Øyungen: A Lake in the Forest

A New Hiking Tradition?

Trail sign pointing towards Øyungsdammen (Øyungen Dam).

Perfect Day for a Hike

Today the sun was shining and the forests were beckoning. After many hours of sitting and studying it feels great to get outside, walk, and be in nature. A short ride from Nydalen on bus #51 to Maridalen; Øyungen Lake is easily accessible. 

A little cottage at the beginning of the trail.

The hike to the lake is 2.5 km (about 1.5 miles), through a wide, easy to navigate forest trail.  Nearby there are also plenty of other hiking trails going through different parts of the forest.

My classmates ahead on the trail.

Seven of my fellow classmates from SUM (Centre for Development and the Environment) came to our inaugural hiking afternoon.  Every week we are hoping to go hiking at a different spot.  Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and take a much needed break from studies.  Oslo has many accessible trails and parks a short distance away via public transportation, which makes it nice to easily get out and explore new places.

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The Skarselva river flowing from Øyungsdammen.

On our hike to the lake we passed by the Skarselva river. The river flows down to Maridalsvannet, where Oslo gets its drinking water.  My Norwegian friend was so proud of how clean the water is that she poured out the water in her bottle and excitedly re-filled it with river water.

The Skarselva river.

The Skarselva river flows from Øyungen Lake and over the Øyungsdammen. It runs alongside nearly half of the trail to the lake before disappearing behind trees, and is really nice to stop beside or look at while walking.

 Øyungen Lake

Emerging from the forests at the lakeside we found a nice place to sit down by a fire pit.  There are many different picnic tables and fire pits around the lake. Currently though, Oslo has a no open fire policy that has been running since April and ends later this September.  It has been such an unusually dry summer, that campfires haven't been allowed.

Photo-op in front of the lake.

 Everyone was all smiles at the lake shore. We sat gazing out at the lake, chatting, and taking in the nature for quite some time.

 Øyungen Lake.

Just like in Finland, Norway allows everyone to roam freely across the land. This means that you are able to go hiking or camping anywhere, as long as you aren't camped right behind someone's house or in a military training zone.

Shoreline of Øyungen Lake.

Living in the city there is always some noise, but everything is so silent out in nature. Even with the rustle of the wind and the rippling water, it was very quiet and calm. Across the lake someone was even laying in a hammock, really taking in the peacefulness of the place.

Duck swimming in the lake. 

The water didn't feel all that cold, but the only ones taking a dip today were a few ducks swimming near the shore.

Another view of Øyungen Lake.

There is a 5.1 km (about 3 miles) trail that goes along the lake. We didn't walk around it today, but in the future it may be nice to take the full trek around to view the lake from all angles. At the southern portion of the lake is the dam which feeds water to the Skarselva river.

A distant bench along the side of the trail.

Today was terrific, and the hike to Øyungen Lake was absolutely lovely.  Hopefully in the future we can continue this hiking tradition and check out even more beautiful places around Oslo! 

Vettakollen: The Best View of Oslo!

An Uphill Trek to Vettakollen Viewpoint

The pathway ascending up to Vettakollen.

Beginning Adventures

During our first week of uni, also known as, "buddy week," we went on a short hike to Vettakollen, which is known for its great views of Oslo.  Reaching the trail is easy by taking the T-bane (metro) line #1 towards Frognerseteren and getting off at the stop named "Vettakollen."  From there you can access many different hiking trails.  The hike up to the Vettakollen viewpoint wasn't too long, only 1.2 km or 0.75 miles, but it took awhile because the trail is somewhat steep.  

Looking towards the ski jumps in Holmenkollen, Oslo.

To the Top!

On our hike up, we passed by the ski jumps of Holmenkollen peaking out in the distance. Holmenkollen has hosted many past competitions, including the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup and the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. Today there is also a ski museum and the possibility to go atop the ski towers. 

At the top of Vettakollen.

What a View
Vettakollen is located between Sognsvann and Holmenkollen and has a great view of the city and Oslo Fjord. After reaching the top, we rested and took in the views of Oslo.

Looking towards Oslo.

Snack Time
Normally in Norway there are lots of berries during this time of year, however, it has been an unusually hot and dry summer (many days were 80+ F or 27+ C). Sadly, there were no refreshing berries we could eat, but we did get to rest at the top and try the Norwegian version of a Kit Kat called a Kvikk Lunsj (which translates to "Quick Lunch"). The Kvikk Lunsj's chocolate is slightly less sweet than a Kit Kat's and tasted delicious. I can see why people would want to eat it for lunch!

View of Oslo from Vettakollen.

The Oslo Expanse
Though I wasn't familiar with Oslo to point out where my neighborhood was or see many buildings in the city center, it was great to look out and see the entire expanse of the city and fjord below.

Looking out at the Oslo Fjord.

Great Hiking & Views!

Easy to get to, the viewpoint at Vettakollen is well worth the trek. It's a beautiful place to take in the sunset, or simply enjoy the views of Oslo and the surrounding nature.

Special Lecture - Amina Mohammed: The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs

This evening I had the pleasure of attending a special presentation by the 

UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed

Domus Academica, Urbygningen at University Square. 

The Oslo SDG Initiative 
The presentation took place at the University of Oslo's Domus Academica building and was sponsored by the University of Oslo's Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM) as part of the Oslo SDG Initiative. You can learn more about the initiative here.

Inside of gamle festal (the old party hall). 

Not Your Average Hall

During the mid 1800s the hall was used for Norwegian parliament, but today we met for a discussion about the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The presentation was particularly interesting, because our class just finished a unit on ''Poverty Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.'' Also, it isn't every day that you get to listen to a presentation by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General.  Prior to serving as Deputy Secretary-General in charge of the SDGs, Amina Mohammed was Nigeria's Minister of the Environment and Special Adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, among others. 

Prof. Dan Banik giving opening remarks.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

The seventeen SDGs were developed by the UN in 2015 to cover all dimensions of development, many of which the previous Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were lacking.  The goals cover poverty reduction, gender equality, zero hunger, sustainability, etc.  See here for all seventeen SDGs.  Amina explained how the SDGs are not merely goals, but development guide points. To achieve these points, actors from all sectors need to develop partnerships, communicate, and unite for the common good. As Amina put it, "The future is here and now.  Life is a journey and every step you build upon." 

Prof. Dan Banik and Amina Mohammed. 

Achieving the SDGs
Despite critiques about how far-fetching the SDGs are and how little evidence is coming back showing positive progress, the glass is not yet empty. The SDG initiative has till 2030, which is still twelve more years.  It was interesting that Amina pointed out there is a ''globalization of indifference.''  People tend to ignore issues, yet, eventually the problem gets them in the end.  The SDGs are about creating long term solutions, not fast-fixes which will have negative consequences.  Currently, there is no baseline data for the SDGs, so the private sector is weary to want to invest.  However, the mindsets of governments and private sectors will need to transform into brave, collaborative teams in order to "spin success."

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. 

Closing Remarks

There is lots of work still to do in regard to achieving the SDGs by 2030. In addition to connecting states with other sectors to develop vital partnerships, the UN also wants to get more youth, especially women, involved in all levels. The average age on a UN official is 45 years old, so it is necessary to have fresh eyes and ideas brought to the table. Though the next twelve years may be challenging, sustainable development is vital to our shared future.  As Mandela used to say "it always seems impossible until it's done." 

Development, Environment & Cultural Change

Diverse, inclusive, & full of love. 

Simple words; strong meaning. That's how I would characterize my classmates in the Development, Environment & Cultural Change masters program at the University of Oslo. Since meeting for the first time just two weeks ago, we have already bonded and shared many special moments. I feel incredibly lucky to be journeying with such a great group of students for the next two years.

First day of class, Aug. 13th, 2018 (photo courtesy of SUM)

Diversity. Our class consists of approx. twenty-three students, from eleven countries and five continents. In addition to various geographical backgrounds and cultures, we also have studied a vast range of topics from anthropology and international studies, to entertainment and bio-ethics. The interdisciplinary nature of our class makes for enlightening discussions, and it has been inspiring to hear everyone's stories. You can read more about the first two weeks of our studies here, and can learn more about the DECC program here.

Inclusiveness. Oslo has quickly become home to me; a place that I'm comfortable and feel happy. Norwegians are friendly and helpful, especially the ones in my class who have repeatedly had to answer many questions about Norway from us international students. One of my favorite things about my class is the level of inclusiveness. There is always someone to talk to, someone to laugh with, and a friend nearby to support you. We may come from different backgrounds, but all get along well and include one another in every activity. Being in DECC isn't simply being a class, it's being a family.

Aug. 13th, 2018 at University Square for the Welcome Ceremony.

After our first lesson, our class made the journey down to University Square near the National Theatre, to take part in the 95th annual University of Oslo (UiO) welcome ceremony.  All of the new UiO students gathered in the gardens behind the square and then preceded out during the ceremony.  

Partial view of students standing in the University Square.

The welcome ceremony lasted roughly an hour and included speeches from the UiO dean, mayor of Oslo, student representatives, etc. There was also a live performance by artist Nils Bech and a choir. A nice traditional way to kick off the school year at UiO!

In the forest near Frognerseteren, Oslo.

Love. Though it's been a short time here in Oslo, so far I am loving everything. I love my university, my professors, & most importantly my classmates; many of whom are now close friends. I'm looking forward to the coming months knowing that in DECC, us students will continue to bond and blossom together. Thank you to Oslo for welcoming me with warmth and open arms.

Velkommen til Norge!

Welcome to Norway; no turning back now!

Two weeks ago I packed up my bags, said goodbye to my family, friends, and life in America; journeying overseas for a new adventure in Norway.  

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For the next two years Oslo will become home, bringing new opportunities and experiences.  Journey with me as I explore Norwegian culture, discover hidden gems, urban art, & take in the diverse landscapes and wildlife around Norway.