Hiking in Norway (Winter, public transport accessible)

Hi,

Me and some friends are planning a few days in Norway mid-late February, flying into Oslo. Are there any good 1-day hikes that are easily accessed by train/coach, which will take us into some good mountain scenery?

We're all experienced hikers so know about the necessity of correct equipment (skis, snowshoes, thermals etc), and realise that in February snow cover will be almost ubiquitous!

Another attraction is seeing the Northern Lights. I know the appearance/strength of them can't be predicted, but would they likely be visible in that time of year, around areas near Oslo?

Thanks very much

John

Since the night is pretty long - over 12 hours until late March the is plenty of possibilities to see the NL.

If you take a look at a map you will realize that Oslo is pretty far south relative to the Polar circle that typically is approx. the south limit of main belt for NL.
Therefore you have to be pretty lucky to see NL - esp. a real "show" that far south, but it is not impossible. A lot of NL is seen but not noticed by vitisors incl. myself as it is simply too faint and pale for us to notice.

Hi!
There's plenty of places to go skiing on daytrips, by tram/bus/train, locals do it all the time! As for 'good mountain scenery' - depends on what you call good and what you are used to! Once you get here ask at the hotel/hostel for advice, as then you will be directed to a spot that suits YOU and not me. If you just want crosscountry skiing you can do that by taking the tram or tube out of the city, to Grefsenkollen or Frognerseteren.

Don't count on seeing NL in Oslo, if you do it's sheer luck! I work here, never seen it (here) and haven't even considered looking for it this far south.

Oslo is a nice place, enjoy it!!

Hi,
In February you'll definitely need ski's, the only place i know to hire from is:

http://www.tryvann.no/oslo-skiresort-winter-park-holmenkollen/oslo-skiresort-tryvann/ski-rental-oslo-vinterpark

If you hire from there you can probably start from the hire shop, otherwise a good place to start is frognersetern (last stop on underground line 1), from there you can strike north as far as you wish then turn and maybe return via Sognsvann.

Another option is to start out from skullerud, underground line 3

There are many signposts along the trails so it's rare to see people with maps, but then that does mean you need to know that for example you go to ullevålseter to get to sognsvann, so i'd try to find at least a basic one.

Hope you have a good time!
Chris

To make most of the day I suggest you stay in Oslo, and go skiing in Nordmarka, as mentioned above. Closest "mountains" would be North of Lillehammer (Hafjell) or west of Hønefoss (Norefjell). I believe there are buses between Oslo and Norefjell on week-ends, but the bus will take more than 2 hrs, one way.