Sjølisand – Ski Trail, Polskdansen and Sjøli Church

Sjølisand lies in the southern part of Rendalen, in an area whose identity is shaped by Storsjøen, agricultural landscapes and commerce. Several distinct points of interest can help you plan your trip: the illuminated ski trail, the Polskdansen tradition and nearby destinations. This allows you to consider local features and excursions in the wider travel destination of Rendalen separately.

Ski Trail and Winter Planning

One clear local feature for winter planning is the illuminated ski trail: it is 1.2 km long, was built in 1983 and restored in 2016. The municipal plan for 2018–2022 listed the trail as operational and placed it among the three illuminated trails near settlements that were in operation at the time. According to the organizational plan of March 18, 2025, the ski group of Rendalen Idrettslag maintains the trail. Check the trail’s current condition before your visit.

Road Orientation and Water

FV 215 runs from Åkrestrømmen through Sjølisand to the border with Åmot. There is a private boat ramp at Botillen; the municipal plan for sports and outdoor activities for 2018–2022 listed it as operational.

Culture and Nearby Routes

Polskdansen in Sjølisand is one of Rendalen’s traditional dances and is referred to as “Løsset bis Andrå.” About 2 km north of Sjølisand lies the small Sjøli Church, a long church dating from 1914. It was built as an unplastered timber structure to plans by architect H. J. Sparre and features National Romantic forms; a roof turret is located above the main entrance. The altarpiece, painted by Lars Jorde in 1925, depicts the baptism of Jesus. The interior has been largely well preserved since it was built, although it features more recent color schemes.

To hike to Byringen, follow the turnoff north of Sjølisand toward Sjølimarka; the start of the trail is signposted after about 8 km. Storsjøen is also close to Sjølisand. The largest trout caught there weighed 10.2 kg.

Rendalen as a Wider Travel Destination

Among the destinations in the wider travel area of Rendalen is the Jutulhogget gorge. Its walls are up to 240 m high, and it is between 150 and 500 m wide. At the western end there is a parking lot, toilets and picnic facilities. A good trail leads to Veslehogget and into central parts of the gorge; there are several viewpoints into the gorge along the entire northern rim. The trail and the viewpoints offer two different perspectives: one leads to central parts of the gorge, while the others are located along the northern rim.

The Sølen Landscape Protection Area is also part of the wider travel destination of Rendalen. It was established by royal decree on February 8, 2011, covers 456.4 km² and lies entirely within the municipality of Rendalen. The area is intended to provide nature and landscape experiences through simple, nature-friendly outdoor activities, with limited infrastructure development. Its cultural and historical traces include, in particular, trapping systems for reindeer and moose.

Discover more destinations: Hanestad, Åkrestrømmen, Rendalen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Rendalen.