Dam from Østmarka: Dams, like the one in the picture, were used to control and release water for the sawmills in Østmarka. Photo: Olav T Haaverstad.
Traces of Past Use
Østmarka contains a long series of traces from settlement, summer farming, travel and transport, as well as logging, timber floating, and sawmill activity. The cultural heritage sites in Østmarka reflect human presence throughout history. In earlier times, Østmarka provided livelihoods and subsistence—from the first hunter-gatherers in the Early Stone Age to our recent ancestors. They used the forest and outlying land in the extensive “multiple-occupation” typical of Norway’s primary industries up until the early 20th century.
Before the Reformation, much of Østmarka was likely common land, used for grazing, summer farms, hunting, fishing, and timber. After the Reformation, the area became crown property. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the forest became important for sawmills and charcoal production. Timber became Norway’s most important export commodity, and forest estates were consolidated under a few wealthy citizens.
The largest forest estates in Østmarka were Losby Estate in Lørenskog and Rausjø Forest in Enebakk. From the second half of the 18th century, the Cudrio family owned almost all of Østmarka. The Flateby Estate in Enebakk became a large operation based on sawmill activities. Other major forest properties belonged to Ekeberg and Børter in Enebakk, as well as the Heftye family’s property at Nøklevann in Aker.
In 1907, Rausjø was sold to the company And. H. Kiær & Co, which for many years was Norway’s leading timber company. In 1965, the Kiær company sold the Rausjø estate to Oslo Municipality for 7 million NOK, marking the end of private ownership that had lasted 302 years. From 1912, Kråkstad/Ski municipalities began purchasing farms with forests in Østmarka, which now form part of Nordre Follo municipal forests.
At the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the use of Østmarka’s outlying resources peaked. A high population in the villages around Østmarka led to intensive land use, before emigration and urbanization eased the pressure. Most of the preserved cultural heritage sites in Østmarka today are traces of crofts, forestry, sawmills, and timber floating from the mid-17th century onward.
A New Perspective on Nature Emerges!
Today, Østmarka is an important area for outdoor recreation. In the 19th century, a new perspective on nature emerged, inspired by Romanticism. Nature was seen as something original and pure, representing freedom. The capital’s bourgeoisie used the nearby forest areas for outdoor activities and hiking. Thomas J. Heftye played an important role in the rise of outdoor recreation in Norway, purchasing Sarabråten by Nøklevann to preserve natural areas for the public. He was the initiator of the establishment of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) in 1868.
Around the turn of the last century and into the 20th century, hiking activity increased among other social groups. The Outdoor Club began marking and clearing trails in the western and Oslo-adjacent parts of Østmarka. Today, DNT Oslo and Surroundings operates four hiking cabins in Østmarka and maintains trails and paths with cultural heritage value. Outdoor recreation and conservation interests have also become a central part of the management of the municipal forests.
“Milorghula” – Weapons Depot and Hideout for the Resistance Movement
Milorghula in Østmarka is one of the many hideouts used by Milorg, the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II. It is located in a remote area of Østmarka, outside Oslo, and served as an important refuge for resistance members who needed to go into hiding.
During the war, Milorg operated in secrecy to organize resistance against the German occupation. They used such caves and hideouts to conceal themselves, store weapons and equipment, and plan actions against the occupying forces. Milorghula in Østmarka was especially important because it was hidden in the terrain, providing resistance members a safe place to stay.
Milorghula is located near Tonekollen, an area with rugged terrain and dense forest. The site is not signposted, but it can be found by those who know the coordinates or follow hiking descriptions from local historical societies. Today, several hiking enthusiasts visit the site to experience a part of Norway’s resistance history.