Local tips: Frogn's best hikes
Øystein Giertsen is the leader of Frognmarka's Venner and works to preserve the beautiful outdoor areas in Frogn. Here he shares his best local hiking tips – from beautiful coastal paths to panoramic views.
Why should hikers visit Drøbak and Frogn?
Drøbak and Frogn have everything in a compact version. Varied nature and a rich animal and bird life. Areas of forest, lots of mixed agricultural land. Great skiing opportunities in winter and a 90-kilometer-long network with marked trails in the summer. The opportunities for trips on the land side and on Håøya combined with proximity to the fjord on both sides are fantastic. The fjord and the islands are a fantastic part of Frogn. Bathing in Drøbak is a classic everyone should treat themselves to, a nice reward after a hike.
Frogn has several nice coastal paths, do you have any favorites?
Frognmarka´s Venner work hard to secure the trail from Drøbak out towards Torkilstranda. We have now marked coastal path from Torkilstranda to Vestby municipal boundary. It is incredibly widely used. I would also like to promote increased use of the old Poststien from Drøbak/Lehmannsbrygga to Torkilstranda. Leave the car and walk from there.
What is your best tip for a nice hike in Frognmarka?
If you don't already have Frognmarka's Venner´s tour map and our tour book, get them first. Browse and select an area you haven't walked in so much. Feel free to bring a travel companion.
Personally, I think walks along the sea are especially nice in the shoulder seasons, before boat traffic picks up. A coastal path has previously been marked on the outside of Hallangspollen which leads into our trail network at Marikova towards Digerud. I think the transition from winter to summer is fantastic there. The view of Håøya and seeing the color changes as the different trees grow leaves is truly magical.
For families with children, I especially recommend parking on Lindebråte and hiking to Minda's cafe. It isn´t so far to go and quite often you´ll meet other hikers along the way. From the parking lot I would also recommend a trip to Furukollen which is Frogn's highest point on the mainland. NB! The old tower is uncertain and the warning not to enter it must be respected.
The peak of Håøya is the highest point in Frogn. Can you give a summary of this tour?
The peak of Håøya is 230m high and the views are breathtaking! It is possible to arrange transport with the Oscarsborg ferry. This must be arranged by phone before the trip. The road up is fantastic, and a stop on the large lower battery is a must. There is also a tour proposal from the west side of the island.
This route is for people who are good at reading maps and terrain. It is steep and demanding and is not suitable for everyone. Remember that the area east of the road up from the pier across from Oscarsborg is a protected area, because of the sea eagle that resides there.
Other tour favorites in the area you want to highlight?
I really want to encourage people to study maps and our tour suggestions and try new routes. Trying new areas is a separate experience. It is also important to spread the traffic a bit. Frognmarka’s Friends rent and operate exit parking at Røis, at the Stubberudtjernet and at Lindebråte.
All the seats are great starting points. For trips from Dal/Brevik, there is usually plenty of space at the Dalbanen. Happy hiking!