Vettakollen Hike: Best Views of Oslo & Oslofjord

Metro, forest, and the summit view that holds all of Oslo

This guided hike to Vettakollen mountain in Oslo takes you by metro from downtown through forested terrain to a summit overlooking the city, fjord and surrounding islands. An English-speaking guide leads the 5.4-kilometre walk over 3.5 hours, including public transport. Reasonable fitness and hiking shoes are required. Children are welcome from age 5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Vettakollen summit

• Start at tour center in downtown Oslo
• Take metro to Frognerseteren station
• Hike through forest past small lakes
• Rest at DNT Fuglemyrhytta cabin
• Reach Vettakollen mountain summit
• Enjoy panoramic views and break
• Descend to metro station
• Return to central Oslo by metro

The experience

The day starts at the tour center in downtown Oslo, where you board the metro and ride north as the city gives way to forest and views open across the fjord. The train carries you to Frognerseteren station, where the air shifts and the landscape spreads out. This is where the walking begins. From here, the route follows a trail through green forest, past small lakes said to hold the figure of Huldra in Norwegian folklore, with time to notice the quiet of the woods and the way the light filters through.

Partway up, you reach DNT Fuglemyrhytta, a small cabin where the group stops to rest, eat a snack if you've brought one, and take in the views before the final push. The trail then climbs to Vettakollen's summit, where the panorama opens: large sections of Oslo spread below, the Oslofjord stretches out, and small islands dot the coastline. Your guide builds in time here to stand still, photograph, and absorb what the Norwegians call "hygge," a peaceful moment in good company. After the break, the descent leads back down to the metro station and the ride back to central Oslo.

The walk covers 5.4 kilometres and takes 3.5 hours total, including the metro rides. You'll need hiking shoes or similar footwear and a reasonable level of fitness. The climb is steady but not extreme. The guide speaks English and moves at a pace that lets the group stay together, so the experience works whether you're a regular hiker or someone who knows Oslo and wants to see it from above.

What’s included

• English-speaking local guide.
• metro transport from downtown Oslo to Frognerseteren station and back to the city center.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 09:55Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 95 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 11.36

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by When in Norway

Is this one for you?This is a shared group hike with a guide setting the pace, so it works best if you're comfortable walking 5.4 kilometres at a steady clip and want the route, timing and views explained as you go. Choose it if you want to see Oslo from above without navigating the trails yourself or arranging your own transport.

Traveler reviews

4.86★★★★★★★★★★

77 verified traveler reviews

5 ★72

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the walking distance on this hike to Vettakollen?

The walking distance is 5.4 kilometres, covered over the 3.5-hour tour including the metro rides to and from the trailhead.

Do I need to bring my own hiking boots, or can I wear regular shoes?

Hiking shoes or similar footwear are required for this hike. Regular street shoes are not suitable for the forest terrain and the climb to the summit.

What will I see from the top of Vettakollen?

From Vettakollen's summit, you see large parts of Oslo, the Oslo fjord, and its coastline dotted with small islands. The guide builds in time for photographs and to rest at the viewpoint.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included, but the group stops at DNT Fuglemyrhytta cabin partway up, where you can eat a snack you've brought or rest before continuing to the summit.

How do we get to the trailhead from downtown Oslo?

The tour includes a metro ride from the downtown tour center to Frognerseteren station, where the hike begins. The return journey is also by metro back to central Oslo.