The Södra Finnskogleden trail

In Värmland, the forest dominates, and this is where the popular Finnskogleden trail winds through. It was the vast, unbroken forests with abundant wildlife and good fishing that attracted Finns to this area in the 1500s, in search of new places to settle. The trail follows their old paths, weaving through the borderlands between Sweden and Norway. On this page, we describe the southern half of the trail, from Morokulien to Røjden.

Map of Södra Finnskogleden

Discover the Södra Finnskogleden trail

The trail starts in Morokulien, located right on the border between Sweden and Norway. From there, the trail crosses back and forth over the border all the way to its endpoint in Røjden. Some sections are easy to hike with no elevation changes, while others take you up into the mountains, requiring a bit more physical effort. However, the reward for the climb is spectacular views of forests, mountains, and waterways. You’ll walk along the old paths of the Forest Finns, with history coming to life as you pass their former homesteads, the finntorp.

On day four, there are plenty of lakes near the trail, offering opportunities for a refreshing wash. Day five is a long stretch with many kilometers to cover, but it can be divided into two days for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Be aware that mobile reception is generally poor along the entire trail.

See and do along the trail

In the Finnskogarna area, there are excellent fishing waters, so for those interested in fishing, bringing a rod can be a good idea. The region also has beautiful waters for paddling, providing a nice break for your legs if you want to rest for a day.

Don’t miss

At the trail’s starting point in Morokulien, you’ll find a souvenir shop, a tax-free store, and a tourist information center.

The trail crosses the border between Sweden and Norway several times, so keep in mind the Norwegian right of public access (opens in new tab). While camping is allowed in Norway, note that from April 15 to September 15, there is a fire ban in forests and open areas. If you plan to hike with a dog, remember that special rules apply in Norway for bringing pets (opens in new tab).

Transport to the trail

You can take a train to Charlottenberg, followed by a bus with Värmlandstrafik (opens in new tab) to Eda Glasbruk, from where it is walking distance to Morokulien Infocenter, where the trail begins. If you’re driving, you can park at Morokulien Infocenter (unmonitored parking). To return after completing the hike, take a bus with Värmlandstrafik (opens in new tab) or Vybuss (opens in new tab).

Trail markers

Trail markers differ between Sweden and Norway. In Norway, they are gray with blue on top, while in Sweden, the markings are orange.

Sections of Södra Finnskogleden

Below are descriptions of the different sections of Södra Finnskogleden, including distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.

You can, of course, hike in the opposite direction from the order presented.

Section 1: Morokulien–Håvilsrud

17 kilometers, 6-7 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent at Håvilsrud campsite

The hike starts at the peace monument in Morokulien. This section begins with an easy stretch with limited elevation changes, following gravel forest roads and forest paths. Near Lake Breitjennet, just before the halfway point, there is a rest area with a shelter. Water can be taken from streams along the trail, but there is no food available. The section ends at a campsite in Håvilsrud.

Section 2: Håvilsrud–Mitandersfors

18 kilometers, 6-8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent in Mitandersfors

This section begins on a gravel road, transitioning into a trail after a few kilometers. The trail is surrounded by forests and numerous small lakes. After the climb up Källerashöjden, you’ll be rewarded with views of Lake Varaldssjön. About three kilometers before reaching the section’s endpoint, there is a rest area with a shelter and toilet, which is a good camping spot if you don’t want to hike all the way to Mitandersfors. Be sure to fill up on water before starting, as the first part of the section has limited water access. There is no food available.

Section 3: Mitandersfors–Lebiko

16 kilometers, 5-6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent in Lebiko

This section starts with a climb to Bengtstorp, followed by undulating terrain as you continue north through forests, alternating between forest trails and forest roads. Three kilometers before the section’s endpoint, you’ll reach Ritamäki, where there is a coffee shop open during the summer. In Lebiko, there is a cabin managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), which provides an alternative to camping. You can purchase the key to the cabin via DNT (opens in new tab). Water is available from streams along the trail.

Section 4: Lebiko–Øyermoen

12 kilometers, 4-5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent in Øyermoen

This section passes several farm environments established by the Forest Finns in a culturally rich landscape. One of the locations you’ll pass is Abborhögda, which was recognized in 1994 as one of Norway’s ten most important cultural landscapes worth preserving. The blooming meadows here have been maintained in the same way for centuries. June is a great time to hike here if you want to enjoy the floral display. There are toilets and water available at Abborhögda. There is no food available along this section, but water can be taken from streams.

Section 5: Øyermoen–Røgden

31 kilometers, 10-11 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent in Røgden

This long section offers beautiful views of glacial landforms like kettle holes and moraine banks. Later, the trail returns to dense spruce forest. As you approach the endpoint at Lake Røgden, there are several good camping spots along the lake’s shore. The final part of the trail is easy to walk. This is a long hiking day, but it can be divided into two days with an additional camping night near Bråten. The trail is mostly on paths with some forest roads. Water is available from streams. In Røgden, you’ll find a grocery store and café.

Section 6: Røgden–Løvhaugen

19 kilometers, 6-8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent in Løvhaugen

The area around Røgden has the highest concentration of smoke cabins in the world—traditional houses with a fire but no chimney, where smoke was used as a heat source. After one kilometer of hiking, you’ll reach Purala, where a well-preserved smoke cabin is located. There is a café open in the summer. After Purala, the trail climbs steeply towards Moldusberget, offering breathtaking views from the top. The trail then continues relatively flat until reaching the section’s endpoint. Water can be taken from streams along the way. An alternative camping spot near Løvhaugen is Aborrtjärnsberg, about five kilometers before the endpoint, where you’ll find a toilet and water.

Section 7: Løvhaugen–Røjden

19 kilometers, 6-8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Shelter in Røjen

This section primarily follows forest trails, with some short stretches on roads. Many areas along the Finnskogleden are of historical importance, particularly during World War II. For example, near Backsjöberget (about halfway through), there was a refugee passage used to help Norwegians escape to Sweden at night. This passage was never discovered and remained in use until the end of the war. Water is available from streams along the way, but there is no food. There is a grocery store at the endpoint in Røjen.

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