When
7th June - 2nd Sept
Written by
Matthew Tolley
Distance
648km
Days
4-10
High point
1221m
Difficulty
7/10
Unpaved
75%
Total Ascent
11509m
Ferries
2
Tunnels
0
Planning this route took countless hours of research and preparation. It demands careful organization and logistical knowledge. Missing the boat means being stuck for at least 24 hours (maybe longer) or facing a long detour, which could make you miss the most incredible part of the journey. Simply put, ‘you need to have your shit together’. But if you do, this could very well be the greatest bikepacking adventure of your life.
What awaits you is nothing short of extraordinary. You’ll embark on a historic journey aboard a 120-year-old boat across one of Europe’s deepest and most pristine remote lakes. From there, you’ll ascend high mountain passes untouched by tourism, venturing into landscapes few ever see.
Along the route, you’ll find accommodations rich in history and tradition. A standout is the DNT cabin Svukuriset—an absolute must-visit. By the time you return to Røros, you’ll question why the fjords get all the attention.
This route defies description. Its impact can only be felt, not explained. And that’s precisely why I believe so few cyclists will venture to this remote area and take on this remarkable journey.
The story of boat traffic on Lake Femund began in 1886, when a shipping company in Røros launched the S/S Fæmund, a 60-foot wooden steamboat that served as a lifeline for timber and goods transport. As demand grew, the Fæmund II, an 82-foot steel vessel, replaced her in 1905, designed to handle heavier loads.
In 1958, the Fæmund II’s steam engine was upgraded to a 160-horsepower diesel engine. By 1970, timber towing ended, and the focus shifted to passenger services. In 1980, the vessel was remodeled to cater to adventurers exploring Lake Femund, transforming into a symbol of heritage and discovery. Today, the Fæmund II remains a cherished part of Norway’s history.
Femundshytten is a secluded pier featuring a handful of wooden shacks and a historic cabin dating back to the 18th-century mining era. In July 2010, it was recognized for its historical significance and added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Visitors can arrange a stay by sending an email request.
A gravel road built in 1996 provided Femundshytten with road access for the first time in over two centuries. Cycling this road is a highlight of the journey, with its excellent condition and enchanting surroundings of moss-covered rocky terrain and small, scattered trees. The area exudes a magical, fairytale-like charm.
Arriving back in the Old mining town of Røros after 650km of pure adventure
The route offers a mix of diverse roads and terrain, including several climbs over 1000 meters and some demanding gravel and dirt track sections. Weather conditions can be equally challenging, with the potential for strong winds, sudden downpours, and cold temperatures. Careful planning is essential to ensure you catch the boats on schedule, as missing one could leave you stranded for 24 hours or more. Due to these factors, I recommend the full route only for experienced adventure cyclists who are well-prepared and confident in handling such challenges.
You may be unaware that you can leave your bike on the boat and jump off at one of the piers inside the National Park and hike through to the next pier, where you will find your bikes waiting for you. There are numerous hikes around the lake, and we have highlighted some of your options on this map.
A short 100km route loop that allows you to experience the beauty of the region and lake without requiring too much cycling.
If you want to head south from Femunden Lake, you can jump onto the long-distance Route 9 that leads you through quiet gravel and paved roads along the Swedish border to Oslo or Halden in the South or Trondheim in the North. See full details here.
Norway's second-highest climb lies just a few kilometers from the town of Alvdal and can easily be added to your route. This challenging ascent, primarily on a gravel road, is both tough and demanding, making it suitable only for experienced cyclists. It’s best attempted in settled weather to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. Leave your bags in the town of Alvdal or at the hotel that sits at the foot of the mountain.
The MS Femunden II operates from the 7th of June to the 2nd of September (dates may change slightly per season). The price depends on your destination but expect to pay between 255-385kr (25-35 euros) per trip. 1 bike costs an extra 100kr per journey. You can buy a ticket onboard with the conductor (accepts card). The boat schedule has a Spring, Summer, and Autumn timetable and you must take down the correct time based on the season.
There are no tunnels on this route
The whole route is generally very safe for cycling. Traffic is very low around Femunden but weekends can attract some tourists and campervans. This is also the case along Grimsdalen with some tourist traffic passing you at times. One part of the route runs alongside the E6 on a dedicated cycle path designed for safety. It is strongly recommended to remain on this purpose-built track and avoid cycling directly on the E6, as the main road has a high-speed limit of 110 km/h and lacks a suitable shoulder for cyclists.
The Rørosvidda area sits between 700 to over 1200m above sea level. In winter this is the coldest area of Norway where temperatures can go as low as -40 degrees Celcius. In summer the day temperatures are mild and usually cool in the evenings. The conditions along the route can be unpredictable and challenging at times. The area can experience sudden weather changes, including strong winds, localized rain showers, and rapid temperature shifts. Always be prepared for both sunny and cold, wet conditions, even during summer. Snow can linger on higher-altitude sections into late spring/early summer, and autumn may bring frost. Open mountainous sections are particularly prone to strong winds. These can significantly increase the difficulty of the route.
Finnmark too has a certain mystique. Being about the same distance from Oslo as Istanbul, in some ways, it’s basically the last stop before the North Pole. The undoubted highlight of the journey is simply cycling the wild expanse of Europe’s last great wilderness. It will feel very lonely up here but isn’t that a reason to cycle it? The cycling heat maps of the world are full of well-ridden roads. Here you will join a small group of cyclists seeking something extraordinary. Passing wild herds of reindeer and perhaps not seeing another human for many hours is why you came – right? The ride comes to an end in the town of Kirkenes which has Russian road signs. This will indicate you have reached the boundaries of the Western world!
Finnmark too has a certain mystique. Being about the same distance from Oslo as Istanbul, in some ways, it’s basically the last stop before the North Pole. The undoubted highlight of the journey is simply cycling the wild expanse of Europe’s last great wilderness. It will feel very lonely up here but isn’t that a reason to cycle it? The cycling heat maps of the world are full of well-ridden roads. Here you will join a small group of cyclists seeking something extraordinary. Passing wild herds of reindeer and perhaps not seeing another human for many hours is why you came – right? The ride comes to an end in the town of Kirkenes which has Russian road signs. This will indicate you have reached the boundaries of the Western world!
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
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Cycling long distance is tough, and you should not attempt routes that are beyond your level.
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