Side Trips

Norway's second-largest lake is part of Femundsmarka Nasjonalpark (tel. 62-45-88-96), lying to the immediate southwest of Norway bordering Sweden. It became a national park in 1971 and has long been a retreat for falconry. In the park, we've seen wild reindeer grazing at the upper elevations. In summer, nearly three dozen musk oxen call the park home before migrating during the winter months.

From June 13 to August 24, a limited number of buses go between Røros and Synnervika, a hamlet that is the gateway to the park. Once at the park, you can take the ferry, MS Foemund II (tel. 72-41-37-14; www.femund.no), a diesel-engine boat that sails from the northern shore of Lake Femunden. The boat sails daily from June 13 to August 22, allowing you to take in the shores of this beautiful lake. Fares start at NOK125 ($25/£13), with children under 15 sailing for half-price. The cost of a ticket depends on how far you ride.