Fornebu is a peninsular area in the municipality of Bærum in Norway, just southwest of Oslo. To an outsider, this area may not seem like much in terms of wildlife viewing, as the area is quite urbanized. It used to be the place of the main airport for people entering and leaving Oslo, which shut down in 1998. Since then, the area has seen a rebuild, with lots of modern houses, flats and office buildings appearing across the peninsula. A large park, Nansenparken, was built at the very center of the area, and serves as a green haven for both people and wildlife alike.
It is one of the areas with the highest diversity in both plant and animal species in Norway. During the time the airport was active, much of the natural coastline areas were left alone due to its close proximity to the airport. Thankfully, a lot of these areas have been left alone since, and a few nature reserves have been established to keep the unique flora and fauna of this area safe. The area is especially important for migrating birds, who frequently use Fornebu as a place to stop and rest before travelling further. There is also a beetle here, Meligethes norvegicus, which is found nowhere else in the world.
Fornebu is one of the best areas for viewing birds in the region, and is a must for any bird enthusiast visiting Oslo. 265 different species of bird has been recorded here, and it is not uncommon for rare vagrants to stop by during migration each year. It also quite the small area, which means it does not take long to get around and see the diversity this area has to offer. During summer months lots of insect enthusiasts find their way here as well, to see if they can find some rarities.
Short answer: Birdwatching, nature walks
Long answer:
As a wildlife enthusiast, you either visit Fornebu for birds, insects or plants. No matter what wildlife you fancy, the best tip is to head over to Lilleøya (small island) on the north side of the peninsula. There is a small bay here, Storøykilen, where wading birds often gather. A small forest is found further out west towards the sea with typical boreal forest flora and fauna. It is not uncommon to see roe deer here, and birds of prey are known to fly over from time to time. You can have a nice break and take in the scenery at the old red farm building close to the bay, called Lilløyplassen, which is now an educational center/research station run by Birdlife Norway. They are open on Sundays and often do family activities with or for the local wildlife (they might be serving waffles as well if you’re lucky!).
After a walk through Lilleøya, you can continue south around the larger Storøya (big island), where you’ll find the vegetation to be more park-like and artificial. This used to be where the old airport runway was. There is a viewing tower at the north side of Storøya. It is not the best for birding, but nice if you want to get a good view of the area. At the western edge of Storøya, you’ll find a beach and a small shop that sells refreshments and ice cream (and there are bathrooms). The beach is packed with people on hot summer days. Both the northern and southern edges of Storøya has some old intact natural vegetation, which is a bit different from the forest at Lilleøya. You’ll often see a lot more warblers here, and nightingales are present, especially early summer. Along the southern edge there’s a small nature reserve, Koksabukta, with lots of reed beds, where plenty species of birds find their home.
Last but not least, after a long day walking around Fornebu, be sure to walk through Nansenparken on your way back. This park is home to even more species of birds that find the open park landscape more preferrable than the coast and forest landscape of Lilleøya and Storøya. Flocks of geese often gather here, as well as skylarks, northern wheaters, common whitethroats, and more. At the very end, when you are done and tired, grab a bite at Seeds Cafe by the eastern edge of the park. They serve fantastic vegan burgers!
For a bird enthusiast, migration time in spring and fall is the best time to visit, as you are likely to spot more species, and a chance for rare vagrants. However, there really is no bad time to visit Fornebu. Species numbers remain high throughout the summer months, and around 50 species is not uncommon for one day of observing in mid-July. Even winter is great for a visit to Fornebu, and again I would urge you to visit Lilløyplassen, the small red house at Lilleøya. They have a feeding station where lots of birds come to find easy food in harsh winter months.
It is very easy to get to Fornebu both by car or by public transportation. I do not own a vehicle myself, so I always take the bus from where I live in Oslo.
To get to Fornebu from Oslo by bus:
Get to a bus stop where bus 31 stops at. There is one such stop just outside Oslo Central Station. There are two 31 buses: “31 Fornebu” and “31 Snarøya”. Both will take you to Fornebu. It takes about 35-40 minutes until you reach the stop Telenor Fornebu, where I’d suggest you get off.
From Telenor Fornebu, head west, and you’ll pass through the park Nasenparken on your way to Lilleøya. If you are there very early in the morning, you might get some nice bird observations on your walk through the park.
I first discovered Fornebu about a year after moving to Oslo. It was during winter, and I really wanted to find and photograph a special little bird called the bearded reedling, a very cool but uncommon species in Norway that sometimes stays through winter at certain locations. One such location is Fornebu. I went there one day in February 2019 to look for these birds, but they were nowhere to be found. Instead I found so much more! I found a beautiful little spot, with lots of other birdlife, and maybe the best part: a tiny little piece of quite nature away from city life. Not long after I went back again, and then again, and all throughout spring that year I went several times, almost always seeing something new.
I got my first observation of a lot of bird species at Fornebu, and even some real rare ones, such as the extremely rare migrant the red-breasted goose, and the “common” grasshopper warbler. It took 4 years, but the bearded reedling finally showed up as well in the winter of 2023. I’m closing in on 100 different species observed in total at Fornebu, and with close to 60 species being my record for species observed on one day. It really is a birders paradise!
Fornebu has now become my go to place for bird photography, and I go there quite often. It is not far from Oslo, where I live, and easily accessible by bus. I always do a few trips on weekends during spring migration, and always at least once during Easter. I also try to get one trip done every week-long holiday (we get a couple of those a year working as a teacher in Norway, one in winter and one in early fall).
I became so in love and familiar with the place that I ended up taking my own students (I’m teaching biology in high school) on 3 day field trips almost every year, where they get to learn about the unique and diverse nature in the area. I also hope to inspire some bird loving through them being part of catching, ringing and releasing birds at the educational center at Lilleøya. It’s been a success so far! How can it not be, when you have a place with the unique quality of being urban and modern, as well as having beautiful and calming nature by the sea.
