Norway's Enchanted Forests: A Nature Immersion Journey

Best Season: Late spring to early autumn (May to September)

Total Distance: Approximately 480 km

Budget Level: moderate

Highlights

Photo by Lydia Meyer on Unsplash

• Oslomarka hikes
• Mjøsa Lake exploration
• Femundsmarka wilderness

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo and Taste of Oslomarka

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Begin your journey in Oslo, exploring the tranquil Oslomarka forest area for a refreshing start.

Morning: Arrive in Oslo, settle into your accommodation at Oslo City Center (2 hours)

Tip: Choose a place near the metro for easy access to the forest.

Afternoon: Hike through the scenic trails of Oslomarka at Sognsvann Lake (3 hours)

Tip: Pack snacks and a camera for stunning views.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with traditional Norwegian food at Fjord Restaurant

Stay: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Driving: N/A

Day 2: From Oslo to Lake Mjøsa

Photo by Georgy Trofimov on Unsplash

Drive to the beautiful Lake Mjøsa and explore the surrounding forests and small towns.

Morning: Drive to Lake Mjøsa at Lake Mjøsa (1.5 hours)

Tip: Take the scenic route through Biri.

Photo by John Towner on Unsplash

Afternoon: Explore the town of Gjøvik and hike around the lake at Gjøvik (3 hours)

Tip: Visit Gjøvik Glassverk for a unique experience.

Evening: Relax by the lake with local street food at Gjøvik waterfront

Stay: Quality Hotel Strand Gjøvik

Driving: Total driving time: 1.5 hours

Day 3: Hidden Waterfalls of Hedmark

Photo by Jonatan Pie on Unsplash

Venture into the forests of Hedmark to discover hidden waterfalls and secluded trails.

Morning: Drive towards Rena and start your hike to Håsetherfossen waterfall at Rena (2 hours)

Tip: Follow local guidelines for safe hiking.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Renaelva River and enjoy a picnic at Renaelva (3 hours)

Tip: Bring your own lunch—there are beautiful spots!

Evening: Return to Gjøvik and enjoy a quiet evening at Hotel lounge

Stay: Quality Hotel Strand Gjøvik

Driving: Total driving time: 1 hour

Day 4: Journey to the Forests of Østerdalen

Photo by Niklas Jonasson on Unsplash

Travel to Østerdalen for deep forest experiences and wildlife spotting.

Morning: Drive to Østerdalen National Park at Østerdalen (2 hours)

Tip: Pack binoculars for wildlife spotting!

Afternoon: Hike through the national park, focusing on wildlife trails at Østerdalen National Park (4 hours)

Tip: Look for moose and deer along the paths.

Evening: Dinner in a traditional cabin restaurant at Around Østerdalen

Stay: Østerdalen Hotel

Driving: Total driving time: 2 hours

Day 5: Exploring the Tranquility of Femundsmarka

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

Spend the day in the serene Femundsmarka National Park, an untouched wilderness.

Morning: Travel to Femundsmarka National Park at Femundsmarka (1 hour)

Tip: Get an early start to maximize your time.

Photo by Stian Klo on Unsplash

Afternoon: Hike to Femundsvatnet Lake, enjoy views and a picnic at Femundsvatnet (4 hours)

Tip: Bring swimming gear if you’re brave!

Evening: Campfire dinner under the stars at Femundsmarka

Stay: Camping at Femundsmarka

Driving: Total driving time: 1 hour

Day 6: Cultural Touch in Røros

Photo by John O'Nolan on Unsplash

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage site of Røros, rich in mining history.

Morning: Drive to Røros at Røros (1.5 hours)

Tip: Enjoy the rustic scenery on the way.

Afternoon: Explore the wooden buildings, museums, and local artisans at Røros (3 hours)

Tip: Visit the Røros Copperworks.

Evening: Dinner at a historic inn at Røros

Stay: Vertshuset Røros

Driving: Total driving time: 1.5 hours

Day 7: Return to Oslo with a Scenic Twist

Photo by David Marcu on Unsplash

Head back to Oslo, stopping at stunning landscapes along the route.

Morning: Drive back to Oslo, taking the scenic route via Alvdal at Alvdal (2.5 hours)

Tip: Take breaks to appreciate the view!

Afternoon: Stop for lunch in Hamar and visit the Glass Cathedral at Hamar (2 hours)

Tip: Check local shops for unique gifts.

Evening: Final dinner in Oslo and reflection on your nature journey at Mathallen Oslo

Stay: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Driving: Total driving time: 2.5 hours

Packing Essentials

• hiking boots
• waterproof jacket
• binoculars

Booking Tips

Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like Røros. For public transport options, you can plan your route on Entur or check Vy for train journeys.