Brattfors: Church, Brattforshyttan and hiking trails

Brattfors can be explored through two themes on a trip: church and industrial history, and trails through the surrounding area. Brattfors kyrka, the Brattforshyttan ironworks and the Brattforsleden offer concrete starting points. Brattforsheden has additional marked hiking trails.

Church architecture and industrial history

Brattfors kyrka was consecrated in 1669 and built as a wooden longhouse. Its very steep roof, covered with tar-soaked shingles, is particularly striking. The church’s design and roof give it a distinctive architectural profile, while local tradition preserves another special feature: according to the tradition, one of the tower’s louvres remains permanently open. When interpreting the dates, it is worth keeping the events distinct: 1669 marks the consecration of the church.

Brattforshyttan is one of the best-preserved ironworks in Värmland. It was first mentioned in Gustav Vasa’s land register in 1540. This date marks its first mention; it is not the same as a founding date. The present-day site consists mainly of a blast furnace and a roasting furnace. These are two different structural elements of the ironworks that have been preserved. The date 1540 and the church’s consecration in 1669 therefore refer to different historical events.

Hiking trails of different lengths

The Brattforsleden is 24 kilometres long, marked in orange and passes the old ironworks in Brattfors. Hiking trails and nature trails start at places including Brattforshyttan. If you are planning your route, check the route details before setting out, as they may change. The Brattforsleden’s length makes it a clearly defined option for planning around a specific distance.

Brattforsheden has a total of 75 kilometres of marked hiking trails. The trail markings are orange, yellow, blue and green. The 24-kilometre figure refers to the Brattforsleden, while the total of 75 kilometres refers to the marked trails on Brattforsheden. Keep these distances separate when planning, rather than treating them as two consecutive sections.

Nature and cultural sites nearby

At Kittelfältet, a short circular trail passes several kettle holes, including Lake Sundstjärnen, with its turquoise water. Those interested in landscape features as well as buildings will find a different focus here than at the ironworks. The short circular trail differs in route and length from the 24-kilometre Brattforsleden.

Brattfors brandfält lies about 2.5 kilometres south of Brattfors and is part of the Natura 2000 network. The Krigsflygfält 16 cultural reserve is also located on Brattforsheden. Well-preserved remains from the Second World War can be found there, and visitors can walk among them. The two places have different points of focus: Brattfors brandfält is notable for its protected-area status, while Krigsflygfält 16 is associated with the history of the former military airfield and its surviving remains.

Getting there with Värmlandstrafik

Värmlandstrafik route 400 runs across Brattforsheden and stops at, among other places, the Brattfors stop. If you are planning to use the route for your trip, check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nordmarkshyttan, Nykroppa, Persberg, Lesjöfors, Filipstad, Gåsborn.

Return to the main travel overview: Filipstad.