Filipstad: Waterways, Nature and Mining History
Accommodation in Filipstad
Waterways, forest landscapes and mining history give Filipstad and its surrounding area a range of different facets. For your trip planning, you can take inspiration from specific routes, historic sites and visitor attractions—from the Bergslags Canal to museums and traces of industry.
Waterways and Getting There
National Highways 63 and 26 meet in Filipstad. A bus runs every hour in each direction between Filipstad and Karlstad. As timetables may change, check the connection before you travel.
The Bergslags Canal runs for about 65 kilometres from Karlskoga in the south to Filipstad in the north. Along the way, it passes through several lakes, straits, rivers and canals; there are six locks in total along the canal. It is a family-friendly destination for a day trip. If you are planning activities on the water, it is worth checking the latest navigation conditions.
Hiking Trails and Outdoor Activities
Brattforsheden in Filipstad Municipality features a varied landscape of winding waterways, glacial depressions, steep ridges and ravines. There are 75 kilometres of marked hiking trails in total. Several shelters give visitors the opportunity to cook and spend the night.
The Brattforsleden in Filipstad Municipality is a 24-kilometre circular trail marked in orange that passes through four nature reserves. It goes past Ă…ngsĂĄgen, the old cottage in Brattfors, and Lake Alstern. Trail conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out on a particular hike.
In Filipstad, the Kalhyttan mountain biking trail is 13 kilometres long and runs mostly through forest. Kalhyttan also has a 3,300-metre asphalt track, including a 1,300-metre section adapted for people with disabilities. The site also has an 18-hole disc golf course.
Industrial and Mining History
Near Filipstad, Krigsflygfält 16 tells the story of the Second World War. The site has well-preserved remains from the wartime period and is designated a cultural reserve. The camouflaged agricultural landscape includes constructed dummy trenches, dummy paths and associated buildings preserved in their original condition. The site is open to visitors in summer; attractions include a café, guided tours and other activities. Check the current dates for the seasonal program before visiting.
Also nearby, LĂĄngbans Gruvby presents mining history through the mine shaft, the everyday lives of the workers and a mineral collection. Guided tours and activities for families are available. A restaurant is located in the birthplace of inventor John Ericsson; check in advance to confirm current restaurant operations.
Lesjöfors Museum is dedicated to the history of a Swedish industrial community in the 20th century. The visit includes a self-guided tour with a museum guide; there is also a shop and a café. It is advisable to check the latest visitor information for these facilities as well.
In Filipstad Municipality, Tilas stoll was opened in Högbergsfältet in 1767 as an exploratory adit. A historic silver mine nearby offers guided tours that descend into the mountain and explain the mining history of Värmland. Check the latest visitor arrangements for these tours.
Discover the Town
Filipstad also offers a visit with a culinary angle: at the OLW snack shop, you can buy snacks and learn about the history of Cheez Doodles and how chips are made. This insight into snack production adds to the trip’s nature and industrial culture themes.
Discover more destinations: Brattfors, Nordmarkshyttan, Filipstad, Gåsborn, Lesjöfors, Persberg, Nykroppa, Säffle.
See the regional travel overview: Värmland.
