Ludvika: Industrial heritage, trails and water

Väsmanstrand connects the centre of Ludvika with the shore of Lake Väsman and is the starting and finishing point of the Ludvikaturen cycling loop. The route is 100 kilometres long, but can be divided into shorter stages. It runs mainly along cycle paths, smaller roads and gravel roads; a large part follows former railway embankments. Ludvikaturen thus offers both a longer circular route and the option of incorporating individual stages into your travel plans.

By the lake and on the trails

Marnästjärn is an 18-hectare birdwatching lake in Ludvika. A walking trail, 2.6 kilometres long in total, leads around the lake in the centre of town. Along the trail, there are barbecue areas, wind shelters and benches—handy places to stop for a break during your walk. For comparison, the High Voltage Valley Walk in central Ludvika is considerably longer, at about 5.5 kilometres. Information boards describe Ludvika’s leading position in the field of electric power supply. This gives you two routes of different lengths to choose from: a circuit around a birdwatching lake or a walk that also explores a topic from Ludvika’s industrial and technological history.

Industrial history and pilgrimage route

Hammarbacken is part of Ludvika bruk, Sweden’s first Crown—or state-owned—ironworks, founded by Gustav Vasa in 1552. Hammarbacken includes a four-storey granary and workers’ homes. You can explore the site on foot at your own pace, and it offers views of Lake Väsman. The historic buildings give the place a tangible character: the granary and homes tell different sides of the story of the former ironworks.

Ludvika Gammelgård is a historic Bergmansgård, a former mining farmer’s homestead dating back to the 16th century. Today, it is an open-air museum of industrial history, with mining and ironworking facilities. These include a waterwheel, a rod-powered pump system, a horse-powered whim, a headframe, an ore-processing plant, a smithy and a winding house. The grounds also feature an herb garden, a mineral museum and a building supplies shop. The café is open in summer; check whether it will be open during your travel dates before visiting.

The Romboleden also connects Ludvika with its history: Sweden’s longest pilgrimage route dates back to the 11th century. It passes through Harnäs into Ludvika municipality, continues past Gammelgården into the town centre, and reaches Ludvika Ulrika Church. The church was inaugurated in 1752. It is a cruciform church with a shingle-covered façade. Those interested in the route and its historical connections can trace a link between the pilgrimage tradition and a landmark in the town centre.

Dan Andersson and cultural life

The Dan Andersson Museum displays photographs and information about the poet Dan Andersson and offers guided tours. A recurring cultural event in Ludvikabygden is Dan Andersson Week. It comprises nine days of culture inspired by and following in the poet’s footsteps through the Finnish cultural landscapes around Ludvika. The programme includes music, poetry, cultural breakfasts, walks through Finnmark, charcoal kilns and open stages. The week is organised jointly by Ludvika Municipality, the Dan Andersson Society and Skattlösbergs Village Association. Dates and programme details vary from year to year, so plan your trip around the relevant edition.

Water activities and seasonal offerings

Visitors can rent kayaks at Skuthamn in Ludvika and explore Lake Väsman. The Kayakomat kayak station there has four single kayaks and two double kayaks; life jackets are included. Rentals are seasonal, so it is a good idea to check availability before your trip. If you’d rather swim than head out on the lake, Ludvikabadet at the sports hall has a family pool and a swimming pool with a 25-metre lane pool. The municipality regularly holds baby swimming sessions and swimming lessons for children and adults there. Timetables and programme offerings may change; check them before your visit.

In winter, Väsman VinterArena creates and maintains ice rinks and ski trails on Lake Väsman and Lake Burtjärn in Ludvika municipality. Operations depend on ice and snow conditions. For an outing beyond the town area, the Nittälven Nature Reserve in the wider Ludvika region offers a different landscape: you can follow the river past rapids, waterfalls and quieter, slower-flowing stretches.

Discover more destinations: Sunnansjö, Nyhammar, Grängesberg, Fredriksberg, Ludvika, Grangärde, Dala-Husby, Gagnef.

Go to the main travel overview: Dalarna County.