Running in Oslo

If you live in or are coming to Oslo, we have setup another publication with trail guides so you can explore what Oslo’s trails have to best offer. The guides are in Norwegian only — but GPX files are available for download.

Head to Stiløping i Oslo.

Stirsdag (trail Tuesday)

Every Tuesday at 18:00 we meet at Disen tram stop for a group run up to Grefsenkollen and further into the trails of Lillomarka, finishing at Kjelsås tram stop. Everyone is invited. You can find out more about it at stirsdag.no.

Other useful tips:

• Oslo is surrounded by forests, locally known as marka. E.g.: Lillomarka, Nordmarka and Østmarka.
• Most of them, if not all, are well served by public transportation.
• Many trails are marked in blue or red colours.
  * Red marked trails are cross-country ski tracks — during winter, and wider to gravel road trails during summer.
  * Blue are — mainly — off-road trails.
• During summer, some red trails can be trickier than they look. Due to their “flat” nature or swampy like soil, they tend to accumulate more water and turn quite muddy, even if haven’t rained in a while.
• Spread across all markas you can find some cabins serving food and drinks — make sure to check opening hours beforehand.
• Some translations:
  * Marka: forest, woodlands;
  * Sti: trail (single track);
  * Løypa: trail (gravel roads);
  * Lysløypa: public illuminated trails;
  * Skiløypa: (cross-country) ski prepped tracks;
  * Myr: swamp, but also moss.
  * Hytta: a cabin;
  * [something]stua: “stua” means living room, but in many cases it is a cabin that serves food and drinks. Don’t count on places ending with “stua” that they will be serving food, it is a good indication though;
• During winter, avoid running on ski tracks. Skiers often get angry at anyone “ruining” prepped tracks. If you have to run give preferences to skiers and try running in between tracks.
• Overall mobile coverage in the “markas” is great. Although, do realise that there are spots where signals are weak to none.
• Check the weather forecast before going for a run. Yr.no is Norway’s official meteorological office website.
• Emergency numbers:
  Fire and Rescue Services 110
  Police 112

Have fun!