Grue is situated around the Glomma river and the geography is dominated largely by forests and some agricultural areas around Glomma. The district of Grue covers 837,2 km2. The population of Grue is approximately 5.100. Admistrative center is in Kirkenær and the villages of Namnå and Grinder lies along the river Glomma. Grue is one of three “potatocommunity” in Norway. The main industry in Grue is agriculture and forestry.

Grue was the early center for the Finnish migration which today populates the Finnskogen, a belt about 32 kilometres wide and running continuously along the frontier in the districts of Brandval, Grue, Hof, Åsnes, and Våler. Their first population center in Norway was located around the lake of Røgden.

FINNSKOGEN

The forest called Finnskogen stretches into Kongsvinger´s area. Finnskogen refers to the Finnish immigrants who settled in this area, and their customs og the 17th and 18th century are still widely practiced. Finn culture permeates the daily life as well as special occasions, rnuseurns, settlements and of course the cultural life in the area.

Finnskogleden, a 240 km long marked ramble, stretches from Magnor in the south to Søre Osen in Trysil in the north. It touches the eastern part of Kongsvinger called Varaldskogen. Finnskogens forests are ideal for people who want to find peace and tranquility, while at the same time experiencing the nature and history of the district, whether by foot, canoe, bicycle or car.

Mysterious and bewitching

You will not find the wood nymph, but it is not far off. In the 1600’s Finns fled from powerty and crop failure in their homeland and came to this district, traces shown today by the Finnish names Särgelamp, Lebiko and Balagombo deep in the Norwegian forest. The Finns built their huts with central fireplace and a hole in the roof, bathed in their saunas and cultivated the land in traditional ways. “Svedjebruk” is the name for sowing rye in the ash from burnt spruce.

The old Finns were said to be skilled in magic. Among thousands of lakes and century old Finnish farms you can still feel the magical athmosphere. The sound of a breaking twig makes you turn suddenly and you can easily understand that some of the modern inhabitants of Finnskogen are known as weather prophets today.

The descendants of the old Finns are modern Norwegians, but they are proud of their roots. Finnskogen has its own museum, its annual Finnskog exhibiton and many restored farms. Every summer the Republic of Finnskogen is announced, an event lasting one week with many Finnish visitors.

The “Finnskogleden” stretches through Finnskogen a well marked foothpath. You can walk for one day or several days and enjoy both nature and culture.

GLOMMA

Glomma, Norway’s longest river. At various points the river has created super beaches ideal for bathing and different forms of boating sports. Glomma is one of Norway’s best rivers for fishing, and in the currents by the bridge anglers can catch many kinds of fish including trout. The numerous lakes and rivers in the district are also worth trying.

Perch, pike and different variety of carp are the dominant species. They are more numerous in the slower water of the watercourse and in the estuaries where the tributaries join. Here perch and pike can reach a considerable size. In parts of the Glom where the current is strongest, and downstream from power station dams, large trout can be found. The access to fishing along the Glomma varies. Cultivated land and undergrowth restrict access and fishing from land in many places. On both sides of the river there is a comprehensive road system.

FISHING

Glomma is one of Norway´s best rivers for fishing, and in the currents by the bridge anglers can catch many kinds of fish including trout. The numerous lakes and rivers in the district are also worth trying. It is possible to enjoy the open-air life the whole year round in many different ways. Perch, pike and different variety of carp are the dominant species. They are more numerous in the slower water of the watercourse and in the estuaries where the tributaries join. Here perch and pike can reach a considerable size.

In parts of the Glom where the current is strongest, and downstream from power station dams, large trout can be found. The access to fishing along the Glomma varies. Cultivated land and undergrowth restrict access and fishing from land in many places. On both sides of the river there is a comprehensive road system. From the roads, and where the bridges cross the river, it is often possible to reach suitable fishing places. Good local knowledge is important, therefore talk to the locals! Fishing along the main watercourse is regulated to a small degree.