The journey from Midtandersfors to Lebiko takes you through a nature reserve rich in rare flora and past exceptionally well preserved Finnskogen farmsteads. From its remarkable plant life to thrilling World War II history and unique local culture, this section is sure to catch your interest.
The Finnskogleden trail crosses Bogsälven at Mitandersfors and rises through sprawling forested landscapes to Bengtstorp. From here on, your hike continues in gentle forest terrain to idyllic Lomstorp situated at the northern end of lake Lomsen. Section 3 continues past the lake some 1.5 kilometers to Ritamäki. This exceptionally well-maintained homestead was the last Forest Finn farm in Sweden run according to traditional Forest Finn agricultural practices when farming ceased in the early 2000’s.
You won’t find farmsteads quite like Ritamäki anywhere else in Norway and it is a great place to sit down for a coffee break and in season, enjoy the beautiful meadows, full of rare and interesting flora. Due to the exceptional biodiversity found at Ritamäki and the surrounding fields, this area is part of a nature reserve. Of particular interest to the botanically inclined, are a variety of plants that depend on maintained cultural landscapes and fields cut on a regular basis to survive and reproduce. In addition to the wildflower splendor, you can get a first-hand impression of what life was like on a traditional Forest Finn farmstead that was in full year-round operation until 1964. If you pay Ritamäki a visit during the height of summer, savor the delightful flora and take pictures, just remember not to pluck any souvenirs.
Departing Ritamäki, the Section 3 trail continues another two to three kilometers to the Forest Finn farmstead of Lebiko. Once there, you will have crossed the Swedish-Norwegian border into Norway. On route you pass the Kissalamp homestead (called Kattjernet in Norwegian). Now abandoned and partially overgrown, this traditional Forest Finn farm played a vital role as a stop-over for many people on the run from Nazi occupied Norway to neutral Sweden. The farming family at Lebiko offered food and shelter to the refugees until local guides at great personal risk were able to accompany them the last stretch of their perilous journey across the border to the modest farmstead Kissalamp and freedom in Sweden. Hikers on Section 3 of the Finnskogleden trail can stay overnight at Lebiko, a rare opportunity to experience a piece of World War II history. Like Ritamäki, Lebiko was inhabited and in year-round operation as a farm until 1964.
Accommodations
If you are looking for the authentic Norwegian forest cabin experience, head over to the DNT cabin at Lebiko. While the cabin is locked, members of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) can purchase a standard key that unlocks this and other cabins across Norway. A key can be purchased at the Oslo offices of DNT as well as online and at other physical locations. (Annual memberships are available from this site: https://www.dnt.no/en/Member/.) Overnight stays can be booked using the following link: https://ut.no/hytte/10243. If you haven’t booked a stay ahead of arrival, you will find payment details at the cabin and here: https://www.dnt.no/dnt-der-du-er/finnskogen/lokale-hytter/.
Unstaffed DNT cabins do not stock food but they are equipped with gas cooking ranges. There is a water well near the barn at Lebiko, but beware that it may run dry during extended periods of low precipitation and be sure to check the quality of the water before consuming it (boiling water is a good safety precaution). Propane gas for cooking and fire wood for heating are available on site.
Bedrooms at Lebiko are equipped with quilts and pillows but use of sheet bags or sleeping bags is mandatory.
If you continue hiking past Lebiko, the Kvæho farmstead is only three kilometers further down the trail. A step up from a tent or lean-to is an overnight stay in the sauna at Kvæho. The sauna is unlocked and equipped with the bare basics and you can prepare food that you brought along on the woodburning stove. The cabin is candlelight only.
