Fun outdoor adventure inside and outside Oslo, Norway
Hiking, skiing, biking, and Oslo fjord site seeing are just a few of the fun outdoor activities you can do in and out of Oslo, Norway.
If you are looking for adventures that you can do as a family or as a solo traveler in and out of Oslo, then this is for you.
Welcome to our travel blog. In this article, we have listed fun activities and adventures you can have in and around Oslo city. This Scandinavian city is the most crowded city in Norway. Known for its beautiful scenery, lively culture, and rich history, Oslo is a destination that won’t disappoint you.
Whether you’re looking to travel alone, with friends, or with family, you’ll find plenty of exciting activities to keep you and everyone busy.
One of the must-do adventures in Oslo is to try skiing. If you’re visiting Oslo in the wintertime, then skiing should be on your activity list. Or biking, hiking, and swimming if you are traveling in Oslo during the warmer season.
If you want to get out of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Oslo, you can take a trip to Oslomarka, the forest, and hills that surround the beautiful city. You can take long walks, hike, bike, or ski and slide during the winter.
Additionally, you can take a day trip to the nearby fjords which are easily accessible by ferry. The fjords, with their rugged landscapes, offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and are definitely worth a visit.
Overall, there is so much to see and do in and around Oslo, whether you’re interested in culture, history, or nature, and we’re excited to share with you below the best adventures inside and outside of Oslo city.
Head to this blog for more Oslo activities you can do.
Outdoor activities to do in and out of Oslo: Oslo Fun Adventure
1. Hiking in the mountains near Oslo
The mountains near Oslo offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, with miles of trails that wind through forests, along bodies of water like calm and inviting lakes.
If you’re planning a day hike, there are plenty of shorter trails that can be tackled in a few hours, or you can opt for a multi-day trek that takes you deeper into the wilderness.
No matter what type of hike you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a map or GPS device, and always let someone know your route before you set off.
These are some of the popular forests and mountains around Oslo that you can hike, cycle, or ski if you are visiting during the winter.
- Nordmarka: This is a large forest area located to the north of the city. It is a popular spot for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
- Oslomarka: This is a huge green lush forest area that surrounds the city. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure then schedule a day to trail Oslomarka.
- Holmenkollen: Holmenkollen is not just known for ski jumping but a surrounding forest is also a perfect option for hiking. This is a hill located to the northwest of the city.
- Maridalen: This is a valley located to the northeast of the city and is a suburb of Kjelsås, known for its lakes and natural beauty. You won’t go wrong in opting to trek Maridalen as it consists of a vast calm lake, agricultural land, and towering trees in the forest that is perfect for any outdoor recreation.
2. Skiing in the winter
With its cold, snowy winters, Oslo is an excellent destination for skiing, with a number of ski resorts located within and nearby Oslo. Some of the best skiing resorts are a few hours drive away from the city. There are several places to ski near Oslo, Norway.
Some popular options include:
- Holmenkollen Ski Jump: This world-famous ski jump is just a 26 minutes ride from the city center by taking the metro (going to Frognerseteren) to Holmenkollen and a few minutes walk going to the ski jump area.
- Oslo Winter Park (Skimore) is formerly known as Tryvann Vinterpark. This ski resort is located just a short drive from Oslo and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding.
- Norefjell Ski Resort: This resort is located more or less 2 hours from Oslo and offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Norefjell has been the venue of the 1952 Olympic alpine skiing events.
- Høgevarde: A ski resort which is located is also located in the Norefjell mountain and is the second highest peak. Diverse winter activities like cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, etc can be enjoyed here.
- Golsfjellet: Located between Hallingdal, Hemsedal and Valdres. It is about 2hrs and 30 mins and it is known for its cross-country ski trails, it is a popular destination for backcountry skiers and snowshoers. You can enjoy many winter activities here and also have a relaxing weekend in one of the cozy accommodations nearby.
TIPS: It is best to check the latest condition of the ski slopes and the opening hours of each ski resort before heading out. It’s also good to note that the ski season in Norway typically runs from December to April, but this can vary depending on the snow conditions.
3. Water sports on the Oslofjord
With its location on the coast, Oslo is an excellent destination for water sports enthusiasts. The fjord is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddling, and other activities, with calm waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
When planning a day on the water, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, and consider having a local friend to help you navigate the area and point out interesting sights along the way.
In addition to water sports, there are also plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, such as fishing and just simply taking a sun bath in one of Oslos beach areas. Take note that Oslos does not have wide beaches as compared to other tropical countries, but they do have small charming seaside areas where tourists and locals can enjoy grilling, swimming, kayaking, and the like.
4. Biking or Cycling in and around the city
Oslo is a bike-friendly city, with a network of trails and routes. This makes it easy to explore the city on two wheels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through the park or a more challenging off-road adventure, there’s a route to suit every level of rider.
The city center is relatively flat, making it easy to navigate by bike, and there are plenty of bike lanes and routes that take you through the park and along the coast. For a more challenging bike adventure, you can head into the nearby hills surrounding the city, where you’ll find a network of trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
TIPS: When planning a bike trip in Oslo, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a good quality bike that is well-suited to the type of riding you’ll be doing. If you don’t have your own bike, there are rental bikes in the city. Additionally, be sure to wear safety gear and follow all traffic laws and safety guidelines while riding.
As you explore the city by bike, there are plenty of must-see sights and landmarks to check out along the way. Some popular destinations include the Opera House, Aker Brygge, The Royal Palace, Vigeland’s Park, and many more. Explore and get to know Oslo through cycling.
Moreover, if you do not want to use a bicycle, then you can explore this gorgeous city with a scooter. There are tons of scooters for rent on every corner of the city. You can easily download the scooter app and use it to have a day of wonderful city adventure.
In conclusion, Oslo is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities to choose from including hiking, skiing, water sports, and biking. The outdoor activities you can do in and out of Oslo, Norway depends on the season you are visiting this amazing place.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day in the city or a more challenging adventure in the surrounding wilderness, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful Scandinavian country.
Depending on the season you are visiting Oslo, there are fun activities and adventures you can do in Oslo any time of the year. So pack your gear, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore the great outdoors in Oslo.
