OBOS - Olbergåsen in sight

Here, between treetops and open landscape, a new neighbourhood is taking shape – with Norway’s longest river, the Glomma, as its neighbour. Calm, wide and always in motion. Nature surrounds you, forming a quiet frame around the everyday life to be lived here. Olbergåsen is not placed in the middle of city noise. It sits slightly elevated. A little freer. With views, air and light playing the leading roles. When the sun hangs low over the river, the sky glows in warm tones. In winter, snow settles softly on rooftops and trees, giving the area a gentle stillness. Homes are being built here for different stages of life – for first-time buyers, for families who need more space, or for those seeking something new and simpler. Shared areas are designed for meeting places, for play, for small conversations over the hedge and safe steps toward a neighbour. Perhaps this is what defines Olbergåsen: A feeling of living close to nature, yet close to life.

We now set course for the idyllic Olbergåsen, about an hour’s drive from Oslo. The journey takes you from the city’s busy streets into calmer surroundings, where the landscape opens up and the pace gradually slows down. Along the way, you’ll notice how the surroundings change – from dense urban structures to greener residential areas, forests and open landscapes. This transition is exactly what many people appreciate: being close to the city, while enjoying more space, peace and nature. Olbergåsen is a good example of this balance. New homes are being developed here with a focus on strong communities and practical everyday living – just as OBOS has done for generations, with the goal of creating safe and attractive places to live. All points along the route can be played at any time, but are best experienced as you pass them. Enjoy the journey – and perhaps also a good choice.

We are now passing Helsfyr – an area with a name that sparks curiosity. The name likely comes from old German expressions meaning “hell’s fire,” possibly referring to a place known for noise, rough activity, or even a bad reputation in earlier times. Today, the contrast is striking. Helsfyr is one of Oslo’s most important transport hubs, where roads, metro lines and workplaces meet in a vibrant area just outside the city center. Development here has been rapid, giving the area a completely new identity. This kind of transformation is no coincidence. For nearly a hundred years, OBOS has helped shape residential areas in and around Oslo. Since its founding in 1929, the goal has remained the same: to make it possible for more people to live well, safely and practically – in areas that evolve over time. As you continue out of the city, you are in many ways following that same movement – from dense urban life to new residential areas built around balance and livability.

We are now passing Karihaugen, an area that marks the transition between Oslo and the surrounding municipalities. From here, Lørenskog lies to the west, with growing residential areas and shopping centers, while Høybråten lies to the east – a quieter area characterized by detached homes and green surroundings. Karihaugen is also an important traffic hub, where several roads meet and guide traffic out of the city. This makes it a natural link between urban Oslo and the expanding suburbs. From this point, Olbergåsen is roughly a 30-minute drive away, as the surroundings gradually become more open and residential. As you pass through here, you are quite literally moving between two worlds – from the urban to the more open, slower-paced landscape ahead.

Ahead of us is Hvamskrysset, where you can choose between two routes towards Rånåsfoss. If you take the exit towards RV 22, you’ll head in the direction of Kjeller, Lillestrøm, Fetsund and Sørumsand, eventually following the Glomma river. This route offers close contact with the river landscape and its history of timber floating, and brings you to Olbergåsen in about 35 minutes. If you continue straight on the E6 towards Frogner, you’ll get a more direct and efficient drive through open farmland and established towns. From here, Olbergåsen is just over 25 minutes away. Both routes lead to the same destination, but offer slightly different experiences along the way. Nearby, you’ll also find Olavsgaard, a well-known conference center, and Hellerudsletta, home to X Meeting Point – a modern venue for exhibitions and events, formerly known as Exporama. This is also where OBOS has its regional office.

We are now approaching Kjeller – an area with a unique place in Norwegian history. Here lies Kjeller Airport, one of the oldest in Norway, established in the early 1900s. For many years, this was a center for military aviation, playing an important role in the development of Norwegian aircraft technology. Today, much of that legacy continues through research and high-tech industries. Kjeller is also known as one of the country’s key knowledge hubs, with research institutions and technology companies working on energy, environment and future solutions. At the same time, the area is located close to both Lillestrøm and open landscapes, creating an interesting blend of technology and nature. As you pass Kjeller, you are moving through a place where aviation history and modern innovation meet.

Have you heard of Kanarifansen? Not people who like canaries – but the supporters of Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, one of Norway’s most historic football clubs. We are now passing Lillestrøm and Åråsen Stadium. The city has developed into an important hub in the Romerike region, with close connections to both Oslo and Gardermoen. Lillestrøm is known for more than football. It is home to Norges Varemesse, one of Norway’s largest exhibition and conference venues, attracting visitors from across the country. The city also offers a lively center with shops, restaurants and cultural activities. Still, football plays a big role here. Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, often called LSK, wears yellow and black, and its loyal supporters – Kanarifansen – bring energy to the city, especially on match days. From here, it’s roughly a 30-minute drive to Olbergåsen. As we pass through Lillestrøm, you may notice that energy – a mix of history, activity and local pride.

We are now approaching Fetsund, and as you drive onto the bridge, the landscape opens up around you. Below flows the Glomma River – Norway’s longest river – which has been a lifeline for transport and development for centuries. Look out of your window, both to the right and left, and you may spot long wooden structures in the water. These are the log booms – remnants of what was once a crucial part of Norwegian industry, where timber floating down the river was collected and sorted. Fetsund was a key hub in this system, connecting inland forests with sawmills and exports along the coast. From here, Olbergåsen is about a 25-minute drive away, depending on your route. Today, the area also offers recreational opportunities. Nearby you’ll find Hvalstjern ski stadium, a popular starting point for outdoor activities year-round, and Heia beach – a peaceful spot by the water on warm days. As you cross the bridge, you are surrounded by a landscape where nature and history still flow side by side.

Have you heard of “Tertitten”? We are now passing through Sørumsand, where the historic railway known as Tertitten is one of several local highlights. Here, residential areas, shops and leisure activities come together, closely connected to the nearby river. Across the Glomma lies Bingen log booms, one of the best-preserved timber floating facilities in Europe, where logs were once sorted before continuing downstream. Sørumsand offers experiences for all ages. The narrow-gauge railway Tertitten gives a glimpse into the past and is especially popular with families. Nearby, you’ll also find Bingsfoss power station, harnessing the energy of the river to produce electricity. From here, it’s just over a 10-minute drive to Olbergåsen. For those who enjoy outdoor activity, there are mountain biking trails and recreational areas, while Kuskerudnebben outdoor pool offers swimming and relaxation. The local boat association keeps river life active. Sørumsand is a place where the river still defines both history and everyday life.

Trees, trees and more trees! Have you ever wondered how many trees there are in Norway? The answer is: billions. Forests cover around 40 percent of the country, and much of it lies in the areas you are driving through now. Spruce and pine dominate, standing dense and tall, and have been among Norway’s most important natural resources for centuries. Along this road, you are also following the traces of one of the most efficient transport methods of the past: timber floating. Logs were sent downstream, and the Glomma River – nearby – was the main artery. Huge quantities of timber were transported from inland forests towards the south. The river was not just a transport route. It powered sawmills and industry, and shaped settlements along its banks. As you continue, you are surrounded by a landscape where nature is not only beautiful – it has been the driving force of Norwegian history.

We are now passing the village of Frogner – a calm and well-functioning area where much of everyday life is gathered in one place. Here you’ll find Frogner school and cultural center, which offers more than just education. It also serves as an important meeting place, with rehearsal rooms, a stage and activities that bring together children, youth and adults. Nearby is Frogner sports complex, an active area with year-round activities, as well as Frogner library, part of the Lillestrøm library network. If you’re feeling hungry, Frauna Restaurant is a well-known stop, offering quality meals and catering services. At the same time, the rest of the world is within easy reach. Gardermoen Airport is only about 15 minutes away, making Frogner a practical base – whether your daily life is local or your journey continues further.

We are now passing Lørenfallet, a small settlement with a story reflected in its name. Originally, the place was called Løren, derived from leire (clay) and vin (meadow or field) – meaning “the clay plain.” The name changed after a major landslide in 1794, after which the area became known as Lørenfallet, referencing the dramatic event. Today, Lørenfallet is a quiet local community with practical services for everyday life. Here you’ll find a veterinary clinic for your four-legged friends – an important resource for many residents. Nearby is also Meierigaarden, a popular restaurant and event venue for dinners, celebrations and social gatherings. From here, Olbergåsen is just about a 10-minute drive away. A small place – with a history that still leaves its mark.

Are you afraid of heights – or do you enjoy challenging that feeling? We are now passing Sørvald, and nearby you’ll find the Høyt og Lavt climbing park. Here, both children and adults can test their balance in the treetops, move between platforms and feel the thrill of being high above the ground. The courses vary in difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. At the same time, the area also offers quieter surroundings. Sørvald care and nursing center is located here, providing important healthcare services and contributing to a sense of safety in the community. The contrast is clear – from calm everyday life to activity and adventure – all gathered in one place.

We are now passing the area of Sorknes and Hekseberg, where the landscape opens up with farmland and scattered buildings. Ahead, we approach the exit to RV 171. Here you can turn off towards Frogner, Sørumsand and further on to Olbergåsen. From this point, it’s a little over 20 minutes to reach your destination. This is a natural choice if you prefer a quieter drive through smaller towns and open landscapes, with proximity to both forest and river. Gardermoen Airport is only about 10–15 minutes further along the E6 if you continue straight ahead.

We are now approaching the junction between RV 171 and RV 173 and Olbergåsen is just a few minutes away. Here, you can turn onto RV 173 towards Rånåsfoss, Auli and Olbergåsen – a road that leads you into quieter surroundings and closer to your destination. RV 171 continues towards the E6 in a southbound direction, while the other direction leads you towards Sørumsand and Lillestrøm to the east.