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Gravel
Medium
Nordmarka Forest (Ring 4)
The classic forest loop — 45–55 km of pine, gravel and a waffle stop at Kikutstua
The classic forest loop — 45–55 km of pine, gravel and a waffle stop at Kikutstua
Ring 4 is one of Oslo's great cycling institutions — a classic loop through the Nordmarka forest that local riders have been doing for generations. The name refers to the fourth ring of trails radiating out from the city, and it's the one that strikes the perfect balance between wild forest riding and manageable distance.
Your guide picks you up at your hotel and rides with you to the forest — the entry point into Nordmarka depends on where you're staying, so the route adjusts accordingly. Once in, the trees close in immediately. The route heads north through stands of pine and silver birch, following gravel forest roads that are smooth enough to roll at speed but varied enough to keep things interesting. Expect a couple of proper climbs — both well rewarded with long, flowing descents.
Halfway around you'll pass Kikutstua, a traditional Norwegian mountain cabin that serves waffles and coffee. We stop here for a well-earned break before descending south through Sørkedalen and finishing back in the city.
Illustrative route — the forest entry point shifts depending on your hotel pickup location. The loop always takes in Kikutstua and descends via Sørkedalen back to the city.
Your guide meets you outside your hotel or apartment at the agreed time. No meeting points to find, no transport to organise. The tour normally ends back at your starting point, or another central location by agreement.
Why Oslo Bike Tours
Ring 4 refers to the fourth of the concentric trail rings mapped out from Oslo into the Nordmarka forest. It is a classic loop that local cyclists have been riding for generations — a 45 km circuit of pine and birch forest on gravel roads, passing Kikutstua cabin and looping back through the Maridalen valley. With the ride from your hotel to the forest entry included, total distance is typically 45–55 km. It is the most popular intermediate forest route in Oslo.
A gravel bike is the ideal choice for Ring 4 — the roads are gravel throughout, and a road bike with narrow tyres would be uncomfortable. E-bikes are well suited to this route too; the terrain is manageable and the climbs are not steep enough to cause any difficulty. Gravel bike and e-bike rentals are both available from NOK 349.
Approximately 800 metres of total elevation gain across the route. The climbs are sustained but never brutal — long enough to feel like proper effort, with equally long descents that make them worthwhile. Recreational riders who cycle regularly will find it manageable.
Kikutstua is a traditional Norwegian mountain cabin about halfway around the Ring 4 loop, run by the Norwegian Trekking Association. It serves waffles and coffee and is a beloved institution for Oslo cyclists. Yes — we stop there for a proper break mid-ride, which is as much a part of the Ring 4 experience as the forest itself.
It is on the edge of what we would recommend for occasional cyclists. At 45–55 km on gravel with around 800 m of climbing, it asks for a baseline of fitness. If you cycle a few times a month and are comfortable on a bike for 3–4 hours, you will manage it. If you are looking for something less demanding, the Oslo City Highlights or Bygdøy Peninsula tours are better starting points.
Tours are private and guide availability is limited. Send your preferred date and we'll confirm within 24 hours.