Centred around the town of Lillestrøm, Skedsmo is a sprawling municipality north-east of Oslo. It was here that the Raumas tribe fought against King Olav Haraldsson in the 11th century and it holds an important place in Norway’s industrial history as a hub for the manufacture of trains and planes.
Things to do in Skedsmokorset
Occupying the historic Huseby Farm at Skedsmokorset is the Skedsmo Museum, which offers insight into rural living in times gone by. Learn about the Viking Age burial mounds that have been excavated at the site and its use as a vicarage, then admire the main farmhouse dating back to 1830. Housed within the former servants’ quarters are displays of vintage tools while the historic workman’s house is furnished with period pieces.
Sprawling across several lakes and rivers is the Nordre Øyeren Nature Reserve, which has been designated as a Ramsar site as an important habitat for migratory birds. More than 260 different species have been recorded on its islands, lagoons and ridges, including several that are on the Norwegian Red List. Head to one of the observation towers at Jørholmen or Årnestangen to spot Canada geese, great bustards and marsh hawks.
Visiting in the summer months? You can refresh with a swim at the Nebbursvollen Friluftsbad, an open-air swimming complex with a lap pool, a paddling pool and children’s play areas. In the winter months, the Marikollen Ski Centre comes to life with its alpine ski slope, ski jumping hill and sledding facility.
Getting around Skedsmokorset
Skedsmo is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Oslo and around the same distance from Oslo Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Regular trains connect from the Norwegian capital to the Lillestrøm railway station while buses travel throughout the municipality.