Østmarksetra, building in Norway
Østmarksetra is a wooden building in a forest area called Østmarka just outside Oslo, situated on a hill beside the lake Ulsrudvann. The interior is furnished cozily with chairs and tables in the style of traditional mountain cabins, while the exterior features classic wooden construction with a simple, timeless design.
The building was designed by architect Thorvald Astrup and opened in 1926 to offer visitors to Østmarka a place for relaxation and sports activities. After a devastating fire in 1927, it was rebuilt and reopened in March 1928.
The name Østmarksetra refers to a small mountain farm in the eastern forest area, though the building was never an actual farm. Today it serves as a gathering place for celebrations like weddings, confirmations, and anniversaries, where visitors appreciate the traditional wooden architecture and cozy interior.
The site is easily accessible by car or bus along Østmarkveien and serves as a welcome rest stop during forest outings. Visitors should note that it is mainly used for events like weddings and conferences, but also serves lunch and offers outdoor seating with forest views on warmer days.
Beneath the restaurant lies a large bunker system built by the German army during World War II, which was later briefly opened for a television series filming. This hidden space tells of a less known layer of local history concealed beneath the forest landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.