Johannisholm: Canoe Tours and Glassworks History

There are forests, lakes, hills and mountains in and around Johannisholm. Several canoe tours start in Johannisholm; popular routes include Venjanssjön and Orklingen. For a more specific route plan, Johannisholm–Finnbodarna is a clear option: it is 17 km long and starts at the Johannisholm campsite on Lake Örklingen. You need to portage about 400 m before the power station, so you will need a canoe trolley. The route is considered suitable for a day trip. Check the safety conditions before setting off and include the portage in your plans.

Land Routes

The “Venjanssjön runt” mountain biking route is just over 50 km long. As the surface and route conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out. A path about 7 km long runs through the Gnupen Nature Reserve. The stated distances make the difference in planning clear: the path through Gnupen is considerably shorter than the mountain biking route. The two routes can therefore be compared by their respective lengths, without implying a particular duration.

The History of the Glassworks

Johan Leufqvist founded the glassworks in 1796. In 1808, it was moved to the place now known as Johannisholm. The glassworks complex included a glass-grinding workshop, a stamping mill, a sawmill and a mill. Glass production ended in 1855. The history therefore covers not only the production of glass, but a larger operation with several different workshops and facilities.

Johannisholm’s industrial heritage landscape includes the remains of a glassworks, a glass-grinding workshop and dam embankments. Johannisholm’s holiday village also preserves an original bakery, a chapel, a waterwheel and cellars. Thus, alongside traces of glass production, other buildings and facilities are also part of the area’s heritage.

Another historical point of interest is Kättboåsen’s summer farm, located 2 km west of Johannisholm. Its origins date back to the 17th century, and older unpainted wooden houses can still be found there. The specific location and the surviving houses add a different insight into the area’s past alongside its industrial history.

Activities and Practical Planning

Johannisholm Adventure offers archery for participants aged 12 and over. If you plan to take part, the minimum age is important when choosing this activity. For train travel, Johannisholm Adventure offers transfers to and from Mora station. As transfer arrangements can change, check the options directly before your trip.

The kitchen at Johannisholms värdshus focuses on locally and sustainably produced ingredients. If you plan to eat there, ask about the current menu in advance, as it may change. Together with the canoe tours, the different route lengths and the historical traces, this offers a range of themes to help you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sollerön, Venjan, Mora, Gopshus, Våmhus, Gesunda

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