Kolsås is a great opportunity for nature-lovers to go on a medium-level hike near Oslo and other big cities in the Akershus region. I love the first, the second, and the third time I conquered the mountain and I highly recommend all visitors to go there, especially in summer! It starts with a very easy and flat terrain which gradually turns into a steep and rocky route up the mountaintop. It has two peaks, the Nordre Kolsås and the Søndre Kolsås, and consists of four nature reserves, ie, everything in it or on it is protected, established in 1978.
The nature reserves in the area are: the Kolsåstoppen naturreservat (Nordre Kolsås), the Dalbo naturreservat, the Skotta naturreservat (which I also happened to visit while taking a weekend walk), and the Kolsåsstupene naturreservat (Søndre Kolsås). Rules when visiting a Norwegian nature reserve are easy:
- Leave no trace – do not leave garbage or any other signs of your visit.
- All the vegetation and wildlife is protected against all kinds of damage.
- It is not allowed to make a bonfire or to camp.
- Cycling and horseback riding is allowed only on roads.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
There are a few ways to get to Kolsåstoppen. The first time I went there was with a new-found friend named Ate Lolit, and unfortunately, we had to take a longer route because of unfamiliarity of the area. But the second and third time, I was an expert and led my sister and a couple of friends to the top with ease. A nice route to take is from Hauger T-bane station, follow Høgåsveien street, and then, turn right to Kolsåslia which merges to O.T. Bjanes vei. Lastly, turn right to Toppåsveien and enter the nature reserve and just head on with the track leading towards the mountaintop. Another route is: from Hauger T-bane station, walk along Høgåsveien street, then turn right to Kløftaveien, then left to Toppåsveien. 🙂 To give you an idea of how the terrain looks like:
After about 30-40 minutes of climbing up, you’d get the reward of amazing views of Bærum and the Oslo Fjord! 1, 2, 3 shots were not enough because the camera just couldn’t capture the beauty of the place. Just be careful not to slip from the cliff, but I’m sure any one will do fine. Norwegians even bring their toddlers to the top! The top is about 340 m in height.
First hike:
The first hike was in August 2015, if I’m not mistaken. The second hike was also in 2015, only some few months later. And the third hike was in May 2016.
Second hike:
Third hike:
If the pictures above are not enough to entice anyone to hike to Kolsåstoppen, then, I don’t know what will. 😉 Some trips we just have to take willingly and without hesitations! Cheers to that! #spreadlove
