The Beaches of Femund-Isteren
White Sands, Cold Waters
This route offers a calm and scenic paddle along the shorelines of Lake Femund and Lake Isteren, with a mix of sandy beaches, sheltered bays, and open views. It’s a great option for those looking for a relaxed canoe trip with opportunities for a cold dive, fishing, hiking, and camping by the water.
You can start paddling directly from Femund Canoe Camp, heading down the gentle Sorka River into Lake Femund. From there, follow the shoreline south. Around Gløten, you’ll find many nice campsites and the option to hike up to Bottølen.
A short portage from the south end of Femund brings you to Lake Isteren, a more sheltered lake with many small islands and coves. It’s well-suited for a round trip, and there are plenty of places to stop along the shore for a meal, a hike, or an overnight camp. Fishing is good here too, with trout, grayling, whitefish, perch, and pike commonly caught.
From Isteren, you also have access to several short mountain hikes, including Nordre Bjørnberget and Søndre Bjørnberget, which offer great views over the lake and surrounding landscape. These hikes are relatively accessible and add variety to your paddling trip.
The terrain is easy to navigate and suitable for paddlers of most levels. However, the large lakes can be affected by wind, resulting in big waves, and sudden weather changes may occur. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times to paddle.
This is a flexible and rewarding route, where you can combine gentle paddling, lakeside camping, and light hiking — a great way to experience the varied landscapes around Femund and Isteren.
Trip Details:
Varied lake landscapes with both open stretches and calm, sheltered bays
Suitable for canoes
Recommended Duration: 4 – 10 days
Distance: ±35–85 km
Difficulty: 3/5
Fishing: Trout, perch, grayling, pike, whitefish
Route Tips:
Optional transport available for start or return
Bring a canoe trolley for the 4 km portage (paved road)
Or start your trip directly from Isteren for a round-trip
Avoid paddling into the River Gløta and Isterfossen (strong rapids)
Plan for changing weather and wind exposure
Hike up Nordre Bjørnberget for a 360° view
Watch for reindeer, moose, and ospreys
