Austmarka: Paths through Forest and History

Austmarka can be explored along paths through forest terrain, traces of Forest Finnish settlement and the Møkervassdraget, which flows through the village. When planning your trip, you can consider whether longer hikes, cultural history or experiences on the water should take centre stage. These interests can also help guide your search for a holiday apartment in Austmarka—without requiring any single excursion to define your entire stay.

Hiking on a variety of paths

The recommended Finnskogrunden route begins and ends in Austmarka. It is 53 kilometres long and runs mainly along paths through forest terrain, partly on gravel roads and along a short paved section. Its length and the described terrain can help you assess whether this route suits your travel plans; they do not indicate a walking time. Abborhøgda is also a useful point of reference on the Finnskogrunden: both this route and the Finnskogleden pass through the farmyard.

Another option is the northern section of the Flyktningeruta in Austmarka. It is partly marked in blue and can still be walked today. At Sikåa, well-trodden paths lead from Sikåveien to several information boards. If you are interested in the village’s industrial history, you can make these sites a focus of your visit: a large board at Sikåveien describes the key features of Bedafors’s 300-year industrial history.

Forest Finnish culture and local history

Austmarka is considered an original settlement area of the Forest Finns. From the mid-17th century onwards, many Finnish families settled there; Finnish place names bear witness to this settlement. At Abborhøgda, the buildings and cultural landscape are protected as an important example of the national cultural heritage of Forest Finnish settlements. The farm connects this historical context with two named routes that pass through its farmyard.

Austmarka kirke also tells a different part of the village’s story: this simple, rural Norwegian wooden church is a long church with no exterior cladding and was consecrated in 1858. Austmarka Bygdetun is a collection of old houses. Sørli, known in Finnish as Kvåho, has been restored and now serves as a reminder of Finnish culture. These places and names give your trip several specific points of connection if you would like to get to know Austmarka through more than its hiking trails.

A small industrial settlement with homes, a school and a dance hall developed by the river at Sikåa. Bedafors near Sikåa is considered the oldest industrial site in Finnskogen. If you want to explore the area’s industrial history, you will find both a named historic site and the information board at Sikåveien, which covers its 300-year history.

Market, regional cuisine and water

Austmarka Marken market is held every year on the second weekend of August at Tunet and the surrounding grounds. Gritstappe is sold there: a local dish made from mashed potatoes with caraway, eaten like porridge with a knob of butter. If you are interested in local traditions, the market pairs a specific date in the annual calendar with this regional dish.

The Møkervassdraget offers a different focus for your trip: it flows through Austmarka, crosses from Sweden into Norway and back again, and is considered an excellent canoe route. Visitors can also fish in the Møkervassdraget in Austmarka. Water activities and paths through forest terrain offer different themes for your trip planning; you can take them into account when choosing your holiday apartment.

In Sørli, also known as Kvåho, there is also an open shelter with a wood-burning stove and bunk beds for breaks and simple, free overnight stays. It serves a different purpose from a holiday apartment and is a separate option for a rest stop or a basic overnight stay.

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