Apr 4, 2025

Walk to Vettakollen Oslo

Hike with city view

"The "Walk to Vettakollen": one of my favorites in Oslo's woody Marka. For the complete Norwegian experience, pack a picnic with oranges and a Kvikk Lunsj!"

Oslo is surrounded by forested hills, a sacred place for us locals which we use for exercise, relaxing and just to escape. And the best of all is that this area, Marka, is just a short subway or bike ride away.

In winter the main activity in this area is cross-country skiing but in the summer it is a mecca for running, walking and biking. One of my favourites is to head up to Vettakollen. The signposted trail starts by Sognsvann lake (take the the subway to Sognsvann and take the path to the left just by the shop by the lake and then left again) and it’s about 4km to the top, which opens up to one of the best views of Oslo. To the west you see the skijump arena at Holmenkollen, looking down from above! You can also go directly from the Vettakollen subway station.

For the complete Norwegian experience, pack a little picnic with some oranges, a thermos with hot coffee and the Kvikk Lunsj chocolate bar to eat at the top!

From the top there are a few options back down, I tend to tend back to Sognsvann but you can also go to Vettakollen subway station or continue over to Holmenkollen (all signposted).

The trail is a mix of gravel path and more rough paths and may be wet so wear good solid shoes. The Norwegian Tourist Association has just opened a new cabin near the summit, designed by Snøhetta - well worth a visit!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Vettakollen

NOK

free

Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Oslo guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Oslo

The Botanical Garden

Magic green hideaway

Situated between Tøyen and Sofienberg, just a 2-minute walk from Tøyen metro station, one can find the most magical park in Oslo: "The Botanical Garden"...

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Eva

Taucar

Apr 26, 2025

Territoriet

Cosy intimate wine bar

"Territoriet" in Oslo is a small and intimate wine bar that makes me feel like I'm sitting in my own living room - just with one of 400 different wines!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Eva

Taucar

Apr 26, 2025

Klimahuset

Climate, architecture & a lot of wood

"Klimahuset" is the newest addition to my favorite place in Oslo, the botanical garden. It's an innovative building & a knowledge center for climate change

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Eva

Taucar

Apr 26, 2025

Mathallen

Food in the spotlight

"Mathallen" is Oslo's indoor food market. With close to 30 cafes, eateries and specialty shops under its roof, It hides a lot of treasures for food lovers!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Eva

Taucar

Apr 26, 2025

Skyspace

Fantastic light installation

"Skyspace" in Ekebergparken, in Oslo, is one of the most unique art experiences I have ever had! Amazing how light & space can play tricks with the mind!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Eva

Taucar

Apr 26, 2025

Reading Booth

The world´s smallest library

These tiny reading sanctuaries are open 24/7 to anyone passionate about books. All the books are cost-free, and usually in good condition.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Synne

Dalen

Apr 24, 2025

Nordic Black Theater

African heritage in Norway

"Nordic Black Theater" goes to show how Oslo is a very multicultural city: this theater and cultural venue specializes in artists from the Global South...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Apr 24, 2025

Ullevål Hageby

True hyggelig neighborhood

"Ullevål Hageby" in Oslo was inspired by the English concept of the Garden City. Originally meant for the working class, today it makes for a cozy walk!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Apr 24, 2025

Melahuset

The home of Melafestivalen

"Melahuset" is one of the flagships of Oslo's live music scene and home of the famous Melafestivalen...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Apr 24, 2025

Bonita Blomster

Coffee and Flowers

For over a decade, this Colombian family has been importing long-stemmed roses and coffee beans from Bogotá to Oslo, ensuring optimal quality & freshness.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Synne

Dalen

Apr 20, 2025

SebastienBruno

Sugar paradise

Immerse yourself in the French chocolate craftsmanship, where each bite tells a tale of creativity, and a commitment to redefining the chocolate landscape.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Synne

Dalen

Apr 20, 2025

Bogstadgård

A historical pearl in West Oslo

"Bogstadgård" is an impressive, historic manor from the 18th c. It combines what I like about Oslo: beautiful architecture, surrounded by forests.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Apr 20, 2025

Heading to Oslo?

115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Oslo?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

115 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Oslo

Our team loves Oslo

Get to know our other Spotters from Oslo

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7288
Filters