🛶 Femundsmarka + Gutulia: kayaking and tranquillity among ancient forests

Imagine yourself in a kayak, quietly moving across the very calm surface of Lake Femunn, which is Norway's second largest lake. You can hear the rustling of ancient pine trees in the water, and you can see a clear sky where eagles fly and light clouds drift by. This is Femunsmark, a national park where nature has been left untouched. You can smell the pine needles and the freshness of the northern marshes.

And nearby is Gutulja National Park, a real hidden world where trees are over 500 years old and soft moss covers the ground like a fluffy carpet. Here, even the sounds of the forest are quiet, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy nature.

Grab your paddle, tent and backpack — there's a route that mixes the peace of the water with the beauty of the forests, perfect for those who like to be alone and really experience nature.

🌄 Why visit Femunnsmark and Gutulja?

Femunnsmark and Gutulja are two of Norway's most remote national parks, where you won't find hordes of tourists.

There is a special feeling of freedom and harmony here, and thanks to the Allemannsretten ('everyman's right'), you can freely pitch your tent, fish for trout and pick berries and mushrooms along the route.

These parks are great for kayaking: there are quiet bays, pretty islands and campsites on the shores. Anyone who wants to travel across Lake Femunn will enjoy it.

🚗 How to get to the national parks

You can start your trip in the village of Elverum or the town of Røros. You can get here from Oslo or Trondheim by train or car. From here, go to the village of Syrvik, which is the main 'entrance' to Femunsmark National Park. There is parking here, and you can also rent kayaks.

🛶 Kayak and equipment rental

If you don't have your own equipment, don't worry. There are several rental shops in Sørvik and the surrounding area offering:

• Modern touring kayaks and canoes
• Life jackets
• Waterproof bags and containers for your belongings
• Maps with marked routes and landing sites

Tip: Book kayaks in advance, especially during the high season (July-August).

🔁 Circular kayak route (35 km, 3 days)

Day 1: Sörvik – Storøya Island (approx. 12 km)

Start your journey in Sörvik, which is located on the north-eastern side of the lake. The route goes along pretty shorelines where pine trees hang right over the water, making it perfect for peaceful paddling and photography.

On Storøya Island, there are great places to camp. The ground is soft moss, there are easy places to put your tent, and the water is clean enough to use for cooking. You can also go fishing for trout, which live in the lake. In the evening, you will see a sunset over the lake and feel like you are part of the real wilderness.

Day 2: Storøya Island — northern coast of Gutulien (about 13 km)

Keep going through the middle of the lake to the western shore, towards Gutulien National Park. On your journey, you will come across some small islands where you can stop to rest and pick berries. In August and September, there are lots of blueberries, lingonberries and cloudberries.

When you reach the shores of Gutulia, you will immediately feel like you are in a completely different world. This is a forest with very old pine trees, quiet areas and a special smell. Put your tent up on the shore, among the soft moss, and go for a walk in the evening woods to see the sun setting behind the trees.

Day 3: Gutulia — return to Sörvikken (about 10 km)

Start your last day of your trip with a morning fishing trip and a relaxed breakfast while you watch the mist rise above the water. Then head back to Sörvikken, enjoying the last of the landscapes you have already seen.

When you get back to Syrvikken, you can have lunch at a local café and chat to other travellers.

📜 Allemannsretten rules: how to enjoy nature responsibly

The right of free access to nature allows you to enjoy all the riches of Norway's parks, but it is important to remember the main rules:

• You can pitch your tent anywhere, but no closer than 150 metres from private property.
• Pick berries and mushrooms for personal consumption, but do not damage the vegetation.
• Fishing requires a licence (fiskekort), which can be easily purchased online or in the village.
• Always take all your rubbish with you to preserve the beauty of these places.

🎣 Fishing and berry picking: a real treat for travellers

Lake Femunn is full of trout, so it's easy to catch fresh fish for your evening meal. All you need is a basic fishing rod or spinning reel and some small lures, and you can catch fresh trout for dinner that you can cook right over the campfire.

The forests and islands have lots of berries, especially in summer when there are plenty of blueberries and lingonberries, and in autumn when you can pick cloudberries. They are not only delicious but also healthy, especially after a busy day on the water.

⚠️ Safety and preparation tips

• Keep an eye on the weather and avoid going out on the water in strong winds and high waves.
• Use life jackets and waterproof equipment.
• Take maps and a compass or GPS navigator with a charged power bank with you.
• Stock up on mosquito repellent — there are many mosquitoes in the forests in summer.
• Always inform your loved ones of your plans and route.

🧘‍♂️ Silence and freedom you will love

Femunsmark and Gutulia are places where you can feel at one with nature and find inner peace. Here, you can leave the busy city behind and enjoy waters that are very clear, forests that are very old and a special atmosphere that you cannot find anywhere else.

After doing this kayaking route, you will always remember the amazing sunrises, the amazing natural world of the forest and lake, and the amazing feeling of freedom that you can only get in places where nature is really important.

Make your trip special — set off on your journey!