The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hersjøen

There are over 40 family-friendly hiking trails around Hersjøen, with 30 of them rated as easy, making them suitable for various ages and skill levels. You'll find a good selection of routes to explore the beautiful natural surroundings.

The terrain around Hersjøen is generally gentle, with many trails following gravel roads or well-maintained paths. For example, the popular "Hersjøen Rundt" trail largely follows a gravel road, but also offers sections that venture into more natural terrain, leading up to viewpoints like Hersjøåsen. Most family-friendly routes are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes around Hersjøen are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. An excellent option is the Hiking loop from Hauerseter, which is an easy 2.8 km circular trail perfect for a shorter family outing.

Hersjøen is part of the Elstad Protected Landscape Area and is rich in biodiversity. You might spot beaver, moose, and roe deer. The lake is also an important stop for migratory birds, including whooper swans and various duck species. Keep an eye out for rare species like the lesser spotted woodpecker or the azure damselfly. It's a fantastic area for nature observation with children.

Absolutely! The "Hersjøen Rundt" trail includes a path leading up to Hersjøåsen, where you'll find a resting area with a bench and a "trimbok" (logbook). This spot offers excellent views over Hersjøen, providing a rewarding destination for families to enjoy the scenery.

For an easy and scenic family hike, consider the Nordbytjernet Lake, Jessheim – Nordnytjernet Lake loop. This route is just under 6 km and offers a pleasant experience around the lake, perfect for a relaxed family adventure.

While the Hersjøen area is primarily known for its natural beauty, you can find routes that incorporate cultural interest. For example, the Eidsvoll Manor House – Eidsvollbygningen Café loop from Eidsvoll verk is an easy 7.2 km hike that takes you past the historic Eidsvoll Manor House, offering a blend of nature and heritage.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Hersjøen, with an average score of 4.66 stars from 48 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil natural environment, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it a beloved destination for family outings.

Yes, for families with older children looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Memory Grove – Hulveier Path loop from Oslo lufthavn is a moderate 8.4 km route. It offers a longer exploration while still being manageable for active families.

Hersjøen's inclusion in the Elstad Protected Landscape Area means it offers a unique combination of untouched nature, rich biodiversity, and accessible trails. Its diverse ecosystems, from aquatic vegetation to forest habitats, provide an immersive natural experience. The presence of dedicated hiking infrastructure and scenic viewpoints like Hersjøåsen makes it an ideal and safe destination for families to connect with nature.

Many of the trails around Hersjøen, especially those following gravel roads or wide paths, can be suitable for families with very young children or strollers. The Nordbytjern Lake – Swan Nest at Nordbytjern loop is an easy 4.3 km option that offers a pleasant, relatively flat surface, ideal for a gentle family stroll.