Oslo is an ideal city for cycling, with short distances between vibrant city life and beautiful nature. Here are three routes that take you past many of the capital’s highlights.
Experience Oslo by bike
Biking in Oslo
Norway is known for its many scenic bicycle routes, but you don’t have to travel outside the big city to go on a bike adventure.
“It’s great to cycle in Oslo, and tourists can experience a lot on two wheels,” says Øyvind Wold.
Over the past 25 years, he has seen almost everything the city has to offer from the seat of his bicycle, and he’s even written a book about it, På sykkel i Oslo (“Oslo by Bike”).
What makes Oslo such a bike-friendly city?
“Oslo is not particularly large compared to other big cities, so it's nice to cycle here. In addition, the climate is bike-friendly. The temperature rarely exceeds 25 degrees Celsius,” says Wold.
Such things don’t go unnoticed. The interest for cycling in Norway has skyrocketed in the last few years, and both locals and tourists on two wheels are a common sight in the cityscape. In other words, it’s very easy to be a more responsible traveller in Norway’s capital. Hotels and local businesses often have rental bikes.
“Many of the city’s streets have separate bicycle lanes. Oslo as a cycling city gets better and better every year,” says Wold.
Cycling routes in Oslo
Here are Wold's top three bike routes you should try in the capital:
1. Oslo’s harbour promenade
Start/end: Kongshavn at the mouth of the Alnaelva river/Frognerkilen
Distance: 9 kilometres
Level: Easy, this route is flat and paved
Oslo harbour promenade (Havnepromenaden) runs along the city’s waterfront from east to west.
The route includes some of Norway’s most iconic buildings and is ideal for sightseeing at a leisurely pace.
Experience everything from famous museums and historic buildings to modern landmarks like The Oslo Opera House, The Astrup Fearnley Museum, and Bjørvika Barcode, an area consisting of several narrow high-rise buildings of differing heights and widths (that together form a striking barcode).
And be prepared – you are going to get hungry on this trip. You may notice the scent of fresh, local food from some of Oslo’s most exciting restaurants along the promenade. Here, you can be sure to find culinary experiences that fit your tastebuds (and budget).
2. Around the Bygdøy peninsula
Start/end: Skøyen station
Distance: 7.5 kilometres
Level: Easy
Idyllic Bygdøy is a peninsula on the west side of the city centre. Although it is essentially a residential area, it is also known for its many popular museums, cafés, beaches, and forest trails for both walking and cycling.
Explore some of Norway’s key historical treasures at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and enjoy a dip at one of the best beaches the city has to offer.
This is a gentle ride through a beautiful cultural landscape. Along the way, you can see grazing livestock and impressive buildings such as the Oscarshall Castle, which is the royal family’s summer palace.
The surrounding forest of Bygdøyskogen also has many different cycling trails to explore.
3. Around Maridalsvannet lake
Start/end: The Brekkekrysset junction close to Maridalsvannet or Kjelsås station
Distance: 13 kilometres
Level: Moderate
Do you want to experience the countryside while staying inside the big city? Rent a bike, bring your camera, and breathe in the fresh air on this trip around the Maridalsvannet lake.
Follow the trail through a large and open cultural landscape on both sides of the water. Along the way, you will see several Instagrammable spots, such as the ruins of the Margareta Church and the many viewpoints around the lake.
If you want a slightly less hilly route, you can take the road instead of the cycle trail.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.