Experience Oslo by bike

Oslo is an ideal city for cycling, with short distances between the vibrant city life and untouched nature. Here are three routes where you can discover many of the capital’s highlights.

Pedalling through Norway’s capital

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 OsloBy.Bike, and during the last 25 years, he has seen almost everything the city has to offer from the seat of his bicycle.

Portrait of cycle expert Øyvind Wold, Norway

Øyvind Wold.
Photo: Øyvind Wold

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 degrees Celsuis,” 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,” Wold says.

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

Just read up on bike safety before you go – and always use a helmet.

Oslo city bike

With Oslo city bike, it’s easy to explore Oslo on two wheels.

Use your phone to unlock bikes at more than 100 stations in and around the city centre. If a rack is full or empty, the next one is often close by.

You can use the same bike for up to 45 minutes, and you may then pick up another bike at the same or any other bike station.

Take advantage of Oslo’s city bikes Show Less

Two cyclists on Sørenga in Oslo, Eastern Norway

Cycling in Oslo.
Photo: Kristoffer Heiskel Klakegg / Making Waves

Here are Wold’s three tips on cycling routes you should try in Oslo.

Oslo’s harbour promenade

Oslo harbour promenade (Havnepromenaden) ties the city together from east to west and stretches nine kilometres along the city’s waterfront.

Including some of Norway’s most famous buildings, the harbour promenade is an ideal route for those who want city sightseeing at a leisurely pace.

During the nine-kilometre long promenade, you can 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 different heights and widths.

And be prepared – you are going to get hungry on this trip. The smell of fresh, local food from some of Oslo’s most exciting restaurants will follow you along the promenade. Here you can be sure to find culinary experiences that will fit your budget.

Start/end: Kongshavn at the exit of the Alnaelva river/Frognerkilen
Distance: 9 kilometres
Level: Easy, this route is flat and covered with asphalt

Aker brygge and Tjuvholmen in Oslo, Eastern Norway

Aker brygge and Tjuvholmen.
Photo: Tord Baklund / VisitOSLO

Around the Bygdøy peninsula

Idyllic Bygdøy is a peninsula on the west side of the city centre. This is basically a residential area, but is also known for its many popular museums, cafes, beaches, and forest 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 a beautiful cultural landscape. Along the way, you’ll probably 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

A bicycle in front of the summer house castle Oscarshall in Oslo, Eastern Norway

Oscarshall in Oslo.
Photo: Didrick Stenersen / VisitOSLO

Around the Maridalsvannet lake

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 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 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

A person cycling in the Maridalen valley in Oslo, Eastern Norway

Cycling in Maridalen, Oslo.
Photo: Øyvind Wold

Øyvind Wold.
Photo: Øyvind Wold

Øyvind Wold

Øyvind is an experienced cyclist that works for the Norwegian Cyclists’ Association. He has written several books and also works as a freelance writer/photographer for several Norwegian cycling and wildlife magazines.

Oslo city bike

With Oslo city bike, it’s easy to explore Oslo on two wheels.

Use your phone to unlock bikes at more than 100 stations in and around the city centre. If a rack is full or empty, the next one is often close by.

You can use the same bike for up to 45 minutes, and you may then pick up another bike at the same or any other bike station.

Safety on two wheels

When cycling on the roads in Norway, the same rules and road signs apply to you as to cars and other vehicles: Keep to the right, give way to those coming from your right, always wear a helmet and don’t drink and bike.