Outdoors Around Oslo

Oslo's natural surroundings and climate make it ideally suited to outdoor pursuits. Frogner Park has many paths, and you can jog or hike along the Aker River, but take extra care late at night or early in the morning. Or you can take the Sognsvann trikk to the end of the line and walk or jog along Sognsvann Lake. The Oslo Archipelago is a favorite destination for sunbathing urbanites, who hop ferries to their favorite isles. You can also spend a sunny summer afternoon at Oslo's harbor, Aker Brygge, admiring the docked boats; or venture out into the fjords on a charter or tour.

The Oslo fjord and its islands, the forested woodlands called the marka, (or Oslomarka) make the Norwegian capital an irresistible place for outdoor activities like swimming in lakes or hiking. Nine alpine ski areas have activities until late at night. More than 2,600 km (1,600 mi) of prepared cross-country ski trails run deep into the forest, of which 90 km (50 mi) are lighted for special evening tours. The Oslomarka is also just 15 minutes north of the city center by tram.

Villmarkshuset. The Villmarkshuset is an equipment, activities, and excursion center specializing in hiking, climbing, fishing, cycling, and canoeing. You can rent a canoe from here, drop it into the Akers River at the rear of the store, and paddle out into the Oslo fjord. There's also an indoor climbing wall, a pistol range, and a diving center and swimming pool. Christian Krohgs gt. 16, Sentrum, Oslo. 22-05-05-22. villmarkshuset.no.

Skiforeningen. The Skiforeningen provides national snow-condition reports and can give tips on cross-country trails. They also offer cross-country classes for young children (three- to seven-year-olds), downhill classes for older children (7- to 12-year-olds), and both kinds of classes, as well as instruction in telemark-style racing and snowboarding techniques, for adults. Kongevn. 5, Oslo, 0787. 22-92-32-00. www.skiforeningen.no.

Tryvann Winter Park. Oslo's most accessible ski center is the Tryvann Winter Park. It has 11 downhill slopes, six lifts, and a terrain park with a half-pipe for snowboarders. It's open weekdays until 10 pm, and you can rent equipment here, too. Tryvannsveien 64, Holmenkollen, Oslo. 40-46-27-00. www.tryvann.no.