Maridalsvannet
Lake Oslo reservoir and recreational lake north of city
A lake on Oslo’s northern edge that serves as the city’s drinking-water reservoir. Residents and visitors walk, cycle the shoreline and birdwatch along the trails.
Maridalsvannet is the largest lake within the Oslo municipality and the primary drinking-water reservoir for the city of Oslo, Norway. The lake lies in the Maridalen valley and is surrounded by forested hills and recreational paths.
The waterbody is valued for both its utility and its recreational setting - walkers, cross-country skiers and cyclists use the trails around the lake, while access and activities are regulated to protect water quality. The lake is elongated north-south and is the main source feeding Oslo’s water supply system.
Maridalsvannet sits in the northern part of Oslo’s municipal area in Maridalen, approximately 8-12 kilometres north of Oslo city centre, within a largely rural valley that is popular for outdoor activities.
- Water supply: Serves as Oslo's main municipal drinking-water source and is part of a protected watershed with restrictions on motorboating and shore development.
- Recreation: Surrounded by hiking and skiing trails and used for low-impact outdoor recreation; winter access often requires snow equipment.
How to Get to Maridalsvannet #
About 5-6 km north of Oslo city centre. Reachable by bus from downtown Oslo (check Ruter schedules for lines heading to Maridalen). Cycling or a 60-90 minute walk along marked trails are also common approaches.
Tips for Visiting Maridalsvannet #
- Walk the full circuit around the reservoir for varied viewpoints - the southern shore has the best city vistas.
- The area is a source of Oslo's drinking water; respect signs and fenced-off zones.
- Combine a visit with a stop at nearby Sognsvann for additional lake walking options.
Best Time to Visit Maridalsvannet #
Good year-round: summer for walking and winter for skiing, with shoulder seasons offering quieter trails.
Weather & Climate near Maridalsvannet #
Maridalsvannet's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (831 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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