Namsskogan: Nature, Wildlife and Hiking Trails

Børgefjell National Park also extends into the municipality of Namsskogan. Along with wildlife watching, hiking trails and seasonal activities, it offers a range of ways to plan your trip: you can use the landscapes and rivers as points of reference, choose a trail based on its stated distances, or learn about the history of a former mining town.

National Park and Wildlife

Børgefjell National Park protects a large natural area that is largely free from human development, with extensive wilderness areas and biological diversity. Large bodies of water, waterfalls and rivers are among the park’s landscape features. This gives the region a different focus from specific wildlife-watching opportunities and hiking trails: here, the emphasis is on the character of a protected natural area.

Park Nordica is located in Trones, in the southern part of the municipality of Namsskogan. Visitors can see wolves, moose, bears, reindeer, lynx and otters there. Park Nordica offers tailor-made programs for schools, kindergartens and park visitors. Wildlife watching and programs therefore form a distinct part of your stay; the visitor groups mentioned range from schools and kindergartens to other park visitors.

Hiking Trails and Specific Waypoints

The Sandåmofossan hiking and fishing trail follows the Namsen River south from the center of Namsskogan. Here, you can use the river’s course and the stated direction away from the center as your guide. By contrast, a recommended hike in the Gåsvassfjella area uses specific lakes as waypoints: it starts in Fløan at Mellingsvatnet, passes Steinvatnet to Litlgåsvatnet, and continues to Storgåsvatnet.

The distances given for this hike are 4 km to Litlgåsvatnet and 5 km to Storgåsvatnet. These two figures can help you choose your destination: you can match the shorter of the stated distances to Litlgåsvatnet and the longer to Storgåsvatnet. Sandåmofossan and the route in Gåsvassfjella thus offer different ways to find your bearings—the first trail is guided by the Namsen and the direction south, while the second hike is guided by the named lakes and distances.

Around Skorovas, the Norwegian Trekking Association (Den Norske Turistforening) is responsible for the trail network and organizes group hikes. Marked trails lead south from Skorovas towards Nesåvatna and on to Sandøladalen in Grong. The marked trails help you find your way, while the Norwegian Trekking Association organizes group hikes around Skorovas.

Cycling, Winter Trails and History

There are six cycling routes in Namsskogan, ranging from 3 to 30 km. They are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The stated range of distances gives you a practical basis for choosing a cycling route by distance.

Skorovas is in the south of Namsskogan and is a former mining town as well as a small holiday resort. It is considered a year-round tourism area, with opportunities for mountain hiking in summer and skiing and other winter activities in winter. Skorovas therefore caters explicitly to different seasonal interests; its history as a mining town is part of the character of the place, alongside the summer and winter activities mentioned.

Another historical landmark is Gamle Steinfjellvei, an old transport route between the municipalities of Namsskogan and Røyrvik in Trøndelag. Construction began in the summer of 1912. As an old transport route, Gamle Steinfjellvei connects Namsskogan and Røyrvik.

Getting There and Practical Information

Namsskogan railway station is on the Nordland Line. A shuttle service runs to all day and night trains and can be booked on the train or through Grong bus station by calling 07417. The bus station is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. If you plan to use the connection, check the timetable and booking details before departure.

The entrance to Børgefjell National Park at Smalvatnet in Smalåsen has a large car park, a changing room, an outdoor toilet and a fire pit with firewood. The municipality has an 11-mile snowmobile trail network for recreational rides. Parking areas for the snowmobile trails are in Skorovas, Trones, Brekkvasselv and Namsskogan. As parking regulations can change, check parking options before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Trones, Snåsa, Stjørdal, Lierne, Flatanger, Vikna, Namdalseid, Leka

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