Østensjøvannet is a large body of water found within the city of Oslo, the capital of Norway. It is located on the east side of the city. The area is used by many as a recreational area, as there are scenic and nice pathways around the water, as well as plenty of places to sit and relax and enjoy a small piece of nature in an urban environment. The body of water and the small pieces of land surrounding it (including the pathways) was established as a nature reserve in 1992, and thus the area is protected.
Østensjøvannet is especially diverse in wetland plant species and vegetation, which provides the basis for a high diversity of other wildlife. The area is renowned for its birdlife, with a great variety in species and large populations of vulnerable and endangered species, such as the moorhen and black-headed gull. One of the main attractions is the great crested grebe, which is found in good numbers. It is also a top spot for migrating birds, which use Østensjøvannet as an important stop before their journey onwards. Every year rare and vagrant species appear in the area, and as many as 223 species of bird have been recorded here in total.
For anyone interested in birds visiting Oslo, a trip to Østensjøvannet is a must. The walk around the water is very nice just by itself, even if you are not interested in birds, but being able to spot several different species of birds in large numbers along the way is something you won’t get anywhere else in the city. If you are a birder you are likely to find like-minded people here, some with binoculars and others with large lenses and camera equipment. If you want to connect with other birders in the city, this might just be the place to be.
Short answer: Birdwatching, nature walks, relaxing by the water
Long answer:
It takes a bit of time to walk all the way around Østensjøvannet, but there are other things to do than simply walk around. There are benches, many with tables, where you can relax and look out over the water. Down by the southern end of the water, there are often people feeding the different species of water birds in the area. This includes various species of ducks and gees, as well as swans. Lots of gulls also stick around, and coots often try to steal a bite or two in-between the larger birds. The ever-present feral pigeon is also here in large numbers. This spot is great if you want to get close to many of these species.
As a birder you should not miss out on the bird hide on the western side of Østensjøvannet. It is perfectly placed among the reeds, and lots of birds fly or float by, often getting quite close. From the hide you are likely to see terns, cormorants, various ducks and gees, as well as the great crested grebe. It is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of the resident sparrowhawks as they fly by.
The best time to visit will be during the bird migration, in spring or fall. Spring is often a bit better than fall, as many species are entering their breeding season at this time. Birds are more active then, and easier to spot and hear. If you do go in spring, be sure give the birds their space as Østensjøvannet is a very important breeding ground for many vulnerable species. The black-headed gull in particular.
You can visit Østensjøvannet all year round. Activity is high throughout most of the summer. During wintertime most of the water freezes over, and there is not that much to see compared to the rest of the year. Some birds do stay here all year, and there are places with running water that does not freeze entirely. At these areas you might be lucky and catch a glimpse of a water rail.
The best way to get to Østensjøvannet is by the Oslo Metro system, called T-bane in Norway. Look for large T’s around the city and you know a station is close by underground. You would want to find line number 3, in the direction of Mortensrud. All metro lines pass through the Central Station. There are four different stops you can get off at, depending on where you want to start your walk, but all stops are on the eastern side of the area. From north to south, these stops are Skøyenåsen, Oppsal, Bøler og Bogerud.
It is also possible to get here by both bus and car. Take bus “70 Skullerud” from the Central Station, and get off at Alléen bus stop. This will get you to the western side of the area. If you want to get there by car, you can find parking a bit south of the area.
Østensjøvannet has provided me with some great experiences and observations, but I haven’t been there as much as I probably should (being a birder and photographer living in Oslo and all). When I want a day of birding and do some photography I tend to stick to Fornebu instead. This is because the bus to Fornebu basically stops just outside my door, whereas I need to first take the bus to the Central Station, and then get on the metro to get out to Østensjøvannet. It’s just a tad bit more convenient for me to choose Fornebu.
With that said, I’ve always enjoyed my trips to Østensjøvannet. I usually take the metro to Skøyenåsen, and walk down to the water from there. That takes me to the northeastern edge of the area and a part of Østensjøvannet I really like. There are not too many people here, and there are nice pathways along the water and a few lookout points by the reed beds. I’ve spent some time here photographing reed warblers, who often stay here in decent numbers from spring to fall. From there I often continue south and then around to the western side and eventually spend some time at the bird hide.
If you continue north after the hide, you go up a hill and into a forest, which makes for a change of scenery. I usually take this route, and continue all the way back to where I began to end the day.
