Landscape and natural environment

We are committed to preserving the biodiversity around our airport.

Oslo Airport will manage, operate, and maintain its areas to promote biodiversity.

Oslo Airport is surrounded by landscape protection areas both to the north (Aurmoen), east (Elstad) and south (Romerike). The unique landscape around the airport tells the story of the melting of the inland ice sheet after the last ice age 10,000 years ago.

Today, you can experience traces of this ice age landscape in the protected areas around the airport. The special geological features, water conditions, and plant diversity make these areas of great national and international value.

Maps biological diversity

We have mapped biological diversity within the airport area, on our properties, leased areas, and areas of influence. In the report biological diversity Oslo Airport, there is a comprehensive description of the nature in and around the airport. We follow the management advice provided to best preserve this. The area around the runways consists of trivial meadow vegetation that is regularly cut and fertilized. On Oslo Airport's properties around the airport itself, there is a rich biological diversity. The many types of natural habitats provide varied living areas for many plants and animals.

Nature types

At the airport, there is a well-developed ravine landscape that includes more than 20 kettle hole lakes and kettle holes. The southernmost kettle hole lakes have water that is in contact with the calcareous groundwater and are so-called calcareous lakes. Calcareous lakes are now both a rare and vulnerable natural type.

The northernmost lakes are primarily rainwater-influenced and poorer. On Oslo Airport's properties north and east of the airport, 10 natural habitat locations associated with these kettle hole lakes have been mapped. Some of these have also been mapped as wildlife areas, primarily as breeding areas for birds.

Red and blacklisted species

The survey recorded 36 species that are red-listed, meaning they are at risk of becoming extinct from Norwegian nature. Examples of such species are the Swan Mussel, Heath Violet, Skylark, and Nightjar.

There are also blacklisted species recorded, including Lupine, Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and Canada Goldenrod. These are species that pose a threat to biological diversity, and we are working to limit their occurrences and spread.