Lake, Canal & Forest

A longer, varied and a bit challenging daytrip, around the Femsjøen Lake, crossing of locks at Halden Canal and a touch of the forest Ertemarka.

This route starts from the train station in Halden, but feel free to start wherever you want. Bring food and drink – there´s not mch to buy on the route. It´s nice and easy cycling in the beginning along the river Tista, but as you get closer to Tistedalen it´s a bit hilly. The contryside roads around Femsjøen has little to moderate traffic. The landscape changes and become more rural with farmland. The asphalt turns to gravel and  at Nestangen the path get more narrow. Expect some stones, roots and trees on the path. Walk the bike if necessary. The forest is calm and quiet and there´s several nice resting places. Enjoy the blueberries along the route. At the Brekke Locks, it´s ok to pass the yellow house to get over the Halden Canal. Here at Brekke, Europe’s highest lock system, you can see how boats are lifted through the impressive canal structure. It´s also a Via Ferrata here, as well as cabin for rent at Fløterhytta.

After crossing the main road the beautiful Kruseter Lake is perfect for relaxing and swimming. You´re now entering Ertemarka – the local forest with gravel pathways popular for walking and cycling in the summer and skiing in the winter. It´s a lot of up and down. By the local cabin Ormtjern the café is usually open Sundays. This is another beautiful place – located by the lake Ormtjern. Passing the ski arena it´s a steady downhill back to the city with farmland and a short stretch on the Kings Road before entering the Fredriksten Fortress from the east side. It´s a steep walk with the bike down through the fortress, or cycle Generalveien/Hovsveien beforre you end the roundtrip where you started.