Private Nature Walk: Forest to Fjord

Step off the metro into the world’s largest urban forest to experience one of the best Oslo nature tours. Just fifteen minutes from the city centre, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering pine trees and looking out at some of the best views of a European city from above. Walk through the dense “marka” enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the city’s winter ski area and admiring typical wooden architecture like the landmark farm Frognerseteren along the way. Your guide will lead you to the locals’ secret spots like the Vettakollen viewpoint and for a swim in the pristine Sognsvann lake. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a moose!

On this Oslo walking tour, we’ll start with a metro ride through the hills of the city and into the dense pine forest – you’ll be impressed by how quickly the cityscape gives way to the wilderness. We’ll travel from sea level to a point nearly 500 meters (1,500 feet) above the city and the fjords, allowing us to gaze out at some of the area’s best views.

We’ll then arrive in the Oslo “marka” and navigate rocky passages and walking trails as we make our way up to the viewpoint of Vettakollen, a “locals only” destination for one of the best views in all of Oslo. Along the way, your guide will tell you all about Norwegian culture and history and you’ll make stops at landmarks such as the historic farm of Frognerseteren – a typical example of Norwegian wooden architecture which now serves as a charming café.

We can include an optional stop at the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump tower – a “must” for any ski enthusiast or adrenaline seeker. This stop depends on time and the fitness of the group as it adds 2 extra kilometres of uphill hiking.

We’ll enjoy life’s simple pleasures by picking berries and stopping for a picnic lunch atop the summit looking out over the fjords below. We challenge you to find a restaurant with a better view! After lunch, we’ll head down to Sognsvann, one of Oslo’s prettiest lakes and a popular spot with locals who come to relax and cool off in the refreshing water. We’ll take a well-deserved dip in the pristine waters after our walk. The metro is just next to the lake so you have easy access back to the city at the end of the tour.