Oslomarka

Oslomarka, the forested wilderness surrounding the Norwegian capital of Oslo, has a rich and storied history that stretches back centuries. From its earliest days as a hunting ground for Viking warriors to its modern incarnation as a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers, Oslomarka has always been a place of beauty, adventure, and mystery.

One of the earliest recorded events in Oslomarka’s history occurred in the 9th century, when a group of Viking warriors ventured into the forest in search of game. Legend has it that they stumbled upon a hidden clearing where they discovered a giant troll sleeping beneath a tree. In a fit of drunken bravery, one of the warriors decided to taunt the troll by throwing rocks at it. The troll, unsurprisingly, woke up angry and chased the warriors through the forest until they were able to escape.

In the centuries that followed, Oslomarka was a place of refuge for outlaws and rebels. The forest provided cover for those who wanted to escape the watchful eye of the authorities, and many a bandit or outlaw made their home among the trees. It’s said that the famous Norwegian outlaw Ole Høiland was able to elude capture for years by hiding out in Oslomarka, subsisting on berries and small game.

As Norway became a more civilized society, Oslomarka took on a new role as a recreational area for city dwellers. In the late 19th century, the first ski trails were established in the forest, and soon skiing became a popular pastime for Oslo residents. It wasn’t long before the first ski competitions were held in Oslomarka, including the famous Holmenkollen Ski Festival.

But skiing wasn’t the only activity popular in Oslomarka. In the 1960s and 70s, the forest became a hub for a new kind of recreational activity: hippie communes. These communes, made up of young people looking to escape the constraints of mainstream society, set up camp in the forest and lived off the land. They were often the subject of ridicule in the press, with headlines such as “Woodstock in the Woods” and “Hippies Take Over Oslomarka.” But for those who lived in the communes, it was a time of freedom and experimentation.

Today, Oslomarka is a beloved destination for hikers, skiers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. But the forest still holds many secrets and mysteries. There are stories of hidden lakes that only appear at certain times of year, of ghosts haunting abandoned cabins, and of strange creatures lurking in the depths of the forest.

Despite its wild and woolly past, Oslomarka remains a place of unparalleled beauty and wonder. Whether you’re skiing down its slopes, hiking its trails, or simply enjoying a picnic in the shade of its trees, there’s something magical about this forest that has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of Norwegians. So the next time you find yourself with a few spare hours, don’t forget to pay a visit to Oslomarka. You never know what kind of adventure you might find.

Doggies: Jello, Quila, Oscar, Lexi and Ibsen