EXPERIENCE FINNSKOGEN

Nature, silence, and Forest Finnish culture

Finnskogen is a unique natural and cultural region stretching along the border between Norway and Sweden. The area lies between the Glomma valley to the west and the Klarälven valley to the east, extending from Eidskog in the south to the southern part of Trysil in the north.

Here, you’ll find deep forests, quiet lakes, wetlands, and small historic settlements. Finnskogen is known for its tranquility, its beautiful forest landscapes, and its rich cultural heritage. For many, a visit here is about experiencing nature at a slower pace—far removed from noise and busy surroundings.

The area is ideal for hiking, nature experiences, and for those who wish to learn more about the fascinating history of the Forest Finns.

What can you experience in Finnskogen?

Finnskogen offers a wide range of nature-based experiences and activities throughout the year. Here, you can for example experience:

• hiking along Finnskogleden and other forest trails
• the Sjutorp route, a historic round trip between seven old Finnish homesteads
• cycling on quiet forest roads through the woodland landscape
• cross-country skiing on groomed trails in winter
• paddling and fishing in lakes and waterways
• rich wildlife, including moose and birdlife
• historic Finnish homesteads and cultural heritage sites
• museums and cultural storytelling about Forest Finnish history

This makes Finnskogen an ideal destination for those seeking nature, culture, and tranquility.

The history of the Forest Finns

The name Finnskogen originates from Finnish migration to the area in the late 1500s and throughout the first half of the 1600s. The Forest Finns settled in the vast forest areas along the border between Norway and Sweden.

They brought with them their culture, traditions, and knowledge of slash-and-burn agriculture—a method where the forest was burned to create nutrient-rich soil for growing rye. This way of life shaped both the landscape and the culture of the region for several centuries.

Traces of Forest Finnish culture can still be found today. Old Finnish homesteads, cultural heritage sites, and traditional buildings tell the story of life in the forest. In many places, you can also see old symbols and markings on buildings, connected to the beliefs and traditions of the Forest Finns.

On the Norwegian side, the Norwegian Forest Finnish Museum plays an important role in sharing this history, while Torsby Finnskogcentrum and several local museums preserve the cultural heritage on the Swedish side.

Les mer om Norsk Skogfinsk Museum (ekstern lenke)
Les mer om Torsby Finnskogcentrum (ekstern lenke)

Hiking in Finnskogen

Finnskogen is a popular area for outdoor activities and hiking. The vast, continuous forest landscapes offer excellent opportunities for both short walks and longer hikes.

The trails lead through spruce forests, across wetlands, and along quiet lakes. Along the way, you can experience nature up close and discover traces of past settlements in the area.

Many of the routes are also well suited for relaxed day trips, where nature experiences can be combined with cultural history.

Sjutorpsturen (The Sjutorp route) is a popular hike in Finnskogen. This trail passes several historic Finnish homesteads and offers a fascinating insight into how the Forest Finns lived and settled in the area.

Along the route, you’ll pass old settlements, cultural heritage sites, and beautiful natural surroundings. The hike therefore combines both nature experiences and local history. Read more about Sjutorpturen (external site).

Finnskogleden

One of the most well-known hiking opportunities in the area is Finnskogleden. This long-distance trail runs through large parts of Finnskogen and follows historic routes through forest and cultural landscapes.

Along the trail, you’ll pass historic sites, old Finnish homesteads, and beautiful natural surroundings. Finnskogleden offers a unique opportunity to experience Finnskogen as it has been for generations.

The trail can be explored in shorter stages or as a longer journey through the forest landscape. Read more about Finnskogleden (external site).

Cycling experiences in Finnskogen

Finnskogen is also very well suited for cycling. The many quiet forest roads make the area perfect for both short rides and longer explorations through the landscape.

Here, you can cycle through peaceful forest areas, along lakes, and past old farms and settlements. The terrain varies from flat stretches to more rolling sections, offering great experiences for both leisurely rides and more active cycling trips.

In the surrounding area, you’ll find several excellent cycling routes, including Kjerkesjørunden, Skasenrunden, and Rotnarunden.

Cross-country skiing and winter experiences

In winter, Finnskogen transforms into an excellent area for cross-country skiing. Several locations offer groomed trails, providing great opportunities for peaceful outings through the winter landscape.

On the Swedish side, not far from Finnskogtoppen, you’ll also find well-maintained ski trails at Mattila —a popular starting point for ski tours in beautiful natural surroundings. Read more about Mattila (external site).

For those who wish to go skiing regardless of weather and season, the Torsby Ski Tunnel is also located nearby. Here, you can enjoy cross-country skiing all year round in a 1.3 km long tunnel—an уникt facility used by both recreational skiers and elite athletes.

In summer, the area around Torsby Ski Tunnel also offers great opportunities for outdoor activities, with trails and roads well suited for both hiking and cycling. Read more about Torsby Ski Tunnel (external site).

A landscape shaped by tranquility

What makes Finnskogen truly special is its silence. The vast forest areas and scattered settlement make the landscape feel calm and almost untouched in many places.

Here, you can take a deep breath, be present in nature, and experience one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive forest landscapes.