At 379 metres above sea level, with amazing views of Oslo and its surroundings, lies Grefsenkollen, a restaurant and terrace just a short (but steep) hike from the city.
The restaurant is known for good food and wine, but my favourite is the terrace outside, which is open in the spring, summer and early fall. Here you can enjoy a yummy pizza in beautiful surroundings. Try the reindeer pizza with white sauce and lingonberries, it’s a treat. To reward yourself after the hike, you should also have an utepils (the Norwegian tradition of drinking beer outside as soon as the weather allows it). If it’s cold or rainy, you can sit at the covered terrace with heating lamps and blankets or go inside Over Oslo bar which is open all year and also serves pizza.
Grefsenkollen hosts cultural events throughout the year, from intimate concerts to wine tasting and quiz nights. In June, the Over Oslo music festival takes place here. Highly recommended if you can get tickets.
The easiest way to get there is to take bus 56 from Nydalen metro to Akebakken and walk up the trail (steep, but surrounded by forest) or the road (the easy way). On Saturdays and Sundays you can take bus 56B from Nydalen and all the way up, but I highly recommend hiking either up or down. It only takes about 30 minutes, and you know what rewards will be waiting for you when you get up; beer, pizza and amazing views.
