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Ring 4 is perhaps the most famous gravel route in Nordmarka, a ride that perfectly captures the essence of Oslo’s vast forest wilderness. Starting with a gradual climb, the route winds its way from the city’s edge into deep, pine-covered hills. The first stretch, about 10 kilometres, is lively with dog walkers, hikers, and fellow cyclists, all enjoying the easy access to nature that Oslo is known for. But as you venture further in, the crowds fade, the forest thickens, and a calm, almost timeless atmosphere settles in, a reminder of why Nordmarka holds such a special place in Norwegian culture.
For those who want to turn the ride into a small adventure, there are several spots to wild camp beside quiet lakes and add a few kilometres to your route, or you can book a room at the famous cabin at Kikutstua for a more comfortable night. Either way, stopping at one or two of the forest cafés along the route is part of the ritual. Order a cup of freshly ground coffee or a warm pastry, and sit back to take in the view; this is, after all, what many Norwegians proudly call their “back garden.”
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Ring 4’s gravel roads are well-managed and maintained year-round. Many local riders will even fit studded tyres and keep riding through winter. For most visitors, though, the snow-free season runs from early May to late October, and even into November when the weather stays mild. In summer, a refreshing swim in one of the many forest lakes is an essential part of the experience.
From the centre of Oslo, you can either cycle up to the popular lake of Sognsvann on the outskirts of the city, where the forest roads begin. Alternatively, you can take the city subway (T-bane) from Oslo S with your bike to the last stop (Sognsvann) on line 6.
The gravel roads are mainly car-free. However, at weekends during the warmer months, expect a lot of foot and bike traffic on the paths. Bikes can be coming at speed from the other direction, and you’ll need to pay attention and keep to your right to prevent any possible accidents.
– Sorensen Sykler Oslo (Gravel)
– Oslo Velo (Gravel)
– Rouleurs of Oslo (Gravel)
– Oslo Bike Rental (MTB, Road, E-bike & Gravel)
Matthew Tolley, Founder of Cycle Norway
The legendary forest cabin features a fantastic café, restaurant, and simple overnight accommodation. When the main cabin is closed, a self-service room remains open, offering a fridge full of cold drinks, hot drinks, and local snacks. Payment through Vipps or cash.
The legendary forest cabin features a fantastic café, restaurant, and simple overnight accommodation. When the main cabin is closed, a self-service room remains open, offering a fridge full of cold drinks, hot drinks, and local snacks. Payment through Vipps or cash.
At both Kikutstua and Bjørnsjøen cabins, you can rent a canoe for 24 hours or longer. Just make sure to visit during opening hours or call ahead to reserve one. It’s a great way to mix up your cycling trip with some time on the water and a bit of upper-body exercise. If you really want to experience Nordmarka at its best, try the “Nordmarka på langs i kano” - a three-day canoe adventure through some of the forest’s most beautiful and remote lakes. Bikes can be safely left at the cabins while you’re out paddling.
At both Kikutstua and Bjørnsjøen cabins, you can rent a canoe for 24 hours or longer. Just make sure to visit during opening hours or call ahead to reserve one. It’s a great way to mix up your cycling trip with some time on the water and a bit of upper-body exercise. If you really want to experience Nordmarka at its best, try the “Nordmarka på langs i kano” - a three-day canoe adventure through some of the forest’s most beautiful and remote lakes. Bikes can be safely left at the cabins while you’re out paddling.
The famous Sørkedalen café is a beloved stop among local cyclists, with a large garden offering plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the view. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully decorated café serving homemade pastries, cakes, and other treats perfect for hungry riders. It’s the ideal stop after emerging from the forest, a place to refuel, relax, and gather energy for the ride back into the city.
The famous Sørkedalen café is a beloved stop among local cyclists, with a large garden offering plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the view. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully decorated café serving homemade pastries, cakes, and other treats perfect for hungry riders. It’s the ideal stop after emerging from the forest, a place to refuel, relax, and gather energy for the ride back into the city.
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
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