Haukåsen Radar
Foto: Kjetil Ree - CC BY-SA 3.0
Haukåsen Radar is one of two air traffic control radars serving Oslo's Gardermoen Airport, the other being the airport radar itself. The radar is a landmark structure visible from most of Oslo and its surroundings, located inside a white radome on the hillcrest Haukåsen in Østmarka, elevation 357 meters above sea level, south-east of the suburb of Haugerud in the Grorud Valley. The first radar to be built here in 1964, is exhibited at the National Aviation Museum in Bodø in Northern Norway. The radar is unmanned and remotely operated by Oslo ATCC (the Area Control Center at Røyken south of Oslo) and is owned by Avinor. The radar itself, rotating at a cycle of about 4 seconds, can be peeked through a grate when standing directly below the dome. The radiation from the antenna is reported by geocachers to render GPS equipment in its vicinity inoperable.
How to get to Haukåsen Radar
Public Transit and Walking
Subway: Take line 3 (Mortensrud) to Ulsrud station.
Walking route: From Ulsrud, it is about a 10 to 15-minute walk (roughly 750 meters to the edge of the forest), then follow the forest paths heading east/northeast up towards Haukåsen.
Alternative trail: You can also start a scenic Rundtur til Haukåsen fra Lutvann from the north end of Lutvann, following well-marked dirt roads and footpaths up to the radar tower.
Cycling
By bike: The climb up to Haukåsen radar is featured in local cycling routes like Østmarka Rundt. The final stretch up to the radar is a short, steep, and punchy gravel climb. Motorized private vehicles are generally not permitted past the forest gates
Embarking on a journey to the iconic Haukåsen Radar—affectionately known by locals as the "golf ball"—promises a classic wilderness experience right on the fringe of Oslo's eastern forest, Østmarka.
Depending on your preferred style of travel, you can curate your journey starting from either Lutvann or Haugerud.
Premium Route Mapping & Navigation
To navigate the dense trail network of Østmarka with ease, these premium digital mapping resources are highly recommended:
For Classic Hiking: UT.no (The Norwegian Trekking Association) is the definitive local gold standard. Their topological maps feature the officially maintained, blue-marked wilderness trails. Search for "Rundtur til Haukåsen fra Lutvann" to trace this exact route.
For Live GPS Guidance: AllTrails (Lutvann to Haukåsen) provides flawless off-grid tracking. It features live elevation mapping and real-time community conditions, which are ideal for spotting muddy or technical trail segments.
For Gravel & Mountain Biking: Komoot (Haukåsen Guide) excels in terrain differentiation. It clearly distinguishes between singletracks, rugged gravel, and tarmac, providing turn-by-turn navigation for the steep, punchy final ascent to the radar tower. [1]
Option 1: The Lutvann Loop (The Scenic Wilderness Route)
This 7.1-kilometer circuit is widely considered the most picturesque approach. It balances panoramic ridge walks with serene lakeside views.
The Threshold: Take T-banen Line 2 (Ellingsrudåsen) to Haugerud Station, then take a brief walk or catch bus 69 up to the northern trailhead parking at Lutvannsveien.
The Ascent: Begin from the northern shore of Lake Lutvann. Follow the blue-marked trail climbing steadily eastward over the pristine Lauvtjernmåsan ridge. This path opens up to a striking vantage point at the Haukåsen summit (357 meters above sea level), framed by the geometric radar tower.
The Descent: For a varied return, loop slightly further east down to the hidden jewel of Lauvtjernet—an idyllic, pine-fringed lake perfect for a rest or a wild swim. From there, the trail cuts back west to meet your original path near the Lutvann shoreline.
Metrics: ~2.5 hours | Moderate difficulty with some rocky terrain and exposed roots.
Option 2: Haugerud Station Direct (The Fast-Track & Cycling Route)
If you prefer a direct ascent without navigating the perimeter of Lutvann, starting directly from the station provides a swift entry into the forest.
The Threshold: Arrive at Haugerud Station via T-banen Line 2.
The Route: Walk east through the quiet residential neighborhood directly into the forest boundary. From here, a network of trails heads south toward Puttåsen before breaking sharply upward to Haukåsen.
Cyclist Note: For those on gravel or mountain bikes, this flank transitions into the gravel fire roads. It allows you to bypass the technical footpaths and tackle the pure, calf-burning climb straight to the summit tower.