How long is the Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop cycling route?

The Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop is 37 kilometres as a loop with 459 metres of elevation gain.

How difficult is Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop?

Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop is rated moderate. Suitable for cyclists with some experience. The route has manageable climbs and distances.

When is the best time to ride Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop?

The best time to ride Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop is March–October.

What surface is the Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop route?

Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop is entirely on paved roads.

Cycling the Svartskog loop south of Oslo

Norway

Oslo & Oslofjord, Norway

Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop

moderate

37 km

Distance

459 m

Elevation

Asphalt

Surface

Oslo Opera House

Start

March–October

Best Season

moderate

Difficulty

About this Route

← Oslo & Oslofjord Cycling Guide

A classic shorter loop from the Oslo Opera House — perfect for a morning ride or when the legs need a gentler day. The route climbs Kongsveien with panoramic views over Oslo and past the old Sjømannskolen, before rolling south through Nordstrand and along the beautiful Hvervenbukta bay.

Turning inland on the old Mosseveien, the roads become quiet and rural as you enter Svartskog. Rolling countryside with virtually no traffic leads to the main challenge of the day — Svartskogbakken, a sharp Cat 4 climb of 1.7 km at 6.3%.

At Svartskog you can detour down to the shore to see the house where polar explorer Roald Amundsen once lived — a worthwhile stop with a tough climb back up as a bonus. Svartskog Kolonial is the perfect café stop for food and drinks before the return along the old Mosseveien back to the Opera House.

The Svartskog loop is my go-to when I want a quality ride without committing to a full day in the saddle. At 37 km it is short enough to fit into a morning, but the climbing keeps it honest — and if you want more, just add another lap.

From Oslo the route heads south along the fjord before turning inland. The opening climb up Kongsveien gets the legs moving early — steeper than it looks on paper, with good views back over the city as a reward. Once you drop down towards Hvervenbukta and onto the old Mosseveien, the character changes completely. The roads become quiet and rural, and you quickly forget you are minutes from one of Europe's capitals.

Svartskog itself is the highlight. The bakken hits hard — short and sharp — but the real reward comes after: Svartskog Kolonial, a small local store and café that sells excellent baked goods. It is worth the detour every single time. If you have the legs, the side trip down to Roald Amundsen's house at the water's edge is a piece of Norwegian history you should not miss — just be prepared for the climb back up.

The return via old Mosseveien is easy and pleasant riding. One of my favourite short routes out of Oslo.

Kilometre by Kilometre

0–8 km: Opera House to Nordstrand via Kongsveien

Leave the Opera House and climb Kongsveien — a steady ascent with sweeping views over Oslo and the Oslofjord. Pass the old Sjømannskolen and roll through Nordstrand.

8–15 km: Hvervenbukta and old Mosseveien

Descend to the beautiful Hvervenbukta bay before turning onto the old Mosseveien. The road becomes quiet and rural as you leave the suburbs behind.

15–22 km: Into Svartskog — Svartskogbakken

Rolling countryside roads with minimal traffic through Svartskog. At 18 km, Svartskogbakken arrives — 1.7 km at 6.3%, sharp and sustained. The KOM is held by Carl Fredrik Hagen at 3:48.

Detour: Amundsen's house

Optional detour down to the Oslofjord shore to see the house where polar explorer Roald Amundsen lived. A fascinating piece of history — and a tough climb back up as a bonus.

22–37 km: Return via old Mosseveien to Oslo

From Svartskog the route descends and follows the old Mosseveien north back to Oslo. Quiet, pleasant riding with the Oslofjord visible through the trees. Finishes at the Opera House.

Gallery

Cycling the Svartskog loop south of Oslo — quiet rural roads with virtually no traffic

Svartskog countryside — rolling roads through the forest south of Oslo

Old Mosseveien cycling — the quiet return road back to Oslo along the Oslofjord

Hvervenbukta bay on the Svartskog loop — one of Oslo's most scenic cycling roads

Svartskogbakken climb — 1.7 km at 6.3%, the key challenge of the Svartskog loop

Upper slopes of Svartskogbakken — Cat 4 climb south of Oslo with KOM by Carl Fredrik Hagen

Oslo Cycling — Svartskog Loop — Map & Elevation

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Key Climbs

Kongsveien

Cat 4

1.93 km

Distance

4.9%

Avg Grade

95 m

Elev. Gain

View on Strava

Svartskogbakken TCK

Cat 4

1.7 km

Distance

6.3%

Avg Grade

111 m

Elev. Gain

🏆 Carl Fredrik Hagen — 3:48

View on Strava

Tips & Local Knowledge

Start from the Oslo Opera House and follow Kongsveien south — excellent views over Oslo and the Oslofjord on the climb up.
Svartskogbakken hits at around 18 km — 1.7 km at 6.3%. Short but sharp. The KOM is held by Carl Fredrik Hagen at 3:48.
Detour down to the shore at Svartskog to see Roald Amundsen's house — a fantastic piece of Norwegian history. Be warned: the climb back up is tough. https://maps.app.goo.gl/puckiRGKh6uLSL5AA
Svartskog Kolonial is a great café stop for food and drinks — highly recommended. https://maps.app.goo.gl/LY8H3NyzGDkPULXz9
The return follows the old Mosseveien north — quiet road with little traffic all the way back to Oslo.
At 37 km this is a great option for a morning ride or as a second ride on a cycling weekend in Oslo.
You can skip Kongsveien and ride flat along the old Mosseveien along the fjord instead — but Kongsveien is recommended. The climb offers great views over Oslo and the Oslofjord, and sets the tone for the ride.