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Femundsmarka National Park is one of Norway's largest protected wilderness areas, located in Innlandet county in southeastern Norway, stretching to the Swedish border. Established in 1971 and significantly expanded in 2003, the park covers roughly 1,500 square kilometres of ancient boreal forest, open fells, river valleys, and the vast Lake Femunden — Norway's third-largest lake.
The landscape is shaped by relatively flat, glacially scoured terrain rather than dramatic alpine peaks, making it accessible to a broad range of outdoor visitors. Pine and birch forest dominate the lower elevations, while open heath and bog characterise the higher ground. The park is ecologically significant as habitat for brown bear, wolverine, lynx, and large populations of reindeer managed by Sámi communities.
On the Swedish side, the town of Sälen sits within reasonable reach and serves as a practical base, particularly in winter, though most park infrastructure is on the Norwegian side. The park's relative remoteness means visitor numbers stay modest compared to Norway's more famous parks, which is part of its appeal for those seeking genuine solitude.
Before You Go
Visas and entry
Femundsmarka is in Norway, which is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area. Sweden is also Schengen. For visa guidance specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) official website before travel.
What to pack
- All seasons: Layers are essential; weather can change rapidly even in summer. Waterproof jacket and trousers are non-negotiable.
- Summer: Mosquito repellent and a head net are strongly recommended — insects can be intense in July and August.
- Winter: Full cold-weather kit including insulated base layers, windproof outer shells, and warm sleeping gear if hut-to-hut skiing. Temperatures regularly fall below −20 °C.
- Navigation: Carry a physical topographic map (Statens Kartverk 1:50,000 series covers the park) and compass. Mobile coverage is sparse to non-existent in much of the park.
Regulations
Femundsmarka operates under the Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act (Allemannsretten), which grants the right to roam on uncultivated land. Camping is generally permitted but fires are restricted — check current regulations, particularly in dry summer periods. Dogs must be kept on a lead from April 1 to August 20 to protect wildlife and reindeer. Verify current rules with the Norwegian Environment Agency or the park management before your visit.
Getting There
By air
The nearest airports with regular scheduled services are Røros Airport (RRS), approximately 80 km north of the park's northern boundary, and Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD), roughly 220 km north. From Sweden, Mora–Siljan Airport serves the broader region but connections are limited — verify schedules locally.
By train and bus
Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage town, is well connected by train on the Rørosbanen line from Oslo (Østerdalen route). From Røros, local bus services reach Engerdal municipality, which borders the park. Services are infrequent; verify current timetables with Vy (Norwegian rail and bus) before travel.
By car
Driving is the most flexible option. From Oslo, the journey to the park's northern access points via Røros takes approximately 4–5 hours. Road 26 and Road 217 are key access routes along the park's western flank. From Sweden, cross-border roads connect via Idre in Dalarna county. Roads near the park may be unpaved and require careful driving, particularly in spring thaw or after heavy rain.
From Sweden (Sälen area)
Sälen is primarily a winter sports resort in Dalarna and lies west of the park across the border. It is not a direct gateway to Femundsmarka's main visitor areas but can serve as a comfortable base for those combining a Swedish ski holiday with a day trip or short excursion toward the Norwegian side. Verify road access and border crossing points locally.
Getting Around
There is no public transportation inside the park. Movement is on foot, by ski (in winter), or by canoe or small boat on Lake Femunden and its connected waterways.
Marked trails: The park has a network of marked trails maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) and local fjelltjeneste. Trail conditions and marking quality vary — always carry a map.
Boat transport on Femunden: A historic passenger boat, the DS Fæmund II (one of Norway's oldest operational steamships), has traditionally served stops along Lake Femunden during summer. Verify current operating status and timetable locally, as services can change season to season.
Canoe routes: Paddling is one of the park's signature activities. Canoes can be hired from operators in Engerdal; confirm availability and portage requirements before planning a route.
DNT cabins: The trekking association operates staffed and self-service mountain cabins within and near the park, making multi-day routes feasible without tenting every night. Membership in DNT offers reduced rates; verify cabin status and booking requirements on the DNT website (ut.no).
Where to Stay
Accommodation options near the park are limited and rural, which suits the destination's character.
DNT mountain cabins: The most practical option for multi-day wilderness users. Some are staffed in peak season and offer meals; others are self-service with basic provisions. Book through ut.no and verify conditions before departure.
Guesthouses and farms (Engerdal): The municipality of Engerdal has small guesthouses and farm-stay accommodation. Availability is limited — book well in advance, especially for summer or the winter ski season. Specific establishments should be verified through local tourism sources, as offerings change.
Röros (nearby): For those wanting more comfortable lodging as a base, Røros has a range of hotels, guesthouses, and rental cabins and is a rewarding destination in its own right. It lies outside the park but within practical day-trip distance of northern access points.
Wild camping: Permitted in line with Allemannsretten rules, subject to minimum distance requirements from dwellings and fire regulations. No designated campgrounds exist within the main park area.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The park offers routes ranging from easy lakeside walks to multi-day wilderness traverses. Popular staging points include Synnervika and Elgå on the western shore of Femunden. The terrain is generally manageable but distances between landmarks are substantial — plan conservatively.
Paddling
Canoe touring on Lake Femunden and the Femundelva river system is a highlight of summer visits. The lake is large enough to generate significant waves in wind — weather awareness is essential on open water.
Winter skiing
Femundsmarka has a strong tradition of long-distance cross-country skiing. The Femundløpet, one of Norway's long ski races, passes through the region. Marked winter trails and staffed cabins make multi-day ski tours possible for competent skiers.
Wildlife watching
The park is among the better places in Norway to observe reindeer in open fell country. Brown bear, wolverine, and lynx are present but rarely seen. Golden eagle and rough-legged buzzard are among notable bird species. Do not approach or feed wildlife.
Cultural heritage
Sámi reindeer herding is an active, living practice in this landscape — not a historical exhibit. Visitors should be respectful and unobtrusive around herding activities. Røros, nearby to the north, offers a significant museum experience related to copper mining and regional history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth combining with a park visit.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or food outlets within the park itself. Self-sufficiency is essential for backcountry visitors.
Staffed DNT cabins serve meals during operating periods — typically simple, hearty Norwegian fare such as soup, stew, and packed lunches. Verify what is offered when booking.
Engerdal village has a small grocery store where supplies can be purchased before entering the park. Stock up thoroughly; there are no resupply options once in the backcountry. Freeze-dried meals, hard cheese, crispbread, and dried fruit are practical staples favoured by Norwegian wilderness travellers.
Drinking water from streams and lakes in the park is generally clean but should be filtered or purified as a precaution, particularly downstream of reindeer grazing areas. Carry a reliable filter or purification tablets.
Practical Information
Emergency services
Norway's general emergency number is 112 for police, 113 for ambulance, and 110 for fire. Mobile coverage in Femundsmarka is very limited or absent over large areas. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator if travelling deep into the backcountry — this is a genuine safety recommendation, not a formality.
Money
The park area and Engerdal municipality operate mostly on Norwegian Krone. Card payment is accepted at the few local businesses, but do not rely on it in remote locations. Bring sufficient cash.
Electricity
Norway uses the European standard Type F/C socket (230V, 50Hz).
Maps and navigation
Purchase Statens Kartverk topographic maps before arriving. The maps.statkart.no website and the Norgeskart app are useful digital resources, though they require downloaded offline data for use without connectivity.
Visitor information
The Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet) and Innlandet county's official tourism resources are the authoritative sources for current park rules, cabin status, and access conditions. Verify all operational details — particularly boat services and cabin staffing — before your trip, as these can change annually.
Safety
Femundsmarka is a genuine wilderness area. Self-rescue over long distances is a real possibility if something goes wrong, and emergency response times can be extended.
Weather: Conditions can deteriorate rapidly at any time of year. Summer storms, autumn snow, and sudden temperature drops in spring are all possible. Never underestimate the cold, even in July.
Ice travel: Winter travellers crossing frozen lakes must assess ice thickness carefully. Ice conditions vary and can be treacherous in early and late winter. Local knowledge is invaluable — ask at staffed cabins or local outfitters.
Wildlife: Brown bear are present. Standard bear awareness practices apply: make noise while hiking, store food properly, and do not approach. Bear attacks are rare but the risk is not zero.
Navigation: Getting genuinely lost in this flat, featureless terrain is easier than it sounds, particularly in poor visibility or snow. Map, compass, and the ability to use them confidently are essential — GPS alone is insufficient.
Tell someone your plan: Always leave a detailed trip itinerary with a trusted contact and agree on a check-in procedure before entering the backcountry.
