Årjäng: Lakes, Nature and Culture

The landscape of Årjäng Municipality is shaped by forest ponds and lakes, woodland and open spaces. Nature reserves, waterways, art venues and historic buildings offer a range of ways to explore the area. You can tailor your stay to the themes that interest you most.

Woodland landscapes and distinctive natural areas

In the south of Årjäng, Tegen lies in a forest landscape dotted with lakes. The area is an unusually well-preserved example of traditional meadow farming. Its species-rich meadow flora and traces of small-scale farming from earlier times give the landscape a distinctive character: remnants of fences, clearance cairns and paths bear witness to its former use.

A hiking trail about 800 metres long begins at the entrance to Tegen Nature Reserve. If you would like to explore the cultural landscape, you can take in both the meadows and the visible traces of how they were used.

In Kesebotten, old broadleaf trees and deadwood provide habitat for numerous species that have been greatly displaced in today’s forest landscape. The area is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network. The barrier on the main road at Kesebotten is closed year-round; the nature reserve is about three kilometres from there. Take this access situation into account when planning your visit.

Not far from Årjäng is Katjärn, a small forest pond with a fairytale-like atmosphere. To the northwest rises Tjäderåsen: the 70-metre-high ridge drops almost vertically to the water. Here, the relationship between the body of water and the distinctive landform is particularly striking.

Waterways, hiking and cycling

The DANO lake system stretches across the whole of Årjäng Municipality, continues through Dalsland and flows into Lake Vänern at Köpmannebro. Maps are available for boat trips and canoe tours. When winter ice conditions are suitable, the lake system is also ideal for long-distance skating; Friluftsfrämjandet in Årjäng organises tours. The municipality’s natural areas also invite you to enjoy walks and hikes throughout the year.

Cycling is another way to explore the area, with a specific route to follow: the national cycle route Unionsleden runs through Lennartsfors and connects Moss to the west with Karlstad to the east. The route is about 350 kilometres long. It runs mostly on quiet roads with little traffic, although some sections use larger roads.

Art, crafts and history

In Lennartsfors, the lock staircase consists of three locks with a total difference in elevation of 7.5 metres. Beyond it is a canal blasted through the rock. These details make the lock system and the adjoining canal a tangible part of the place. Also in Lennartsfors, Lundvie Keramik has been working since 1982. It produces handmade functional ceramics and unique pieces, primarily in stoneware. Workshop sales are seasonal.

The sculpture promenade is a three-kilometre-long sculpture trail between the town of Årjäng and Kyrkeruds folk high school. Most of the sculptures are made of Bohus granite.

The car wrecks at Båstnäs are described as an installation shaped by nature. The site has become a cultural meeting place for artists and, above all, photographers from around the world. This gives Båstnäs a different cultural focus from the sculpture promenade or the craftwork in Lennartsfors.

Tingshuset is also one of the municipality’s historic sites. Built in 1802, it remained in use until 1936. A particularly well-known trial took place there in 1865: the pastor Anders Lindbäck was accused of poisoning members of his congregation with arsenic in the communion wine. The building, its period of use and the trial can thus be distinguished chronologically, without presenting the accusation made at the time as proven guilt.

Planning your stay

Årjäng Municipality produces an annual visitor map and themed brochures, including guides to scenic drives and hiking in the municipality. Four InfoPoints provide visitor information, answer questions and offer tips on places to visit. If you are looking for a hotel in Årjäng, you can start by deciding whether nature, waterways, cycling or culture will be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Töcksfors, Årjäng, Filipstad, Arvika, Forshaga, Skillingsfors, Kristinehamn, Kil.

For the broader travel overview: Värmland.