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Starting Points and Access

There are several access points into Østmarka, including Rustadsaga in the north and Bysetermåsan in the south. At these access points, you can get a good start with useful information about the protected area. There are also many other good starting points to enter Østmarka.
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Parking

  • Bysetermåsan utfartsparkering
  • Losby utfartsparkering
  • Sandbakken
  • Mariholtet (Ellingsrud) utfartsparkering
  • Myrdammen
  • Kirkebygda
  • Krokhol Golfklubb
  • Grønmo
  • Skullerud utfartsparkering
  • Rustadsaga
  • Østmarksetra utfartsparkering
  • Godheim utfartsparkering

Public Transportation

Metro Stops:

Ellingsrudåsen (Line 2)
Bogerud (Line 3)
Skullerud (Line 3)

Main Bus Routes:

Line 550: From Oslo city center via Mortensrud along the west side of Østmarka to Enebakk Church.
Line 350: From Enebakk Church to Lillestrøm via Flateby and Fjerdingby.

More info at: Ruter.no

Smooth shoreline rocks at Pølsesund

Rustadsaga

Rustadsaga is a great starting point for trips in the northern part of Østmarka. Here you will find Rustadsaga Sports Cabin.
Rustadsaga is easily accessible by Metro Line 3. Bogerud Station is about 1 km away. Parking is available at Skullerud School (about 400 m away), or at Skullerudstua, Østmarkseteren, and Haraløkka.

Recommended Trips from Rustadsaga:

Nøklevann

You can walk or cycle all the way around Nøklevann (a full loop is 8.3 km).
In summer, there is a marked trail from Ellingsrud via Mariholtet and from Trasop/Oppsal to Rustadsaga. In winter, these trails serve as ski tracks.

Grønmo

Østmark Chapel

Completed in 1957, Østmark Chapel is an easily accessible destination from Grønmo, whether you prefer walking on trails, gravel roads, or following a prepared ski track. In addition to holding services, the chapel has an open café on Sundays.

Dølerud

Follow the blue-marked trail about 2 km east from Grønmo Parking to reach the old croft Dølerud. The property was purchased by Oslo Municipality in 1971 and is now used as an unattended hiking cabin. After operations at Dølerud ceased, the cultural landscape became overgrown, but in 2011 restoration of the old meadows began. The fields were cleared of woody vegetation and are now maintained annually through mowing by Oslo Municipality.

Spinneren

East of Dølerud lies Spinneren, an elongated ridge with old pine forest and intact wilderness very close to the city. Spinneren Outdoor Recreation Area was protected in 2013 and is now incorporated into Østmarka National Park and Outdoor Recreation Area.

Smooth shoreline rocks at Pølsesund
Smooth shoreline rocks at Pølsesund

Sandbakken

Like many of the sites in Østmarka, Sandbakken was originally a croft, but after Oslo Municipality took over in 1956, it has served as a refreshment spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
The name Sandbakken comes from the sandy soil in the area. This sand is a remnant of glacial river deposits from the last Ice Age, and few other places in Østmarka have the same soil. It is therefore natural to find traces of a sand pit east of Sandbakken Sports Cabin. Read about recommended trips from Sandbakken below:

Spinneren

Located north of Sandbakken Parking, Spinneren is an elongated ridge with old pine forest and intact wilderness very close to the city. Spinneren Outdoor Recreation Area was protected in 2013 and is now incorporated into Østmarka National Park and Outdoor Recreation Area.

Krokhol

A starting point for trips in the southwestern part of Østmarka. From here, trails and ski tracks lead inward toward destinations such as Tømmeråsen, Vangen, and Sør-Elvåga. Parking is available at the old golf course. Read about recommended trips from Krokhol below:

Tømmeråsen (313 m a.s.l.)

The highest point in Ski municipality, offering great views over Østmarka, Øyeren, and the Oslofjord. The hike passes through varied forest terrain with well-marked trails.

Rausjøgrenda

A living cultural heritage site from Østmarka’s timber history. Several old buildings are preserved, and the historic Plank Road, used for transporting planks into the city, passes through the area. You can reach it via forest trails or gravel roads from Krokhol.

Vangen Ski Lodge

A popular destination in Østmarka, accessible via gravel roads, trails, or ski tracks from Krokhol. You can take a break here before continuing further into the national park. Canoes can also be rented at Vangen for paddling on Mosjøen.

Smooth shoreline rocks at Pølsesund
Smooth shoreline rocks at Pølsesund
Smooth shoreline rocks at Pølsesund

Bysetermåsan

Bysetermåsan is a great starting point for trips in the heart of the national park, both in summer and winter. From here, you can follow trails, tracks, and roads and experience the full range of nature, cultural history, and outdoor activities that Østmarka has to offer. Read about recommended trips from Bysetermåsan below:

The Fire Tower on Kjerringhøgda (Byseterkollen)

A great destination for a shorter trip offering views over large parts of the national park. The first tower on Kjerringhøgda was likely built in the late 19th century to monitor forest fires. This reflects a time when timber production was a very important industry in Norway. The hike to Kjerringhøgda can be done as a loop passing Bysetra (marked in green on the map), an old croft now functioning as a scout cabin.

Rausjøgrenda

One of Østmarka’s living cultural heritage sites, reflecting past timber activities. The hamlet had several sawmills, and the oldest building at Øvresaga is now used as a hiking cabin. The historic Plank Road, which served as a transport route for timber into the city, passes through Rausjøgrenda. You can reach Rausjøgrenda via several trails or follow the gravel road.

Vangen Ski Lodge

You can reach Vangen Ski Lodge by following ski trails, paths, or the gravel road from Bysetermåsan. Vangen is also a possible starting point for further trips into the national park. Canoes can be rented at Vangen to explore Mosjøen.