The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Måslia Naturreservat

Måslia Naturreservat offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes and trails suitable for various ages and fitness levels. You'll find easy paths with gentle ascents, some even designed to be accessible for strollers or electric wheelchairs, particularly in the flatter sections. The reserve features fascinating mire areas with planked footways, historical elements like old postal routes, and the beautiful Jutevatnet lake with a 'gapahuk' (shelter) perfect for a family picnic.

This guide features four carefully selected family-friendly hiking trails in Måslia Naturreservat. Three of these are rated as easy, and one is moderate, ensuring options for different energy levels and experiences.

Yes, for a shorter and easier loop, consider the Forest Stream – View of the Green Valley loop from Nysætra. It's just over 2.6 km with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for little legs. Another great option is the View of the Mountains – View of the Green Valley loop from Nysætra, which is around 7 km but still rated easy with gentle ascents.

You'll encounter a rich variety of natural features. The reserve is famous for its extensive mire landscape, where you can walk on planked footways over wetlands and spot specialized flora. There are also forests, mountainous terrain offering panoramic views, and the serene Jutevatnet lake, known for its small fish. Keep an eye out for the unique ecosystem that makes Måslia Naturreservat special.

Absolutely! Hikers can explore sections of an old postal route that once connected communities. You might also spot 17th-century boundary stones that historically marked the border between Norway and Sweden. Information boards at the car park often provide more details about this fascinating history, adding an educational element to your family adventure.

Yes, a popular spot is the 'gapahuk' (shelter) located by Jutevatnet lake. It's a perfect place for grilling, enjoying a packed lunch, or simply taking a rest. Additionally, about 4 km from the main starting point, you'll reach Måslia, a summer mountain farm area where the gravel road ends at a convenient picnic bench.

The trails vary, but many are well-maintained. You'll find approximately 40 planked footways installed in wetter sections, particularly on trails leading to Jutevatnet, making passage easier. While some routes involve gradual ascents, the easy trails in this guide are generally manageable for families. Always check current conditions before heading out.

The komoot community highly rates the trails in Måslia Naturreservat, with an average score of 4.44 out of 5 stars from 18 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful natural environment, the well-marked paths, and the unique experience of traversing the mire landscape on the planked footways, making it a memorable outing for families.

Many of the trails in Måslia Naturreservat lead to points offering panoramic views. For example, the Svartevasshaugen – View of the Ørsta Mountains loop from Nysætra, though it has a bit more elevation, rewards you with stunning vistas of the Ørsta Mountains. Even on easier routes, the mountainous terrain provides plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy expansive views.

The best time for family hiking in Måslia Naturreservat is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, the weather is generally milder, the trails are more accessible, and the unique flora of the mire landscape is in bloom. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.

Yes, there is typically parking available at the main starting points, such as the Ørskogfjellet parking area or Nysætra, which serve as access points for many trails within the reserve. These areas often have information boards providing details about the routes and the reserve's history.