Femundslia’s beautiful location on the shore of Lake Femunden.
Femundslia
Femundslia Protected Landscape is located on the slope between the barren expanse of mountains in Femundsmarka and the large Lake Femunden. Here you can visit Haugen and Svukuriset, two popular starting points for further excursions into Femundsmarka National Park.
Gateway to Femundsmarka
Many people visiting Femundsmarka National Park start in Femundslia. In winter, you can walk over the ice, and in summer there are boat trips to Revlingen and Haugen. You can also cycle on the gravel road from Elgå to Svukuriset, but there is no general vehicular access. Walkers and skiers can reach Femundslia from many different directions. The nearest is from Elgå.
Svukuriset and Haugen
Svukuriset is around 8 kilometres from Elgå and comprises two farms. The northern of the two is still a working farm with cottages for rent. The southern farm was bought by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) as early as 1926, long before the association started marking out trails in the area. Today, there are trails in all directions, for example up to the top of Mount Stor-Svuku and to the fine fishing waters in Lake Revlingsjøane.
Since there are no roads to Haugen, it’s considered one of the most remote farms in Norway. The host family drives boat taxi and rents out cottages. From Haugen there are walking trails to Svukuriset, Røvollen and the beautiful valley Grøtådalen.
Young pine forest
The Femundslia slopes are clad in thin pine forest with cowberry, bilberry and heather. Even if the forest is not old, it still provides a pleasant walk. There are good opportunities for picking berries and fungi.
You have good chances of seeing brambling, redstart and willow warbler. With luck, you may also catch sight of a Siberian tit, three-toed woodpecker or Siberian jay.
Grazing for reindeer and moose
Many young pines in Femundslia have a distinct appearance, as a result of moose grazing the lower branches. Many moose migrate here in winter and gather on the eastern slope towards Lake Femunden, where the snow cover is often thin. Due to the shortage of other food, they eat pine branches within reach.
Femundslia is part of the Elgå reindeer grazing district, Norway’s southernmost Sami reindeer grazing district. The area provides all year round pasture for reindeer from the Svahken Sijte Sami village.
Svukuriset.
Pine forest.
Photos: Naturcentrum AB.
Visitors are permitted to:
- go anywhere on foot or ski.
- pick common plants, berries and fungi for own use.
- temporarily pitch a tent.
- fish subject to regulations.
- cautiously light a fire with dry branches, or your own logs, but remember the general ban on lighting fires in Norwegian forests from 15 April to 15 September.
Visitors are not permitted to:
- fell dead, dying or distinctive trees.
- drive motor vehicles.
- cycle or ride horse other than on the road to Svukuriset.
Full regulations are available here »
There are also other laws and regulations to consider.
The purpose of the protection is
- to safeguard a distinct natural landscape connected to Femundsmarka National Park.
- to provide opportunities for nature experiences for the public through traditional and simple outdoor recreation.
Brief facts
Year: Established in 2003
Name: Femundslia Protected Landscape
Area: 40 square kilometres
Municipality: Engerdal
County: Hedmark
Land owner: Public and private land
Supervision, safety regulations: Norwegian Nature Inspectorate.
Nature conservation manager: County Governor of Hedmark.