The Ultimate 30-Day Femundsmarka National Park Hiking Itinerary

Femundsmarka National Park, Norway

Planning a full 30-day hike entirely within Femundsmarka National Park requires a specific mindset and approach. Femundsmarka is a vast, relatively undeveloped wilderness area known for its forests, lakes, rivers, and sparse trail network compared to more structured mountain regions. A month-long trip here would be about deep immersion, solitude, flexibility, route finding, and potentially significant repetition or very slow exploration rather than covering huge linear distances daily like on a marked long-distance trail.

This 30-day Femundsmarka hiking itinerary focuses on exploring different sections of the park and nearby areas, utilizing base camps, loop hikes, canoeing, and embracing the wilderness experience. It assumes a high degree of self-sufficiency and wilderness skills.

Femundsmarka 30-Day Wilderness Immersion: Lakes, Forests & Solitude

Why This 30-Day Femundsmarka Guide is Valuable For You:

• Deep Wilderness Focus: Designed for hikers who truly want to immerse themselves in a vast, relatively untouched Scandinavian wilderness area, prioritizing solitude, nature connection, and self-sufficiency over peak bagging or high-traffic trails.

• Exploration Beyond Main Trails: Goes beyond the few marked routes, encouraging exploration of different lake systems, river corridors, and forest areas, utilizing map/compass skills extensively.

• Multi-Modal Approach: Incorporates potential canoeing/kayaking sections, recognizing that waterways are key features and offer different perspectives.

• Realistic Pacing & Flexibility: Allocates 30 days, including travel, crucial rest/resupply days (requiring travel outside the park), buffer days for bad weather (common!), and allows for adapting plans based on conditions and discoveries. Daily hiking distances will vary greatly depending on terrain and navigation difficulty.

• Focus on Self-Sufficiency: Acknowledges the limited infrastructure within the park (few basic cabins, no staffed huts) and emphasizes the need for tent camping, carrying sufficient food, water purification, and strong wilderness skills.

• Nature Connection: Offers unparalleled opportunities for experiencing vast forests, numerous lakes, potential wildlife sightings (reindeer, birds, maybe elusive predators), fishing (with license), and appreciating true silence.

  
  

Femundsmarka National Park 30-Day Wilderness Immersion: The Hiking Itinerary

Pacing Legend:

• (H) Hiking Day: Focus on trekking between points, likely off-trail or on faint paths for significant portions.

• (C) Canoeing/Kayaking Day: Focus on paddling sections (requires rental/own boat).

• (R) Rest/Resupply Day: No significant hiking; recovery, gear maintenance, requires travel outside the park for proper resupply.

• (B) Base Camp Day: Staying at the same campsite, doing shorter day hikes or local exploration.

• (T) Travel Day: Focus on travel to/from the park or to resupply points.

  
  

Assumptions:

• Timing: Best suited for late June to early September. Earlier may have lingering snow/high water; later brings autumn colours but shorter days/colder nights/potential first snows. Insect season (mosquitoes, black flies) peaks mid-summer.

• Accommodation: Primarily tent camping following Norway's Allemannsretten (Right to Roam responsibly). Very few basic DNT cabins (self-service/unserviced - require DNT key) exist within or on the immediate periphery. Booking is usually not required for these basic cabins but check DNT rules.

• Fitness & Experience: Requires advanced wilderness backpacking experience, strong navigation skills (map/compass/GPS essential), self-sufficiency, ability to handle potentially challenging weather, river crossings (potentially), and carrying heavy packs with food for multiple days.

• Navigation: Detailed topographic maps (like Norge-serien 1:50 000 scale sheets covering the area) and compass are MANDATORY. GPS/phone app useful backup but electronic devices can fail. Trails are sparse and often poorly marked or non-existent away from main access points.

• Resupply: Extremely limited. Requires travelling OUT of the park to towns like Røros, Tynset, or potentially smaller shops in places like Elgå or Synnervika (very basic). Plan food carries for 7-10+ days at a time.

• Transport: Requires transport (car or bus) to get to trailheads/entry points around the park (e.g., Elgå, Synnervika, Langen, Jonasvollen, Røros vicinity). A car provides most flexibility for accessing different starting points. The Fæmund II boat on Lake Femunden is a key transport link (seasonal).

  
  

Part 1: Arrival & Southern Lake Systems (Days 1-8)

• Day 1: Travel to Røros & Final Prep (T/R)

  • Travel to the historic mining town of Røros (UNESCO site), located northwest of Femundsmarka (train or flight RRS via Oslo).

  • Final major gear check, purchase large food supply, fuel, maps. Check local conditions/advice. Stay overnight in Røros. Value: Major resupply hub, historical context.

    
    

• Day 2: Travel to Southern Entry Point (e.g., Langen / Jonasvollen) & First Camp (T/H)

  • Arrange transport (taxi, pre-booked shuttle, potentially limited bus) or drive rental car from Røros to a southern park entry point like Langen Gjestegård or Jonasvollen near Lake Femunden.

  • Hike a short distance into the park to establish your first wilderness camp, perhaps near Røvolltjønnan lakes or along the Røa river system. Approx 5-10 km hiking. Value: Entering the park, first night in wilderness.

    
    

• Day 3: Røa River Valley Exploration (H/B)

  • Hike along the Røa river valley, known for its fishing and canoeing potential. Explore side lakes or ridges. Terrain can be boggy/rocky. Approx 10-15 km.

  • Camp near the river or a lake. Value: Exploring key river system.

    
    

• Day 4: Hike Towards Lake Femunden Shore (H)

  • Hike eastwards through forests and marshland towards the western shore of the vast Lake Femunden. Approx 12-18 km.

  • Camp near the lake shore. Value: Reaching the park's largest lake.

    
    

• Day 5: Southern Femunden Exploration / Base Camp (B/H)

  • Establish a base camp near the southern end of Femunden. Day hike possibilities: explore nearby peninsulas, fish (with license!), enjoy lakeside solitude. Or short hike moving camp slightly. Value: Lakeside base, local exploration.

    
    

• Day 6: Hike North along Femunden OR Rest (H/R)

  • Begin hiking north along the western shore of Femunden (trails can be intermittent/rough) OR take a rest day at your lakeside camp. Approx 10-15 km if hiking. Value: Lakeside trekking or recovery.

    
    

• Day 7: Continue North / Towards Røvollen area (H)

  • Continue hiking north along or near Femunden's shore. Aim towards the area near the unserviced DNT cabin Røvollen (check map for location/access). Approx 15-18 km.

  • Camp near Røvollen or the lake. Value: Progressing north, nearing basic cabin.

    
    

• Day 8: Travel OUT for Resupply (Røros) (T/R)

  • Hike out from Røvollen area back towards a road access point (e.g., Langen, requiring planning) OR potentially time hike to meet the Fæmund II boat (seasonal, check schedule!) at Røvollen landing stage for travel north/south to access points linked to transport back to Røros. This requires precise planning.

  • Travel back to Røros for major resupply, laundry, rest. Stay overnight in Røros. Value: Essential resupply trip.

    
    

Part 2: Central Femundsmarka & Lake Focus (Days 9-16)

• Day 9: Return to Park (e.g., Elgå/Synnervika) & Establish Camp (T/H)

  • Travel from Røros back towards Femundsmarka, this time aiming for an eastern entry point like Elgå or Synnervika (requires transport). These offer access via the Fæmund II boat or direct road access.

  • Take Fæmund II boat across Lake Femunden (scenic journey!) OR hike in from road access. Establish camp in the central eastern part of the park, perhaps near Revsjøen or other lake systems. Approx 5-10 km hiking after boat/drive. Value: Accessing central park area, scenic boat ride.

    
    

• Day 10: Central Lakes Exploration - Revsjøen / Skogtjønna (H/B)

  • Explore the lake systems in the central park area. Hike between lakes like Revsjøen, Skogtjønna, Grøtådalstjønnan. Landscape features pine forests, bogs, rocky outcrops. Approx 10-15 km. Camp. Value: Exploring lake-rich interior.

    
    

• Day 11: Hike towards Norwegian-Swedish Border Area (H)

  • Hike eastwards through the park towards the Swedish border (the border itself runs through parts of the park/adjacent protected areas like Rogen in Sweden). Terrain likely involves forest and potentially more open, rockier ground. Approx 12-18 km. Camp near border zone. Value: Exploring border region.

    
    

• Day 12: Border Area Exploration / Rogen Influence (H/B)

  • Explore the unique landscape near the border, potentially crossing into the Rogen Nature Reserve (Sweden) known for its distinctive moraine formations (check regulations if crossing border extensively). Hike around border lakes or ridges. Approx 10-15 km. Camp. Value: Unique geology, border exploration.

    
    

• Day 13: Turn West/Northwest Towards Inner Park (H)

  • Begin hiking back west or northwest deeper into Femundsmarka's interior, away from the border. Navigate between lake systems. Approx 15-18 km. Camp. Value: Wilderness navigation.

    
    

• Day 14: Deep Park Exploration - Off-Trail Option (A)

  • Potential for more challenging off-trail navigation between lesser-known lakes or exploring smaller valleys. Requires strong navigation skills and careful route planning. Shorter distance (8-12 km) likely due to difficulty. Camp. Value: True wilderness experience.

    
    

• Day 15: Hike Towards Accessible Lake/River for Canoe Pickup (H)

  • Hike towards a pre-arranged meeting point (requires careful planning!) on a larger lake (like Isteren or Femunden) or accessible river section if planning a canoeing leg. Approx 15-20 km. Camp near meeting point. Value: Positioning for potential canoeing.

    
    

• Day 16: Rest / Buffer / Canoe Prep Day (R)

  • Rest day. Buffer for bad weather delays encountered so far. If canoeing starts tomorrow, finalize gear, meet rental provider if applicable. Camp. Value: Recovery, contingency, activity prep.

    
    

Part 3: Waterways & Northern Exploration (Days 17-24)

• Day 17: Begin Canoe/Kayak Section (e.g., Lake Isteren / Røa River) (C)

  • If arranged: Pick up rental canoe/kayak or launch own boat. Begin paddling section. Explore Lake Isteren OR paddle sections of the Røa river system (check water levels/portages). Paddle approx 10-20 km depending on conditions/route. Camp lakeside/riverside. Value: Experiencing park from the water.

    
    

• Day 18: Canoeing/Kayaking Exploration (C)

  • Continue paddling chosen route. Explore bays, islands, connecting streams. Enjoy the tranquility and different perspective. Paddle approx 10-20 km. Camp. Value: Water-based exploration.

    
    

• Day 19: Canoeing/Kayaking & Short Hikes (C/H)

  • Combine paddling with short hikes from the shore to viewpoints or interesting features near your water route. Paddle approx 10-15 km. Camp. Value: Combining water & land exploration.

    
    

• Day 20: End Canoe Section / Transition Back to Hiking (C/H/T)

  • Paddle to pre-arranged pick-up point for canoe/kayak. Transition back to hiking gear/mode OR take Fæmund II boat if route connects. Hike a short distance to establish camp. Approx 5-10 km hiking after paddling/transfer. Value: Finishing water section, adapting back to hiking.

  • (If NOT canoeing: Days 17-20 continue hiking through central/northern park sections, potentially exploring areas around Grøtådalen or heading towards Muggsjøen).

    
    

• Day 21: Hike Towards Northern Park Boundary (H)

  • Begin hiking towards the northern parts of Femundsmarka, potentially areas near Lake Muggsjøen or towards the hills bordering Røros municipality. Terrain varies. Approx 15-18 km. Camp. Value: Exploring northern reaches.

    
    

• Day 22: Northern Fells / Viewpoint Hike (H/A)

  • Hike up one of the accessible fells/peaks in the northern section (e.g., Stor-Svuku or Elgåhogna on the periphery) for wide panoramic views over the park and towards Sweden/Norway peaks. Approx 12-18 km with ascent. Camp. Value: Panoramic park views.

    
    

• Day 23: Rest / Buffer Day (R)

  • Zero Day. Rest before the final hiking days out of the park. Enjoy the wilderness solitude. Camp. Value: Recovery, contingency.

    
    

• Day 24: Hike Towards Northern Exit Point (H)

  • Hike towards a planned northern exit point, perhaps near Synnervika (Fæmund II boat access) or towards road access points closer to Røros. Approx 15-20 km. Final wilderness camp. Value: Positioning for exit.

    
    

Part 4: Exit & Departure (Days 25-30)

• Day 25: Hike Out of Park & Travel to Røros (H/T)

  • Complete final hike out of the park to your chosen exit point (e.g., Synnervika, other road access). Meet pre-arranged transport OR catch Fæmund II boat (check schedule!) OR hike to bus stop if applicable.

  • Travel back to Røros. Check into pre-booked accommodation. Value: Completing park traverse, return to civilization.

    
    

• Day 26: Røros Relaxation & Exploration (R)

  • Well-deserved rest day in Røros. Do laundry! Enjoy hot showers! Explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage mining town: see the unique wooden architecture, visit the Røros Church, perhaps the Olav's Mine museum. Value: Recovery, exploring historic town.

    
    

• Day 27: Røros Buffer / Optional Local Activity (R/M)

  • Buffer day in Røros. Revisit favourite spots, browse local craft shops (known for pottery/wool), relax in cafes. Optional: dog sledding on wheels (summer), local hikes outside Femundsmarka. Value: Flexibility, final town enjoyment.

    
    

• Day 28: Travel Day (Røros towards Oslo/Departure Point) (T)

  • Begin journey from Røros towards your departure point. Take the train south towards Hamar/Oslo (scenic route, approx. 4-5 hours to Hamar, longer to Oslo). Break journey if desired. Value: Scenic train travel south.

    
    

• Day 29: Continue Travel / Buffer Day (T/R)

  • Continue train journey to Oslo or other departure city/airport vicinity. Use as buffer time for any travel delays. Check into final accommodation. Value: Final travel leg, contingency.

    
    

• Day 30: Departure (T)

  • Travel to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) or other departure airport for your flight home. Depart Norway with incredible memories of deep wilderness immersion!

    
    

Essential Tips for Your 30-Day Femundsmarka Hike:

• Advanced Skills MANDATORY: This is not a trip for beginners. Strong map/compass/GPS navigation, wilderness first aid, self-sufficiency, experience with multi-week treks, river crossing assessment (potential), and dealing with adverse weather are essential.

• Detailed Planning: Route planning using topographic maps is critical. Water sources, potential campsites, shelter locations, bail-out points, and resupply logistics must be meticulously planned before you go. Inform someone reliable of your detailed plan and check-in schedule. Consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger.

• Resupply is the Biggest Challenge: Plan for carrying 7-10+ days of food between resupply points outside the park (Røros, potentially Jäkkvik if extending far north into Sweden which this itinerary doesn't). Research shop locations/hours/transport links meticulously. Dehydrated/high-energy food essential.

• Water Purification: Filter or treat ALL water taken from lakes and streams.

• Insects: Mid-summer (late June-early Aug) can have intense mosquitoes, black flies, midges. Bring strong repellent (DEET recommended), head net, and treat clothing with permethrin beforehand if desired.

• Weather: Can be highly variable and change rapidly. Expect potential rain, strong winds, cold temperatures even in summer. Pack high-quality waterproofs, warm layers, hat, gloves. Hypothermia is a real risk.

• Leave No Trace: Pack out absolutely everything, including toilet paper. Minimize impact on the environment. Use established campsites/shelters where possible or choose durable surfaces for wild camping. Follow fire regulations strictly (use designated pits, check fire bans).

• Fishing: Possible in many lakes/rivers but requires purchasing a Norwegian fishing license (fiskekort) online or locally. Know the regulations.

• Fæmund II Boat: Check its operating season and timetable VERY carefully if planning to use it for transport along Lake Femunden (usually mid-June to early Sept).

  
  

This 30-day Femundsmarka itinerary offers an incredible opportunity for a deep wilderness experience. It requires significant preparation and self-reliance but promises immense rewards in solitude, natural beauty, and adventure. God tur!