Marka boundary
The Marka boundary (Markagrensen) is the legally fixed boundary between Oslomarka and the building zones in Oslo and eight neighbouring municipalities. Inside the boundary, a general ban on building and construction work applies. Outside it, ordinary land use planning under the plan- og bygningsloven (Planning and Building Act) applies.
The boundary was set in law by the markaloven (Marka Act) in 2009. The Act came into force on 01/09/2009, and its purpose is to promote outdoor recreation, nature experiences and sport, and to preserve landscape, nature and cultural heritage values. The Act covers eleven named forest areas, including Nordmarka, Østmarka, Vestmarka, Krokskogen, Bærumsmarka and Romeriksåsene, and eight neighbouring municipalities in addition to Oslo: Bærum, Asker, Lillestrøm, Lørenskog, Nordre Follo, Lunner, Jevnaker and Ringerike.
The exact boundary was set by royal decree in 2009 and updated as a digital map in 2019. It is shown as a separate map layer in public map services and by the municipalities. Inside the Marka boundary, the general rule is a building ban, see markaloven § 5. Agricultural operations, public infrastructure and outdoor recreation facilities that can be fitted within the purpose of the Act may still be permitted through municipal or state plans, see markaloven § 6. A dispensation requires a separate application, and the threshold is very high. Klima- og miljødepartementet is the superior authority, and Statsforvalteren i Oslo og Viken handles appeal cases.
The Marka boundary itself cannot be changed through a municipal land use plan. Changes must be adopted by the King in Council and require thorough processing, with consultation of the affected municipalities and specialist authorities. Comparable protection regimes do not exist elsewhere in the country, but several urban forests are secured through municipal plans or protected areas under the naturmangfoldloven (Nature Diversity Act).
In Placepoint, the Marka boundary is shown as a map layer, so that early in acquisition or analysis you can see whether a property lies inside or immediately next to Oslomarka.
How the dataset appears on the map
The dataset is part of the map layer Nature as Marka boundary:
From Placepoint's glossary: Marka boundary
More information: Lovdata: Markaloven, Store norske leksikon: Oslomarka
English: The Forest Belt boundary (Marka, Oslo region; Norwegian-specific).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Marka boundary?
The Marka boundary is the legal boundary of Oslomarka that separates the nature areas from the building zones in Oslo and the surrounding municipalities. It is set in the markaloven, and building inside it is prohibited.
When was the Marka boundary set?
The Marka boundary was set in the markaloven of 2009 and came into force on 01/09/2009. The Act ensures that Oslomarka is preserved for outdoor recreation, nature experiences and sport.
Can you build inside the Marka boundary?
No, a building ban applies to all development inside the Marka boundary. Exceptions require a dispensation under the markaloven, and the threshold is very high.
Can the Marka boundary be changed?
The Marka boundary is not changed through ordinary municipal planning. Changes must be adopted by the King in Council and require a thorough process under the markaloven.
Can I see the Marka boundary in Placepoint?
Yes, Placepoint shows the Marka boundary as a map layer, so you can quickly see whether a property lies inside or immediately next to Oslomarka.