Austmarka: Hiking and Forest Finnish Cultural Heritage

Hiking trails, Forest Finnish cultural history and traces of early industry give a trip to Austmarka a range of different focal points. The Finnskogrunden starts and ends here; historic sites and buildings tell the story of the settlement by Finnish families and life in the region. The Møkervassdraget also offers a canoe route through Austmarka.

Forest Finnish History and Cultural Heritage

Austmarka is considered the original settlement area of the Forest Finns. From the mid-17th century onward, many Finnish families settled there; Finnish place names still bear witness to this settlement today. Abborhøgda is a striking example of Forest Finnish cultural heritage: the farm is a Forest Finnish farm, and both the Finnskogrunden and the Finnskogleden pass through its farmyard. The buildings and cultural landscape of Abborhøgda are protected as an important example of the national cultural heritage of Forest Finnish settlements.

Austmarka kirke is also part of the history of the place. It was inaugurated in 1858 and is a simple, typical rural Norwegian wooden long church without exterior cladding. Austmarka Bygdetun complements this view with a collection of old houses. Sørli, called Kvåho in Finnish, has been restored and today recalls Finnish culture.

Hiking on Different Trails

The recommended Finnskogrunden route starts and ends in Austmarka. It is 53 kilometres long and runs mostly on trails through forest terrain. In places, it follows gravel roads, with a short paved section as well. This provides both the start and end point, a specific distance and a mix of surfaces for planning.

The Finnskogleden also passes through the farmyard of Abborhøgda. Another option is the northern section of the Flyktningeruta in Austmarka: it is marked in blue in places and can still be hiked today. Check the markings before setting out on a hike. The three trail references provide different information for orientation: the Finnskogrunden has a stated distance, route and start and end points; for the Flyktningeruta, the information is that part of the route is marked in blue.

Industrial History near Sikåa

A small industrial settlement grew up by a river at Sikåa, with homes, a school and a dance hall. Bedafors near Sikåa is considered Finnskogen’s oldest industrial site. A large information board at Sikåveien describes the main features of Bedafors’s 300-year industrial history. Worn paths lead from Sikåveien to several sites with information boards. This makes it possible to combine information about the industrial history with a short detour to the places described.

River, Rest and Local Tradition

The Møkervassdraget flows through Austmarka, entering Norway from Sweden and then returning there, and is considered an excellent canoe route. Visitors can also fish there. Canoeing and fishing are different ways to include the river in your travel plans.

In Sørli, also known as Kvåho, there is an open shelter with a wood-burning stove and sleeping bunks. It is intended for rests and simple, free overnight stays. Check the condition of the shelter and access to it before arriving.

Another local point of interest is Austmarka Marken. The market is held every year on the second weekend of August at Tunet and the adjoining grounds. Gritstappe is sold there: a local dish of mashed potatoes with caraway, eaten like porridge with a knob of butter. If you would like to experience the market, plan around the stated weekend and check the dates before your trip.

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