The Femund-Isteren-Sølensjøen Challenge
Explore the Three Great Lakes – Femund, Isteren & Sølensjøen
This is a long-distance adventure across the three largest lakes in the area: Lake Femund, Lake Isteren, and Lake Sølensjøen. Start your journey at Femund Canoe Camp and prepare for a true endurance experience that combines paddling, portaging, and hiking through some of Norway’s most stunning wilderness.
Bring a canoe trolley to transport your gear over land. From Femund to Isteren, it’s a 4 km portage on a paved road, and from Isteren to Sølensjøen, a 7 km stretch along a gravel road — both manageable with the right setup.
Lake Isteren is a large, sheltered lake with many islands and bays, making it less exposed to wind than Femund. It offers excellent fishing for grayling, large trout, whitefish, perch, and pike, and you’ll find beautiful campsites and white beaches all along the shoreline — perfect for a peaceful evening by the fire. Tip: Take a quick evening hike up Nordre Bjørnberget for a sweeping 360 degree view.
Lake Sølensjøen lies at the foot of the majestic Mount Sølen (1,755 m), offering a dramatic and memorable paddling experience. At the northern end, you can explore a stretch of the Sølna River, and be sure to visit Fiskevollen — known as Norway’s largest and oldest inland fishing village.
If you're up for it, a hike to the summit of Mount Sølen is highly recommended. From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views across the entire Femund region, with sights stretching all the way to Rondane on a clear day. Set aside a full day for this rewarding hike.
This route is best suited for those with good fitness and plenty of time. 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.
The rewards are many: quiet waters, great fishing, spectacular views, and rich wildlife. In summer, reindeer are often spotted in the area. Keep an eye out for moose during the calm hours of dawn and dusk, and watch the skies — ospreys frequently circle overhead, diving for fish in the clear lakes below.
This is your chance to disconnect, challenge yourself, and fully immerse in the wild beauty of Norway’s great outdoors.
Trip Details:
Varied lake landscapes with both open stretches and calm, sheltered bays
Suitable for canoes
Recommended Duration: 7 – 14 days
Distance: ±75–120 km
Difficulty: 4/5
Fishing: Trout, perch, grayling, pike, whitefish
Route Tips:
Optional transport available for start or return
Bring a canoe trolley for the portages: 4 km (paved) and 7 km (gravel)
Plan for changing weather and wind exposure
Explore the Sølna River and visit historic Fiskevollen
Hike to the summit of Mount Sølen for panoramic views (full-day hike)
Watch for reindeer, moose, and ospreys
