road a short distance. When the road and style divide, keep to the right on the path and follow it straight ahead at the next junction (here you are not going towards Hvalsetra which then goes to the right).
When the path ends in a new forest road, turn left about 150-200 m and you will see a path to the right. There is a small and slightly indistinct sign with Vanakleiva on it. Follow this path keep to the right. At the next junction, keep left and continue on this path to the next junction where you also turn left. Furthermore, you will come across a small cliff and eventually you will follow the path to the right, marked with a sign for Vanakleiva. Follow this path until you reach a blue mailbox at a vantage point, this is the destination. There are benches here, so that the packed lunch can be enjoyed with a nice view.
The return trip goes a bit on the same path as you came. At a small crossroads, follow the path to the right in the direction of Abbortjern. You walk along Abbortjern until you reach the end of the dam, continue the road straight ahead and at the first junction turn left. Just follow the marked path until you come to a tractor road. Turn left there and follow this road straight ahead to Hvalstjern badeblass.
This is a tour description from Ti på Topp Romerike.

More information about Ti på Topp can be found at https://www.tipatopp.no/

Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/jNoiLcmFpLRibrTz5

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.

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

Hike Holmen to Sætre

From Holmen, via Slemmestad to Sætre and Sandspollen bay

The coastal path from Holmen is easily accessible by bus. Feel free to stop by Holmen Fjordhotell, which is beautifully located down by the water with a jetty, beach and restaurant. After just over a kilometre, Hvalstrand Bad is like a gem by the fjord. This bathing facility dates back to 1934 and both the diving tower and the restaurant building are in typical functionalist style. The hiking trail continues around Leangbukta past Thon Hotel Vettre and through Løkenesskogen Nature Reserve on paths and eventually on cozy small roads out to Konglungen. Strandsitterhuset is the oldest house on Konglungen. The building was moved here from Oust in Bærum and the family who lived here made their living from the sea. Today the house is a museum and here you can enter and see how the family lived. Over the headland, the hiking trail goes down to Spirebukta and further past Løkenes Gård. Kråka Pub is located on a farm and has an open Friday pub. Here is also the Wettre Brewery. Just after Blakstad Hospital, the outlet of the Asker River is crossed. There has been salt production here and the first time salt from Asker was documented is in the 1300s. Salt was important for preserving food before the time of refrigerators. Salt was also a means of payment and was used to pay taxes. The village of Vollen is idyllically located right down by the fjord. There are several nice eateries, a nice beach, kayak rental and the Oslofjord Museum is located here.

The trip continues to Elnestangen. Here it is possible to spend the night in the DNT cabin Driver's Residence. Elnestangen nature reserve is a great outdoor area with lots of paths and benches. The next stop is Sjøstrand; from the late 1800s to the mid-1920s, the Sjøstrand area was an important storage and export place for natural ice. Today it is a popular beach. The last stretch towards Slemmestad goes on a hilly path through the forest. One of the chimneys and the four largest silos remain as memories from the cement period – the others have been demolished to renew Slemmestad. Slemmestad is a central location for the Oslo field with rich deposits of fossils and a wide range of rocks from the earth's primeval and ancient times. At the library there is an organic café and Trilobox with fossils, rocks and minerals. If you want to explore fossils more, Fossildalen and the area around Slemmestad stadium can be recommended. There is a scheduled boat to Aker Brygge from the pier. At Odden is the porter's house (the residents here were the concierge and caretaker of the director's residence) and the cave (just for decoration – a water pipe was led here to create the illusion of a water source).

The path further is hilly, both up and down over Slemmestadåsen, and can be experienced as somewhat demanding. There is a nice view of Nærsnes and picnic benches along the way. The trail goes down to Grundvig. To avoid private land down towards Grundvikveien we must follow the upper road. Go back a little and up the "hut road" at Hiken. You will come up to an old ice dam rich of bird life from around 1860 at Morberg. Continue through the forest, or the path along Sundbyveien down onto Grundvikveien towards Graffstrandsa. Continue following the coastal path to Nærsnes. In several places there are signs that tell about ice ponds and how ice was exported at the end of the 1800s. Propsen is a nice little beach and at Nærsnes you can stroll on the cozy small roads. To avoid the main road, the coastal path goes through residential areas and up through the forest – take in the Flådda viewpoint along the way.

At Ramton camping there is accommodation, swimming area, golf and mini golf, jetty, rocks and kiosk in the summer. Høvikvollen is the next cozy recreational area and beach. The trail continues past Fagertun bathing area to Båtstø – this is a nice little place with a marina, swimming area and white houses. There are cozy small roads on gravel and asphalt, and at Tittutåsen there is a nice viewpoint with a bench. At Åros, the coastal path goes over the hill through Ivers vei to avoid the busy Hurumveien. Skogsborg recreation area has large grassy areas, beach and kayak rental. Here it was a holiday home for industrial workers in Slemmestad. The walk continues towards Beston bathing place. From there, it is not far to Sætre – here you will find a city beach, several restaurants and a bus terminal.

The round trip along Sandspollen starts on a pedestrian and cycle path out of Sætre and continues on a small road across Engene. This was the location of the Engene dynamite factory from 1876 to 1976. The production of nitroglycerin gave the workers headaches, which eventually passed. Throughout the holiday, it was not uncommon for them to put a bit of nitroglycerin in their hat brim to avoid getting used to it again after the holiday. The old factory is not accessible to the public. Continue on small roads past farmyards, Kongsdelene church and several small lakes. Where Verpenveien turns into a path, it becomes more hilly. The coastal path around Sandspollen passes many nice bathing spots, viewpoints and is at times very hilly – especially around Kinnartangen. It passes historic sites – such as Nesset Battery and Færgestad. The fjord has been essensial through times to unite the two sides and the brave ferry woman Jacobine was rowing the priest, the doctor and school children better than any man across the fjord in all weather – rain or storm. Here is information about the underwater wall that was built in 1879 to block boat traffic and ensure that boats on their way into the fjord had to pass in front of Oscarsborg Fortress's cannons. The wall is 1500 meters long, and is also called the Jeté.

The trip returns back to Sætre the same way or extend your stay at Wærpen holiday homes to enjoy the area more days.

To get her by bus: Bus to Holmen and Sætre. Check schedule at www.entur.no

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

Hjellåstårnet

The Hjellås Tower rewards you with a fantastic view, especially to the west and south. It is located on 238 m high Hjellsåsen, where one of two map measuring towers in Gaupesteinmarka could be climbed until the 1980s. Tårnlauget in Kråkstad Idrettslag has built a 12 meter high lookout tower that was officially opened on June 10, 2017. From Hjellsåstårnet there is a great view, and in good weather you see, among other things. Norefjell, Tryvannstårnet and large parts of Follo.

The starting point is the car park at Granerud Shooting Range in Kråkstad. Follow road signs to Plots from the roundabout at Ski shopping center, past Ski small airport over the large agricultural plains in Kråkstad. After 6.5 km from the Ski center, follow the side road Vientjernveien for just over 800 meters, also signposted Granerud Skytebane, to a large car park and with a barrier on.

Good hike!

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Guidet bon fire tour near Oslo – 4 hours

1. Guided bonfire tour – discover the magic of Krokskogen

The tour inspires guest to indulge in interesting conversations around the campfire. Here you will discoverr inner peace. Serving of hot drinks and bonfire food (toast). We walk up to one of the beautiful hills with a great view of Lommedalen.

Practical info:

Tour start from By or Tobonn in Lommedalen. (Bus goes to By)
Duration about 4 hours, and 45 min. Walk to campsite.

Minimum 3 people per trip. Suitable for groups from 3 – 10 people

Price 550,- per person incl. coffee/tea and a light meal on the fire

2. Bonfire tour upgraded version:

Same as above. Private guided tour for friends, bachelor parties or extended family with local flavors and more focus on food and drinks. Agreed upon by appointment. Discover winter magic at the ready-made campsite.

Serving of cured meat with side dishes / cheese and biscuits with side dishes and hot drinks.

Possibility to bring your own drinks such as beer and wine.

Price 750,- per person by min 5. persons. Suitable for a total group of 5-8 people

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Mjøstråkk part of the route Hurdal-Minnesund

Cycling around Mjøsa lets you experience the beautiful cultural landscape up close, with rolling fields and green hills. Along the way, you’ll pass many well-known and hidden attractions that are worth a stop. Mjøstråkk is so much more than just a bike ride!

One of the segments on the western side of Mjøsa is the stage from Hurdal to Minnesund

This route can be summed up as straight up – and straight down! From Hurdalsjøen, the road climbs steadily for four kilometers up Minneåsvegen, through the forest to Tisjøen. After a short distance, you descend toward Mjøsa in a similarly long hill. Be aware that this hill has several sharp turns – so it’s important to control your speed. Good brakes are essential! Once you reach Byrudsvegen, it’s just two flat kilometers to Minnesund.

Since this stage is fairly short, some may want to take a detour from Tisjøen up to Mistberget, 663 meters above sea level. This is the second-highest peak in Eidsvoll municipality. Near the summit, there’s a firetower you can climb for a fantastic view over the Romerike region. The detour to Mistberget is 3.8 km one way – all uphill.

Once you've made it down all the hills, you’re just a few hundred meters from the Emerald Mines – a perfect place to stop for coffee and a snack – and maybe even hunt for one of the world’s rarest gemstones.

On the way down to Minnesund, near the bridges, you’ll also find Mjøssamlingene – where you can learn about the history of life and boats on Mjøsa.

To get down to Eidsvoll Station, you can take the shortest route, 11 km, on the west side of the Vorma river, via Trondheimsveien and Eidsvollsveien on National Cycle Route 7. If you prefer a longer and more hilly route (Fv177), 14 km, on the east side of Vorma, you’ll mostly avoid traffic noise from the E6 highway.

Historical detour to Eidsvoll Manor

On your way to Eidsvoll Manor, you can stop by Loftet Farm Shop – previously named one of the best in Norway. And if you still have some energy left, consider visiting Eidsvoll 1814, where you can learn more about the history that shaped Norwegian democracy. You can also stop by Eidsvoll Bygdetun, the local heritage museum, on your way to Eidsvoll 1814.

If you're still up for more activity, you can also visit Interpadel or the indoor climbing park Høyt Under Taket in Letohallen.

If you need a good night’s sleep before continuing your journey and want to explore more of what Eidsvoll has to offer, spend the night at Best Western Leto Arena, so you’re rested and ready for the next stage.

More information can be found on Mjøstråkk’s official website, which contains everything you need – including maps https://en.visitostnorge.no/mjostrakk

This site contains all the information you need to plan an exciting cycling adventure along Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake.

We have divided Mjøstråkk into 7 legs, and have described the route in the anti-clockwise direction with Minnesund / Eidsvoll as starting point. It is of course up to you where you choose to start, which direction you opt for, and whether you cycle the entire route or just pick parts of this stunning Mjøsa experience.

A detailed map can be purchased for NOK 150 at tourist offices around Mjøsa and at some hotels. The map includes route info, elevation profiles, tips on accommodation, dining, and attractions along the route.

GPS data for the entire route can be downloaded here:

– Download Mjøstråkk as a .GPX file

Transportation

If you’d like to combine your bike trip with a ride on Skibladner, the white swan of Mjøsa, you can bring your bike on board. Due to limited space, it's best to book in advance. Send an email to skibladner@skibladner.no.

If you're arriving in the Mjøsa region by train, you can also bring your bike on board. For example, you can start cycling from Eidsvoll Station and head north from there.

In our region, the Dovre Line runs from Oslo S to Eidsvoll, Hamar, Brumunddal, and Lillehammer. There are limited bike spaces on the trains, so remember to reserve in advance! Call VY at 815 00 888 or check their website.

Welcome – and have a great trip!

Information from Visit Greater Oslo

The Strawberry peak in Lommedalen – hiking tour

Experience the beautiful scenery around Oslo – we guide you to places where you have the feeling of being totally "alone". Scenic trip to to the "Strawberry peak" north in Lommedalen where you´ll experience the most beautiful view of the Lommedalen and out through the Oslo Fjord. We make bonfires and enjoy light food and something hot to drink during the cold season.

Approximately 2 hours walk from the By bus stop in Lommedalen. 2 km hilly road, and about 2 km steady climb to the top of the trail. A total of about 6 hours of hiking.

Meetingplace at By in Lommedalen. Access by own car / transport (good parking facilities) or by bus from Oslo, which takes about 1 hour from the center of Oslo.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo