The Capital of Norway’s Sporty Profile

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Oslomarka, the capital of Norway’s sporty profile, is due in part to the closeness of outdoor recreation. One side, there’s the fjord, a broad, sheltered expanse of water ideal for windsurfing and boating. On the other side a huge woodland recreation area known as Oslomarka (Oslo’s fields).

Oslomarka covers some 1,700-sq km (656-sq-miles). Here there are 2,600-km (1,600-miles) of ski trails marked with red-painted slashes on trees and rings round sign-posts at trail intersections.

The Capital of Norway’s Sporty Profile
Map of Oslomarka

Related: After-Ski in Oslo

The Capital of Norway’s Sporty Profile
The total length of the summer-rime walking trails is even longer. They are marked in blue, the difference being that red-marked trails can cross lakes and marshes frozen in winter, while blue-marked trails cannot.

The Capital of Norway’s Sporty Profile
Tryvannsstua, Nordmarka

Some 110-km (68-miles) of these trails are illuminated until 10pm for night skiing, with their trailheads at car parks or underground stations, for ease after-dark access. At the illuminated trails, as well as some 500-km (300-miles) of other trails, are regularly maintained with tracks set by machine.

The Capital of Norway’s Sporty Profile
Bjørnesjøen (Bear Lake) in Nordmarka

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Cross-country skiing
Trail use is free, as cross-country skiing is regarded as part of public recreation. Along the trails, there are some 44 staffed lodges with lounges, cafeterias and toilets, most are open at weekends, and during school holidays, and in winter, some are open in the evening.

The Capital of Norway’s Sporty Profile
The Kikut view in Nordmarka

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There are also 16 Alpine ski lift hills and 48 ski jumps.

For more information click here.

The Capital of Norway’s Sporty Profile, written by Tor Kjolberg