"To the Waters and the wild - Sognsvann" Oslo Off The Beaten Path Tip by Ekaterinburg

T-bane, Line 3 gives you another enticing cameo of the Norwegian countryside , when you arrive at its last stop, Sognsvann. Leaving the station, walk downhill for a few minutes and hold your breath. If in doubt about direction, follow the dog walkers and groups of highschool students jogging with their teachers. Enjoy the bracing , pine-fragrant air and gasp with pleasure as the full vista of a Scandinavian lake in the midst of a forest, unrolls before your eyes.

This is the Sognsvannet lake and if you're feeling energetic you can hike the 4kms trail around its shore. We walked for about 30 minutes then perched on a large rock protruding out onto the water and drooled. This was how I had envisaged the Norwegian countryside and it's so satisfying when your mental images are reflected back to you in reality.

Eventually, Norway being so like Ireland in some respects, it started to rain and we set off back to the city. This little trip and the one to Frognerseteren are two of my most precious memories of Oslo and the ones that made the trip worth making all on their own.

Website: http://www.trafikanten.no