Flyktningeruta / the Refugee Trail

This trail runs all the way from the Eastern Forest on the edges of Oslo to Skjervangen in Eidskog by the Swedish border. It is one of the selected Historical Trails, a cooperative project between DNT and the National Heritage Board aimed at increasing awareness of the old routes and encouraging their use. Flyktningeruta provides fabulous outdoor experiences combined with unique cultural heritage.

Flyktningeruta is a 120-kilometre long marked ski trail that follows a route used by couriers and refugees attempting to reach safety in Sweden during the Second World War. The current Flyktningeruta is a combination of a number of routes used on the way from Oslo during the war. As far as the large lake, Øyeren, the trail follows the ‘Thyme Route’, which was primarily used by couriers for transporting important post, money and equipment. The route was in active use from June 1943 until the end of the war.

Overall, the trail is 120 kilometres long. The terrain can be quite challenging from time to time; there is a lot of up and down as well as several long stretches with no accommodation options. So, if you want to complete the entire route in one go, you’ll need to have a tent or be prepared to sleep under open skies at times. Agreements have been made however to offer organised stop-overs at Amundseter and Steinby. At Øyeren, refugee guides kept boats that could be rowed across the water. To get across the water today, you’ll need to make arrangements with someone to take you over. The trail comes out onto roads occasionally, so organising other forms of transport could be useful to avoid too many kilometres on asphalt. If you’re starting from Enebakkneset, for example, it’s a good idea to take the bus to the shop at Linderud. There you’ll find information boards, and the trail is marked onwards.

Degree of difficulty: strenuous

Estimated time: five days

Season: April to October

More information about each stage can be found at: https://ut.no/turforslag/1115777