10 Peaceful Running Routes In Oslo

Oslo is a city inhabited by Norwegians, and Norwegians love to keep active; in fact, people can practically go for a run almost everywhere, take in the vibrant buildings, and the hustle and bustle of the everyday life without having to worry about things like traffic or air pollution. For those who would rather be alone with their thoughts and with nature while running, however, the following routes are both serene and will get the heart pumping.

Østmarka

Forest

A big forest region at the east side of Oslo, Østmarka may feel overwhelming at first (after all, it covers 256 square kilometres (about 99 square miles) ), but look closely and see the specific blue marks for hiking to safely follow. There are also swimming spots for those who want to wash off afterward and many cabins for those who want to spend the night.

Frogner Park

Park

This huge park right in the heart of the city is like a Matryoshka doll with many surprises nesting inside it. It’s inside Frogner Park that the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park is located. Run between them or between the rose bushes—find Norway’s biggest rose collection of roses (14,000 plants from 150 different species) in the park as well. There’s an open-air pool to swim in afterward, located in the Majorstua Corner.

Akerselva River Trail

Park

Starting at Maridalsvannet Lake and ending at Vaterland Park in the center of the city, follow the trail of the Akerselva River for a running route that will be both serene and interesting.

Bygdøy

Museum

Just west of the center of Oslo, a 15-minute ferry boat ride lies the peninsula of Bygdøy. Here, apart from the Viking Museum (and several other museums), are Oslo’s two amazing beaches, Huk and Paradisbukta. Run across Paradisbukta’s sandy shoreline with the accompaniment of the sound of waves and feel at peace in no time.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Garden

Find Oslo’s Botanical Gardens right across the street from the Munch Museum. If running amid exotic plants, greenhouses, and woven sculptures sound like the perfect way to decompress and perhaps get inspired, that’s because it is.

Akershus Fortress

Archaeological site

Want to run back to the past? It’s totally doable by going for a run inside the Akershus Fortress. The medieval castle will be the perfect backdrop for a run and might even inspire a Game of Thrones fantasy or two. Better run fast.

Nordmarka Forest

Forest

This one may not technically be in Oslo, but it’s just 20-30 minutes from Oslo’s city center. This huge forest and wilderness area has some clearly marked routes for running or hiking, lakes that are ideal for swimming, and all the desirable views to take in while doing all that.

Ekeberg Park

Park

Oslo certainly loves its sculpture parks—and Ekebergparken is one of them. Run among statues and trees inside the beautiful, national heritage park, and even fuel up in one of the park’s restaurants if the feeling hits.

St. Hanshaugen Park

Park

Since it was featured in one of the episodes of hit Norwegian TV series SKAM, St. Hanshaugen Park has been part of the ‘pilgrimage’ that diehard fans of the show have been making all around the city. But that’s no reason to avoid it: the park is big enough a quiet route to run in, and the views of the city will make it worth running there.

Bogstad

Bogstad is more than a place to run: it’s a destination. (It’s also a brilliant idea for a date.) There’s a fully furnished manor from the 1800s, a farm, a café, and, more importantly, several trails to run or walk on.

About the author

Danai Christopoulou

Danai is a writer and editor by day, a tarot card reader by night, and a cat person, 24/7. Born in Athens, Greece, Danai spent the last 5 years as the Editorial Director of Savoteur in NYC before deciding to relocate to Scandinavia and learn how to forage berries. When not covering all things Norway for Culture Trip or all things relationships for Marie Claire, she enjoys watching superhero shows, baking cakes for loved ones and trying to live each day as magically as possible. Want to share ideas for cool features, or just cat videos? Reach out at danai.christo@gmail.com