Lørenskog: Østmarka, waterways and cultural history

The Vasshjulet powered the Østmorksaga, one of the region’s largest sawmills and one of the last water-powered sawmills in Norway to operate with a gang saw. This industrial history gives Lørenskog a tangible historical landmark. Alongside it, the Østmarka nature reserve, canoeing and several cultural sites shape ideas for your trip. You can plan your stay around nature experiences, waterways or the history of buildings and places.

Østmarka: trails, lakes and winter ski trails

The Østmarka nature reserve covers just under 18 km² and is located in the municipalities of Enebakk, Rælingen and Lørenskog. Østmarka has walking trails, ski trails and lakes that can be enjoyed year-round. In winter, groomed ski trails lead into the natural surroundings of Østmarka from Losby besøksgård. Trail grooming is seasonal; check current conditions before travelling. This means trails and lakes are available alongside an explicitly winter-focused activity.

Canoeing and fishing

The Losbyvassdraget is particularly well suited to canoeing. Canoeists can start at Losby besøksgård and transport their canoe along a route of about 1.5 km on a canoe trolley to the bathing area at Mønevann. So when planning, remember that there is a portage as well as paddling.

Fishing from a boat or canoe is permitted at Mønevann, Geitsjøen, Fløyta, Røyrivann and Nordre Krokvann with the appropriate boat-fishing permit. Check the current rules before fishing. Fishing is also possible in the Losbyelva and in the waters farther downstream in Losbydalen; check the applicable local rules for these areas too.

A footbridge over the Losbyelva is intended to connect to a path on the west side of the river leading to Losbyveien. The area and the Vasshjulet have been made more accessible.

Buildings and memorial sites

Lørenskog kirke is the oldest building in Lørenskog. Olavskilden is located near the church on Hammersberget and is automatically protected. A signposted footpath leads to Olavskilden from the parking area by the church.

Skulerudstua is one of the few surviving 17th-century wooden houses in Akershus and a typical Østlandsstue in the Akershus style. It combines a specific historical period with a distinctive regional building style.

Milorghula is a hiding place used during the Second World War. The easiest route there leads from Skihytta via Lionsstubben; a signposted turn-off leads to the hiding place. Check the signs on site in case conditions have changed.

Farm life and food

Losby besøksgård is a visitor farm with a visitor cowshed, a barn and a farm café. The farm is open to visitors every day except Mondays; check the opening days before you travel. In winter, groomed ski trails also lead into Østmarka from here.

The 2026 seasonal schedule plans Sunday refreshments at Skulerudstua from 11 am to 3 pm, from mid-September until Easter. Waffles, coffee and cocoa are sold by Leikarringen Hunar. Check the dates for the season of your trip in advance.

The exhibition in the barn at Skårer gård is titled “Kjøkkenveien – matens reise fra jord til bord” and opened in 2020. Its title describes the journey of food from the ground to the table, adding a food-related theme to the area’s natural and architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Lørenskog, Fjellhamar, Ås, Hurdal, Rælingen, Nes, Gjerdrum, Vestby.

For the overview of the wider region, see: Akershus.