Åsnes Finnskog
The Pakkala trail goes around the lake of Vermund in Åsnes Finnskog and is signposted. - Medium-demanding bike ride - 19 km kilometres long
The natural starting point for Pakkalarunda (the Pakkala trail) (approx. 19 km) is Kafé Finnskog, located along national road 206 towards Sweden, at the western end of Vermundsjøen (lake of Vermund), approx. 27 km from Flisa town centre and close to Åsnes Finnskog church.
Vermundsjøen is located at 215 metres above sea level. Pakkalarunda is at its highest point about 320 metres.
Route description at the start from Kafé Finnskog:
Cycle towards Flisa for about 1.5 km, turn left (Vermundsbergvegen) and continue straight ahead on a gravel road along Vermundsjøen for about 3 km. Then follow the tractor road for about 400 metres until you reach a sign with directions and a map for the next 1.4 km (no signs on this stretch).
After 1.4 km: A narrow/tractor road starts. Follow this for about 200 metres until you reach a gravel road. Follow this until you come to a larger gravel road, where the loop around Vermundsjøen splits into 2:
Turn right and follow the gravel road for about 500 metres, take the tractor road to the left. Follow this for about 600 metres and head downhill towards the old bridge over Tyskåa. Approximately 150 metres after this, turn right up the tractor road and follow signs. Turn left at Peistorpvegen (oil gravel surface). After about 300 metres, you will pass Bakken hamlet house (sign: Rasteplass). Take a break and enjoy one of Finnskogen's most beautiful views (Vermundsjøen). The outhouse at the farmhouse can be used.
Follow the tarmac road downhill for about 2.5 km to Linna, take national road 206 to the left and follow this for about 5 km to Kafé Finnskog,
Hof/Åsnes Finnskog hamlet council is conscious of its forest Finnish heritage and has chosen to call the road Pakkala-trail.
Pakkala = the hill
Source: Visit Øst-Norge