Forshaga: Trails, forests and cultural history

A paved canal-side path, the Klarälvsbanan and traces of a long industrial history reveal different sides of Forshaga. Forest trails and cultural sites are also among the things that shape a trip here. When planning, it is worth looking at the specific routes and what each one has to offer.

Trails and nature around Forshaga

The Klarälvsbanan runs from Karlstad via Forshaga and Deje to Uddeholm. It is suitable for cycling, walking, inline skating and cross-country roller skiing; one section passes through the centre of Forshaga. This means the options range from a longer route linking several places to a path that runs right through town. You can choose which activity to focus on according to your travel plans.

Other examples offer shorter routes or a different kind of experience. A 1.5-kilometre path around Abborrtjärn winds through open woodland with coniferous and deciduous trees. SISU-gården has a sports and recreation facility with illuminated running trails. The five- and ten-kilometre routes there pass through varied woodland; along the way are remains of house foundations and charcoal-burning sites. There is also a mountain bike trail at SISU-gården.

The routes mentioned vary considerably in length: the cultural trail along the Forshaga Canal is about 750 metres in total, while the loop around Abborrtjärn is 1.5 kilometres. The Kulturstigen i Mölnbacka is five kilometres long, and SISU-gården has routes of five and ten kilometres. These figures offer a practical guide to choosing a route length, while the trails explore different themes and activities.

Nature has its own highlights, too. Norra Hyn is an important resting and breeding area, especially for ducks and waders. In Skived, the local heritage centre has a recreation area with three exercise trails. Nature watching and exercise thus offer different ways to enjoy the area, and not every route needs to serve the same purpose.

Cultural trails and history

At the Forshaga Canal, the cultural trail runs alongside the locks on a paved canal-side path. An information board beside one of the locks tells the story of the canal. At about 750 metres in total, this walk is much shorter than the Kulturstigen i Mölnbacka: that five-kilometre route passes 15 sites that tell stories about the people, places and events that have shaped the area. Each stop has information boards with text and historical pictures; the information is also available in English.

Another glimpse into the past can be found at the stone church in the centre of Forshaga. It was built in 1919–1920 and has an altarpiece dating from 1696, a gift from the parish of Grava. The church thus brings together a building from the early 20th century and a much older altarpiece. The documented history of Forshaga and Skived dates back to the Middle Ages.

Forshaga Municipality is an old industrial municipality where the pulp and paper industry played a major role. Salmon fishing, industry and log driving have also shaped the landscape and settlements. Forshagaforsen is considered one of the best salmon-fishing waters in Northern Europe. One local heritage centre in Forshaga has a school museum; a local heritage centre in Forshaga also has a bakehouse where tunnbröd is baked.

A stay shaped around your interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Forshaga, you can use the purpose of your trip as a starting point for planning: the trails offer a range of lengths and activities, while the canal, church and industrial history provide different cultural highlights. Gamla Kraftstationen adds to these experiences with an organic café and a lunch restaurant. You can shape your stay around your own interests, whether you want to focus on outdoor activities, historical insights or a mix of both.

Discover more destinations: Olsäter, Forshaga, Deje, Grums, Sunne, Hammarö, Långserud, Årjäng.

Back to the main travel overview: Värmland.