Finnskogleden, Håvilsrud-Mitandersfors (etapp 2)

Finnskogleden is unique as it is winding back and forth across the border between Norway and Sweden, with its 240 km from Morokulien in Eda up to Söre Osen, Trysil in Norway.

The border closure during the covid pandemic, meant difficulties in handling the maintenance of the trail. It has lead to poor or lacking colour markings in some places. However, there is planning going on to restore an organisation around the maintenance.

If you are an experienced hiker, looking for some challenges, this might be a trigger for you. The nature is truly stunning and there is loads of history around this trail for those who wish to dig deeper, both from times of war and from Finnish culture. Best bring a map and a gps on your adventure! If you are planning to stay overnight, bring a tent as the status of the wind breaks is still not updated. Count on shifting phone coverage.

An overview map is available for download below. For now detailed maps are sold as a pamphlet provided from Finnskogens Natur & Kulturpark. It can be purchased at Visit Arvika.

Stages 2 and 3 of Finnskogledens partly go through Arvika municipality. The text below is from Finnskogleden.com:

On the second stage you walk the courier routes, used by several renowned war heroes from WWII.

The day start out on two km gravel roads, before the path leads you through flat terrain to Vangen, which has been the residence for Norwegian farms across the border. During WWII several courier routes went through Vangen, used by Gunnar Sønsteby among other war heroes. The terrain is rather flat across pine forest and mire to Skålsjön, where the trail crosses the river over an old timber floating dam. There is a wind break by the beach. Behind it the trail climbs up the hill to Källerashöjden with a splendid view of Varaldsjön in the north. Throughout this area there has been Finnish settlements.

Mitanderfors grew as the ironworks was established here in 1841. Iron nails and iron bars were produced, but the production ceased in 1874. The Mitandersfors manor is currently a conference centre.

Fill up your water bottle before leaving, because along this stage it is hard to replenish.

You can spend the night in the wind break at Skålsjön, which has a dry toilet and a fire place. In case it is already taken, it can be a good idea to bring a tent.

The text has been translated by Visit Arvika.