Wildlife Vagabond Tours
Guided Birding at Jørholmen – Nordre Øyeren
A varied birding walk on the eastern side of Nordre Øyeren, with woodland, reedbeds, open wetland and the Jørholmen bird tower.
The eastern side of Nordre Øyeren offers a much wilder feel than the urban birding sites around Oslo. The route towards Jørholmen passes through a varied landscape of woodland, fields, reedbeds, river-edge habitat and open wetland, creating opportunities for both waterbirds and woodland species as well as raptors moving over the delta.
Shared transport from Oslo is included. We meet at Grefsen station and travel together by maxitaxi or similar licensed transport before starting the walk. I guide as both a birder and a nature photographer, so the trip works equally well if you bring only binoculars or if you want to make the most of photographic opportunities along the way.
Different times of year
Seasonal options
March–May
Spring migration
The delta becomes increasingly active as migrants return and raptors begin moving through the area.
May–June
Early summer
Breeding activity is high across woodland, reedbeds and open wetland before the heaviest mosquito period.
August–October
Autumn migration
A changing mixture of waterbirds, raptors and passerines moves through the delta.
November–March
Winter landscape
Fewer species overall, but the open delta can still produce rewarding winter birding and beautiful photographic conditions.
From my own visits
My experience from the area
This is the part of Nordre Øyeren I know best. I was brought here many times as a child and later returned on my own after birding and nature photography became major interests. I particularly enjoy the combination of woodland and open wetland and the chance that something interesting can pass overhead while you are simply walking the route. One memorable visit produced my first western marsh harrier, a female appearing suddenly over the reeds. That mix of familiar habitat and unexpected encounters is a large part of why I like the area.
What to expect
This is the more habitat-diverse of the two Nordre Øyeren day tours. We move from the access road into woodland and open wetland, using the river edge, reedbeds and viewpoints around Jørholmen when conditions and access allow.
Osprey is one of the characteristic birds from spring into summer, while buzzards, kestrels, marsh harriers and occasionally white-tailed eagles can be seen in the wider reserve. Ducks, waders, woodpeckers and a wide range of passerines add variety, and the large delta is exactly the kind of place where an unexpected migrant can change the character of a morning.
There is also a good chance of encountering mammals. Roe deer are common in the area, and moose can occasionally appear. Nordre Øyeren has a lot of beaver activity; beavers are shy and sightings are far from guaranteed, but signs of them are common and with some luck we may catch a glimpse along the water.
As a nature photographer I pay attention to light, backgrounds and working distance as we move through the area, and I am happy to share practical advice. The route remains flexible and wildlife always takes priority over getting a particular photograph.
Pickup and route
We meet at Grefsen station in Oslo, where shared maxitaxi or similar transport picks up the group. The exact pickup point and departure time are confirmed before each tour. At Nordre Øyeren we walk towards the Jørholmen bird tower and use the best permitted viewpoints along the route. The direct walk to the tower is about 2 km each way; the guided route can be somewhat longer depending on conditions. Some sections can be wet or muddy, and all marked routes and seasonal access restrictions are respected.
What to bring
Bring your own binoculars and/or a camera with a telephoto lens or zoom that gives useful reach for birds at a respectful distance. Dress for the weather and wear waterproof or water-resistant footwear when conditions are wet. Bring your own food and drink. In the warmer part of the year, insect repellent is strongly recommended. A bird app such as Merlin Bird ID and eBird can also be useful.
Included and not included
Included:
Guided birding with Håvard Rosenlund (Wildlife Vagabond), return shared transport from Grefsen station, seasonal interpretation of the birds and habitats we encounter, and photography advice where relevant.
Not included:
Food and drinks, transport to and from Grefsen station, and personal binoculars or camera equipment.
Responsible birding
Nordre Øyeren is a protected wetland with important resting and breeding areas. We stay on permitted routes, respect seasonal access restrictions and keep a good distance from resting, feeding and nesting birds. No photograph or sighting is worth disturbing wildlife.