We've handpicked some activities to help you make the most of this fall. Immerse yourself in friluftsliv—the Norwegian concept of enjoying and embracing the outdoors—and experience the beauty of the Norwegian fall.

Mushroom Foraging

In the fall, a variety of mushrooms, including chanterelles, funnel chantarelles, black trumpets, porcini, and others, begin to appear in abundance. Due to the plentiful mushroom harvest in September, this month is often referred to as "Sopptember" in Norway—'sopp' meaning mushroom in Norwegian. Although some mushrooms have appeared early this year, you’ll still find plenty to forage in September, as well as during October and November.

The Norwegian Association for Mycology and Foraging, known as Norges sopp- og nyttevekstforbund, organizes various foraging tours, or Sopptur in Norwegian, which you can find on their website. These tours take you through the forest, with options in areas like Halden, Fredrikstad, Romerike, Notodden, Moss, and many more. During these tours, you’ll learn to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms, and hopefully return home with some tasty finds for your meals.

In addition to foraging tours, the association also offers Soppkontroll—mushroom inspection services. They set up stands at specific points in the forests where you can bring your foraged mushrooms to be checked for edibility and identified by experts. If there’s no control station available on the day you’re exploring, don’t worry—there’s also a digital Soppkontroll app. With this app, you can simply send images of your mushrooms and get information on whether they are safe to eat.

Hiking trails and guided tours

Oslomarka offers trails perfect for hiking, with paths marked by signs and colors to differentiate between walking routes and ski tracks. The markers, often painted on trees, use blue for footpaths and red for ski tracks. In the fall, the forest transforms into a magical landscape of fall colors, making it an ideal time for a hike.

The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) provides international tours that allow you to explore the Marka with knowledgeable guides. For example, one upcoming tour on September 8th is guided by geologist, author, and researcher Reidar Müller, who will share his knowledge on Norwegian nature secrets. Another tour on September 14th is a “hyttetur”, where participants hike to a traditional Norwegian cabin. Be sure to read the tour descriptions carefully, as some hikes, like those to cabins, may require you to bring your own bed linen.

Stay updated on their website for new international hikes throughout the fall—they’re free and open to everyone, making them a fantastic way to experience Norway’s beautiful outdoors.

Freshwater fishing

Oslomarka is home to many lakes where freshwater fishing is allowed. To get started, check out the fishing map and visit the Oslomarka Fishing Administration (OFA) website to familiarize yourself with the rules. You’ll need a fishing permit, which can be easily purchased online. Each permit outlines the specific areas where you can fish and the types of fish you're allowed to catch. It’s also important to be aware of size regulations; for example, if you catch a trout exceeding 35 cm, it must be released back into the water.

If you’re new to fishing or want to improve your skills, visit the Norges Jeger- og Fiskerforbund (The Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers) website. They offer a variety of activities and resources related to fishing, hunting, and more.

Spend the day in Oslomarka

Until September 15, there is a ban on campfires and grilling in the forest. But starting from September 15th, you can light a bonfire and bring some food to grill in the forest, making it the perfect time to spend a day in Oslomarka. As you hike, you’ll discover spots with views for setting up a campfire, perhaps even near one of the lakes. If you prefer easily accessible lakes, Nøklevann and Lutvann are great options.

If you want to spend the night or just enjoy a full day in Oslomarka, consider bringing a hammock or a tent. As in the fall in Oslomarka, the temperatures can drop, so dressing in Norwegian wool is essential for staying warm. For hiking, make sure to wear sturdy footwear, as the trails can be slippery, and bring hiking poles if you need them. The forest can be quite wet in the fall, so investing in hiking pants is a good idea.

One of the fun activities, especially for kids, is berry picking, as Oslomarka is abundant with berries during the fall. Whether you're grilling, hiking, or simply relaxing, Oslomarka offers the perfect escape from the city, accessible by public transport in just a short time!