Sognsvann

Sognsvann is where Oslo goes to move: a lake of about half a square kilometre at the southern edge of the Nordmarka forest, reached directly by metro, with a 3.3-kilometre gravel loop around it that is flat, wide and lit, used by runners, prams, wheelchairs and walkers at all hours. In summer the shallow northern end and the rocks along the eastern shore fill with swimmers and picnics; the water is clean and cold. In winter the loop is prepared as a ski track and the lake usually freezes hard enough to walk on. From the northern end, trails continue into Nordmarka toward Ullevalseter and the deeper forest, which is how most Oslo residents first enter the woods.

What you actually see

• The gravel loop - a flat, lit 3.3-kilometre path around the lake.
• The swimming shore - rocks and shallow beaches used all summer.
• The forest edge - trails leading north into Nordmarka.
• The winter track - a prepared ski loop when snow arrives.

When to go

May to September for walking and swimming; the water warms enough for most people from late June. January to March for skiing, when the loop and the forest trails are prepared. Weekends and warm evenings are busy.

Honest expectations

This is a city recreation area, not wilderness, and on a sunny Sunday the loop is crowded. There are no cafes or restaurants at the lake, only a kiosk in summer, and no swimming supervision. Mosquitoes are noticeable at dusk in midsummer.

Nearby

Nordmarka's trail network starts at the north end; Holmenkollen and the Frognerseteren area lie west.