Løken – Joval

Hellesjøvann is an idyllic nature reserve you’ll pass on your way to Hemnes. Aurskog-Høland Bygdetun, an open-air museum featuring historic buildings, makes a great place for a break. In Hemnes, you’ll also find a grill bar and a grocery store. Plan your supplies carefully—the next shop is 32 km away.

You’ll follow a river that winds its way downstream, with noticeably brown waters. Swimming is possible once you reach Skulerud, where you’ll also find a coastal cabin (kystledshytte) available for rent. Occasionally, a summer café opens here in the old locomotive shed. Between 1898 and 1960, a railway operated here, transporting timber to the canal for further floating, as well as serving passenger traffic. This is the official starting point of the Halden Canal. The route follows a shared road with low traffic, becoming more undulating as you progress. You’ll pass through small patches of woodland, fields, and meadows, enjoying beautiful views of the lakes and waterways. You’re now cycling along Route 9, the Villmarksruta, a national cycling route.

At Joval Farm, there’s a farm shop and a unique accommodation, called “Flo,” a floating installation where you sleep on the water. Alternatively, you can continue an additional 14 km along Lake Rødnessjøen to Sukken Camping, which offers camping cabins.