Nansenparken is the central green space on the Fornebu peninsula, just west of Oslo, where the old airport once stood. Today it’s a thoughtfully designed urban park built around a long, narrow lake, with winding paths, open lawns, birch groves, and playful details that make it easy to slow down. As a Norwegian who grew up with Sunday walks and thermoses of coffee as a lifestyle, I can tell you this is the kind of place we use all year: picnics in summer, golden strolls in autumn, crisp light in winter, and spring birdsong when the thaw loosens its grip.
If you’re wondering whether Nansenparken is worth your time, the short answer is yes. It’s an easy day or half-day trip from central Oslo, perfect for families, runners, bird-watchers, and anyone who likes design-forward landscapes with a hint of coastal breeze. It’s free, open at all hours, and you can pair it with beaches, a nature reserve, and a coffee stop without much planning.
Let’s take a deeper dive into Nansenparken so you can make the most of your visit.
Where Is Nansenparken?
Nansenparken sits at the center of Fornebu in Bærum municipality, about 8–10 kilometers from downtown Oslo. The park occupies part of the former runway area, and the long water feature, Nansenparkvannet, traces the old airport sightlines. You’re surrounded by low-rise residential areas, tech offices, cafés, and pocket parks that make the whole peninsula surprisingly walkable. Telenor Arena is nearby, and the coastal edges are dotted with trails and small beaches.
Getting to Nansenparken from Oslo
From the city center you have several straightforward options:
By public transport: Frequent buses run from central Oslo and Lysaker to Fornebu. You can generally board in areas like Jernbanetorget, Nationaltheatret, or Skøyen and ride directly to stops labeled for Fornebu. Look for stops such as Fornebuparken, Telenor Fornebu, or IT Fornebu. Travel time typically ranges from 20 to 35 minutes depending on where you start. Buy tickets in the Ruter app and validate before boarding. If you’re new to Oslo’s system, a single zone ticket covers most city-to-Fornebu trips.
By bike or e-bike: The bike route from central Oslo is straightforward via Skøyen and Lysaker, then over to Fornebu on well-marked paths. It’s mostly flat, and you’ll have a mix of urban and coastal scenery.
By car: Driving from central Oslo takes roughly 20–25 minutes in light traffic. Street parking exists around Fornebu, and there are paid parking garages near Fornebu S shopping center. Look for posted signs; parking enforcement is active.
What Makes Nansenparken Special
Nansenparken is more than lawn and water. It feels curated but relaxed, with details that reveal themselves as you wander.
Nansenparkvannet: The long, reflective lake is the park’s backbone. Boardwalks and small bridges let you change perspectives, and you’ll spot ducks and seasonal birdlife. Early mornings are quiet; late afternoons can glow in summer light.
Landscape structure: Curving gravel paths, small hills, and groves of birch and willow create rooms within the park. There’s enough openness for frisbees and picnics, but also tucked-away benches where you can read without passersby peeking over your shoulder.
Playful touches: You’ll find informal play areas, stepping stones, and occasional art pieces. Kids can range safely while adults keep a wide-angle view.
Year-round appeal: Norwegians don’t wait for sunshine to go outside. In winter you’ll get crisp air and lower crowds, and in autumn the birches put on a lovely show. Spring brings migratory birds along the peninsula.
When to Visit for the Best Experience
Summer (June to August): Long days, lush lawns, and ideal picnic weather. Bring a blanket and plan to linger. Evenings are beautiful, with soft light over the lake.
Autumn (September to early November): The colors shift and the air turns cooler. This is a great time for photography and quieter walks.
Winter (late November to March): Expect a minimalist palette and calmer paths. Dress properly. If it’s icy, use traction cleats on your shoes; locals do.
Spring (April to May): Budding trees, nesting birds, and that particular Norwegian joy when light returns after winter. Layers are still smart.
Suggested Walking Routes
The Lake Loop: Start near Fornebu S and enter the park from the south. Follow the path along Nansenparkvannet, crossing bridges to vary your view. Short, easy, stroller-friendly, and good for a first look.
Park to Coast Link: Walk the lake loop, then continue south or west toward the shoreline. You can reach coastal paths in Storøykilen and onward to small beaches. The contrast between inland calm and coastal breeze is part of the charm.
Architecture & Green Mix: If design interests you, weave from the park through surrounding residential streets and pocket plazas. Fornebu has modern Norwegian architecture in humane scales; details like wood cladding and restrained landscaping are worth a slow look.
Family-Friendly Tips
Strollers and small legs: Paths are mostly flat and well-maintained, so strollers and little walkers do fine. The lake edge has railings in most sections, but keep an eye on curious toddlers.
Snacks and bathrooms: Fornebu S has supermarkets, bakeries, and cafés within a short walk of the park, plus indoor bathrooms. Pack a thermos if you want to picnic the Norwegian way.
Play options: Informal play areas are sprinkled through the park. You can also pair your park time with a beach stop where kids paddle in shallow water during summer.
Accessibility
The park’s main routes are step-free with gentle gradients. Surfaces vary between compact gravel and paved sections. Most benches have clear approach areas. If you’re visiting with mobility concerns, aim for the southern and central entrances near Fornebu S where surfaces are easiest and services are nearest.
Where to Eat and Drink Nearby
Cafés and bakeries: Around Fornebu S you’ll find coffee, pastries, and light lunches. Norwegians live on cinnamon buns, and you should too. If you prefer a proper sit-down meal, several casual restaurants sit within a few minutes’ walk.
Picnic supplies: Grab bread, cheese, berries, and mineral water at the supermarket and picnic by the lake. Alcohol is regulated in Norway, so if you plan a beer or cider, check local signage and be discreet and respectful. Littering is socially unacceptable; bring a bag and pack everything out.
Combine Nansenparken with Coastal Nature
One of the best things about Fornebu is how close the sea feels.
Storøykilen Nature Reserve: A short walk from the park, this protected area has birdlife and reeds framing the water. Stay on marked paths to protect nesting sites. Bring binoculars in spring and autumn.
Beaches and bathing spots: In summer, head to Storøyodden or other small sandy crescents along the shoreline. Water quality is generally good, and the vibe is relaxed and local.
Telenor Arena and urban mix: If there’s a concert or event, the area will be lively. On quiet days, the office architecture gives clean lines and open plazas for an easy urban-nature contrast.
What to Pack
Year-round basics: Comfortable walking shoes, layers, and a light windproof jacket. For Norway, this is non-negotiable even on sunny days.
Summer add-ons: Sunscreen, a hat, a picnic blanket, and swimwear if you plan to reach the coast.
Cool season kit: Thin wool layers, gloves, and a thermos. If conditions are icy, small traction cleats make life easier.
Responsible Visiting
Norwegians care about our green spaces, and small courtesies go a long way.
Stick to paths where asked, especially near water and in the nature reserve.
Carry out all trash. There are bins, but best practice is to pack it home.
Dogs on leash unless signs say otherwise. Always clean up after them.
Quiet enjoyment is the default. Music is fine at a respectful volume; the park is shared space for all.
Photography and Running
Photography: Early and late light makes the lake mirror-like. Reflections of birch trunks and simple bridges are classic Nansenparken shots. In winter, look for minimalism: reeds, ice, and the geometry of paths.
Running: The lake loop is a tidy circuit for tempo or recovery runs. Continue toward the coastline for longer, flatter kilometers with fresh air and fewer intersections. Surfaces are kind to knees compared to city pavements.
Practical Details at a Glance
Cost: Free.
Hours: Open 24/7, year-round.
Time needed: 45 minutes for a loop, 2–3 hours if you add coffee and a coastal stroll.
Best for: Walkers, families, runners, design lovers, bird-watchers.
Nearby services: Fornebu S for food, bathrooms, and parking.
Weather note: Oslo’s weather changes quickly. Check the forecast and bring a layer even in July.
A Local Way to Enjoy Nansenparken
Norwegians excel at simple pleasure done well. My favorite routine is this: ride a bus out late morning, pick up pastries at Fornebu S, loop the lake slowly with a coffee in hand, then drift down to the shoreline to feel the breeze. If it’s summer, a barefoot moment on warm rock. If it’s winter, a few minutes just watching the light skim the water. Nothing forced, nothing fancy. That’s Nansenparken at its best: quiet, generous, and easy to make your own.