Experience Oslo by bike

Norway is known for its many scenic bicycle routes, but you don’t have to travel out of 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.

The man knows what he’s talking about. Wold is the author of “Oslo on bike”, and has for the last 25 years seen almost everything the city has to offer from the seat of his bicycle.

But what makes Oslo such a bike-friendly city?

Norway’s capital combines nature and city life in a great way – with short distances between the city centre and the countryside. In only a day you will get familiar with the city.

“Oslo is not particularly large compared to other big cities, so it is nice to cycle here. In addition, the climate is bike-friendly. The temperature rarely exceeds 25°C”, Wold explains.

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 “green” traveller in Norway’s capital. Hotels and local businesses often have rental bikes, and a lot of work has been done to make the two-wheeled transport a safe alternative.

“Today many of the city’s streets have separate bicycle lanes. Oslo as a cycling city gets better and better every year”, says Wold.

If you are in Oslo, don't miss Wold’s recommendations on different routes where you can experience many of the city’s highlights.

Idyllic Bygdøy is a peninsula on the west side of the city centre. This is basically a residential area, but the area is also known for its many popular museums, cafes, beaches, and – of course – trails for both walking and cycling.

One moment you can explore some of Norway’s greatest historical treasures at the Viking Museum or the Folk Museum, and the next you can take a dip from one of the best beaches the city has to offer.

This is a gentle 7,5 kilometre long ride through beautiful cultural landscape. Along the way you’ll propably see animals on pasture and impressive buildings such as the Oscarshall castle, which is the royal family’s summer palace.

The surrounding forest of Bygdøyskogen has many different cycling trails if you want varieties of the trip.

Start/end: Skøyen station
Distance: 7,5 kilometres
Level: Easy

Do you want to experience the countryside within the big city? Rent a bike, bring your camera, and feel the fresh air on this trip around 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 photogenic spots, such as the ruins after the Margareta Church or one of the many viewpoints around the lake.

If you want a slightly less hilly route, you can choose the road instead of the cycling trail.

Start/end: Brekkekrysset close to Maridalsvannet or Kjelsås station
Distance: 13 kilometres
Level: Medium