Oslo Forest Hike with Waffle Baking at Lake Båntjern

Trek through Norse forest and bake waffles over a mountain lake

This 3.5-hour guided forest hike in Nordmarka, just outside Oslo, combines hiking to Vettakollen's summit views with a traditional waffle-baking experience at Lake Båntjern. You'll walk ancient trails with a local guide who shares stories of Norse mythology and Norwegian outdoor culture, reach the city's most iconic natural viewpoint, and finish by making rømme waffles topped with brunost (brown cheese) over an outdoor stove. The hike is moderate intensity. In warmer months you can swim in the lake before eating.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and enjoy Norwegian forest treats

• Meet local guide and start hike
• Hear Norse mythology and cabin culture stories
• Reach Vettakollen summit for views and snacks
• Descend to hidden forest lake
• Swim in mountain lake (optional)
• Bake and eat traditional waffles

The experience

Most visitors to Oslo never leave the city center, which means they miss Nordmarka: the forest that starts minutes away and defines how locals actually spend their time. This hike takes you there on trails the guide knows well enough to point out the details that matter: the old cabin culture Norwegians call "hytte," the mythology woven into the landscape, and why stepping outside is so central to life here that there's a word for it, Friluftsliv. The walk itself is steady but not steep, and the guide sets a pace that lets you talk and notice things rather than race through.

Vettakollen is the turn in the day. The rocky summit opens onto the Oslofjord, the city skyline, and the islands beyond: the view most Oslo residents consider their own. Your guide brings a drink and a local treat while you stand there, and you get the time to actually look instead of rushing to the next stop. From there the trail descends to Lake Båntjern, a quiet mountain lake hidden deep enough in the forest that it feels like you've walked into a different world.

The waffle kitchen is the reason you came. Your guide sets up a traditional outdoor stove while you have the choice to swim in the clear water. Bring a swimsuit and towel if the season is warm enough. Then you eat waffles made right there, topped with rømme and brunost, the Norwegian brown cheese that tastes nothing like what the name suggests. It's the most direct way to understand what Norwegians mean by hygge: not a thing you buy, but a moment you make outdoors with other people and good food.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• coffee or tea.
• brunch (the waffle course with rømme and brunost).
• all equipment for the outdoor waffle kitchen.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (14 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (8 to 13 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Troll Tours

Is this one for you?The hike is a steady 3.5-hour walk with moderate climbing, so you need reasonable fitness and comfortable shoes, but the pace is social and the guide sets it to let you talk and look around. If you're visiting Oslo for the first time and want to see how locals actually spend their free time instead of following the usual city route, this is the fastest way to understand it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 13 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim in Lake Båntjern during the hike?

In warmer months, yes. The lake is clear and part of the experience. Bring a swimsuit and towel. Your guide will let you know if the water temperature is right on the day you go. The swim happens before the waffle course, so you have time to dry off.

What is brunost, and will I like it on waffles?

Brunost is a caramel-colored Norwegian brown cheese with a sweet, slightly salty flavor. Nothing like cheddar or aged cheese. It's served warm on top of the rømme (sour cream) waffles, and it's the traditional way Norwegians eat them. If you have dietary restrictions, tell your guide after booking.

How steep is the hike to Vettakollen?

The hike is moderate intensity with steady walking but no technical climbing. Vettakollen is reached on well-maintained forest trails. The summit itself is a rocky outcrop, not a scramble. You'll need reasonable fitness and comfortable hiking shoes, but it's not a mountain climb.

What does the guide talk about on the walk?

Your guide brings the forest to life with stories about Norse mythology, Norwegian cabin culture, and why locals are so attached to spending time outdoors: the philosophy called Friluftsliv. It's a social hike where the stories and the landscape work together, not a lecture.

How far is Nordmarka from central Oslo?

The trailhead is minutes from the city by public transportation. You'll meet your guide at the start of the hike. Public transit options are available to reach Nordmarka from downtown.