Finnskogtoppen in Norway – spa, tranquility and wilderness

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Text and photo: Björn Erik Gustavsson

Halfway between Kongsvinger and Torsby, approximately fifty kilometers from each town, is the Finnskogtoppen spa hotel – right on top of a mountain near the Swedish border and with miles-long views over the desolate Finnish forests.

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A spa hotel at the top of Finnskogen

If you are looking for a luxurious rest, perhaps combined with hiking and nature experiences, this is a suitable place. The evenings are particularly relaxing: guests gather around the fireplace or in one of the other living rooms - or in the summertime out on the terrace.

From wellness center to modern spa facility

Finnskogtoppen was opened in 1991. At the time it was called ”Helsetun” and focused on healthy eating and exercise. The legacy lives on to some extent, in that there is great emphasis on healthy and well-prepared food, but also all kinds of treatments. There is also a highly modern, generously appointed spa area.

From the management's side, ambitions are set high. "A stay with us should be joyful, warm and cozy. We want to inspire you with the hotel's genuine architecture, our home-made food, our extensive treatment menu, with our skilled training instructors and not least with the culture and mysticism of the Finnish Forest right outside the door."”

Upon arrival, you feel like you've arrived in a place made for the deepest relaxation. The view of the mile-long Lake Rögden and the blue-waved, pre-mountainous mountains to the north (with old Finnic villages like light green jewels on the occasional southern slopes) – combined with a silence that is just as magnificent – makes you suddenly feel at peace.

Nature experiences and excursions in Finnskogen

In addition to various body treatments, a rich daily program is offered; for example, excursions with nature guides that show centuries-old Finnish farms as well as the well-preserved bunkers and fortifications from the Second World War, just inside the Swedish border. In Grue, just to the west, there is a very interesting museum about the forest Finnish colonization and its history up to the present day.

In winter, it is close to the snow-sure Mattila; an old Finn farm that has become a winter paradise for many cross-country skiers. And right next to Finnskogtoppen is the Finnskogleden hiking trail. It is 240 kilometers long and zigzags its way across the national border and also passes a number of more or less preserved Finn farms.

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UNESCO plans and the threat from wind power

Finnskogtoppen is located in the middle of an area that may soon be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For several years, a process has been underway to give the Finnish forest cultural heritage protection status. The heritage is characterized by a very special building and cultural tradition, including smokehouses, rune singing, incantations and other exciting things.

At the same time as these experiments, a completely different process is underway. There are far-reaching plans to build a large wind farm in the area, with a multitude of 300-meter-high wind turbines – something that many believe would ruin the wilderness experience.

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One of those who has opposed it is Åsmund Skasdammen, chairman of DNT Finnskogen, who writes that the association says "a resounding no" to the plans; implementation would mean the end for everyone who "seeks peace, tranquility and recreation in nature.".

A peaceful retreat on the borderland

But for now, the wilderness offers tranquility. For those who want to linger in this magnificent nature, Finnskogtoppen offers comfortable and inspiring accommodation.

Finnskogtoppen has been privately owned and a family business since 1994.

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Mr Björn Erik Gustavsson

Björn Erik Gustavsson, now living in Värmland, has since the 1980s made a living as a freelance cultural writer and critic - and in recent years largely as a travel journalist. He has published 14 books, including a volume focusing on Eyvind Johnson as a traveller (Resebrev 1921-1952) and a number of works of fiction: four collections of poetry, a collection of short stories and a novel.

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