Last week was heaven, this week, the kids have arrived so we need to find activities everyday to keep them busy. It’s quite a challenge since they love our new home and, like their Dad, you need to push really hard to get them to go out. Luckily, Google weather predicted a sunny week-end and their Dad got recommended a place to pick blueberries so off we went to Sognsvann Lake…
Easy access from Oslo to Sognsvann
Very easy to get to with kids: Tram to the big T Bane train station and at the end of the line, within 30 minutes all up you’re there! Once you’re off the train, simply follow the road and the people and you quickly see the lake and the beach where small children can play and swim. Last Saturday was particularly packed as their annual Triathlon was taking place.
Lunch at Sognsvann
We brought our own sandwiches for once as we were not sure what dining facilities there would be. There are two kiosks with hot dogs and ice cream but we didn’t go.
We walked along the lake, found a couple of rocks to climb to have a great view and voila!
Activities at Sognsvann
- Blueberry picking – that’s what my 7 year old and his Dad did for almost 2 hours! They found tiny raspberries too! TIP: same as when we went strawberry picking in Zürich, dress your kids in dark colours!
- Running/ strolling around the lake: everybody can do it. The total circumference is only 3,3km. I’ve never seen that many joggers since 1999 in Central Park New York. People of all ages: lots of elderly people, disabled people and kids on foot, prams, scooters or bikes. The path is suitable for wheelchairs! My 4 year old ran really fast to the opposite side of the lake where there are a couple of jetties. On the way back though he fell asleep on his Dad’s shoulders!
- Sunbathing, on the grass or on the jetty
- Jumping in chilly water and swimming with ducks! The air temperature was 23 but much cooler when clouds were hiding the sun. The water was 17 degrees but didn’t feel that cold as the air wasn’t too hot.
Lake in the forest
My husband found it a lot more special than let’s say Grefensee near Zürich because you feel like it’s just a hole carved between the pinetree forest in the mountain. Very raw.
Along the path we crosses a few creeks, bridges and mini waterfalls and you feel like you’re walking in the forest but by the lake!
Priceless experience for free!
It’s been a long time since we didn’t pay a thing for such a nice adventure.
- Transport: FREE transport for kids on week ends! Zone 1 included in my 30 day pass and 30 NOK for hubby
- Lunch: sandwiches brought from home. The kids didn’t even want an ice cream from the kiosk, unheard of!
- Lake stroll and swim: free!