The Femund dog race

Take a trip to Røros and experience one of the most exciting sled dog races. In February you can follow the teams as they start from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Røros.

The Femund Dog Race - from world heritage to winter drama 

From 9th of February to the 15th of February 2025 you can experience one of the worlds’ most spectacular dogsled-races, The Femund Dog Race, starting and finishing in the centre of Røros. It is also possible to follow the race at several check-points in Nord-Østerdalen.

600 demanding kilometres

The sledges are released at the bottom of Kjerkegata in Røros. They pass the iconic church, break an action-filled right turn, cross the historic square before they disappear across the slag mounds into the spectacular nature surrounding the World Heritage centre.
The Femund race trail crosses eight municipalities, in two counties. The race is considered by many to be the hardest due to the harsh landscape. All the same; the race attracts more participants than any other race across the world. This is where the elite and amateurs meet.
Close to 200 dog sledges take part every year in three different classes; 12 dog team class which run 600 km (F650), 8 dog team class running 400km (F450) and finally, since 2012; the junior class for mushers ages 14 to 18 running with a 6 dog-team.
The cooperation between musher and dogs in this competition is one of a kind and magical to experience close up. The Femund race is described as exotic and incredibly exciting. Wo/man and animal fighting the natural forces such as snow, low temperatures, bad weather, snow storms and total white-outs during several days, practically without sleep. The focus is always this; the dogs come first.
The race invites everyone following the event to share in the enthusiasm, the festivities and the strong feeling of commitment from the mushers, handlers, volunteers and spectators alike. 600-700 volunteers help facilitate the race. 

Outdoor Life

Dog mushing is about outdoor life, about dogs and people interacting. What dog walkers want most is to be alone with their dogs in peaceful nature. Dog mushing is both a lifestyle and a sport. Long-distance dog sledding requires all the free time and financial resources the mushers have. The motivation is the community with the dogs and the experiences in forests and mountains, in all kinds of weather, the simple joys of outdoor life. Femundløpet facilitates competition in nature, on nature’s terms. Together with the participants, Femundløpet demonstrates the possibilities of dog sledding and through it inspires outdoor life and mastery. We welcome you to join us.