Nøklevannet Oslo
Nature sprinkled with blueberries
Looking at European capitals from an urbanistic point of view, they all strive to bring, more or less successfully, nature inside the city. Or describing it abstractly: we have an urban environment with spots of green in it. With Oslo, I feel it is quite the opposite - what we have is nature with patches of city in it. In fact, we are living inside a big forest dotted with lakes, some very pristine and untouched, others easily accessible and with more of an urban touch.
Nøklevannet lake is one of my favourites and is located on the east side of the city. One can reach it from Haraløkka parking or a short walk from Bøler subway station. It has a neat little bathing area called Bråten badeplass, with a small sandy beach for children and wheelchair access. The water in summer usually gets super warm and is a perfect option for those who find jumping into the Norwegian sea too extreme.
A zillion forest trails criss-cross the area that are interesting to explore on foot, by bike or on skis (the latter I would only recommend in combination with snow). In summer, you can expect to stumble upon big areas of blueberry bushes; in winter you might be welcomed by the northern lights.
I strongly urge you to take a break from downtown and go have a small taste of Norwegian nature - all its shades and seasons are equally impressive.
About this spot
Rustadsaga
NOK
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Oslo guide.
Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Oslo
Himkok – Mini-world of many pleasures
"Himkok" Oslo is a place I find something new each time I visit - a new bar, a barber shop, a live concert... Impossible not to leave full of good spirits!
By
Glenn
Wells
Kampen Bistro – A shrine to the palate
If I could recommend only one place for food lovers to visit in Oslo, it would be Kampen Bistro. I love the atmosphere, the leisurely pace, the food...
By
Glenn
Wells
Oslo Mikrobryggeri – Granddaddy of 'em all!
"Oslo Mikrobryggeri bar" has been serving up beer brewed on location since 1989, and has basically stayed unchanged since. Its atmosphere is its real quality.
By
Glenn
Wells
Café Fiasco – Sit back and watch the world go by
"Café Fiasco" is next to Oslo Plaza and the perfect spot for watching all kinds of stories unfold. It's also one of my favorite burger joints around.
By
Glenn
Wells
Café Laundromat – Good, clean fun
It has an open area vibe with plenty of space so that you can be left alone to do as you please. It's also a good spot for a casual meet-up with friends.
By
Glenn
Wells
View over Oslo – Munch's "The Scream" setting
The "View Over Oslo" from the side towards the plateau of Ekeberg, is much better than where most tourists go to, namely Holmenkollen, and the locals know!
By
Glenn
Wells
Kampen Økologiske Barnebondegård – Fun for kids
"Kampen Økologiske Barnebondegård" just outside Oslo is a quaint farm/petting zoo oasis where kids can interact with animals and learn about farms & ecology.
By
Glenn
Wells
The Botanical Garden – Oslo's urban oasis
"The Botanical Garden" in Oslo is an oasis for both young & old. It's a lush, expansive area that will appeal to all visitors but particularly to children!
By
Glenn
Wells
Lakrids by Bülow – Licorice delights
What sets Lakrids by Bülow apart from traditional licorice is the innovative range of flavors that have captured the hearts of connoisseurs worldwide.
By
Synne
Dalen
Gutta På Haugen – For culinary delights
Take your culinary exploration a step further with gourmet items like Russian caviar, truffle-infused products, French pâté, snails, or Japanese tea.
By
Synne
Dalen
Too Good to Go – Save the delicious unsold buns!
"Too Good to Go" is an app in Oslo where you can go pick up unsold produce in a surprise bag from bakeries, juiceries, cheese shops and more!
By