Hagfors: Waterfall, Forest and Railway History

A ten-metre-high waterfall, trails through forest and ravines, and exhibitions on industrial history give a trip to Hagfors several different focuses. You can compare a short loop with longer hikes, explore routes by bike or rail bike, or make a museum visit the main focus. Distances, landscapes and themes vary, providing a useful basis for planning your days.

Water, Forest and Protected Landscapes

At Brattfallet, the waterfall is ten metres high; below it, the Halgån flows through a ravine. A one-kilometre circular trail leads to the old log-driving dam and passes a former charcoal-burning site. The short loop combines nature with traces of earlier work in the landscape.

The nature reserves also reveal different sides of the surrounding area. Fräkensjömyrarna protects a valuable complex of mires, forest vegetation, water balance, biodiversity and wilderness character. The reserve is part of the Natura 2000 network. From Hagfors, the access road passes through Geiersholm, Gustavsfors and Laggåsen; signposts lead to the car park. During the spring thaw, a barrier closes the access road—take this seasonal restriction into account when planning your visit.

Bollåsen Nature Reserve is in Hagfors Municipality. It consists mainly of open pine forest with trees 150 to 200 years old. The landscape lies on glacial deposits shaped by Klarälven’s erosion over several millennia. Bollåsen is easy to walk through, and a road runs through the area. In Mana-Örbäcken Nature Reserve, numerous trails run along the rippling Örbäcken stream and across the boulder ridge of Mana, which is covered with pine trees. It covers 27 hectares.

Hiking: A Short Loop or a Longer Trek

The trails vary considerably in length and difficulty. The easy, approximately one-kilometre loop at Brattfallet is a short option. Halgåleden is just under seven kilometres long, challenging in places and has an elevation difference of 122 metres. As a quality-assured Värmlandsleder trail, it has well-maintained bridges, boardwalks and rest areas. Signage is available in Swedish, English and German.

For a longer hike, consider the 19-kilometre Svartåleden. It runs over ridges and through ravines in an unspoilt forest landscape. Its length and terrain offer a different kind of trek from the short loop by the waterfall or Halgåleden. You can choose based on your preferred distance and whether you are interested in a shorter or more extended hike.

Cycling and Rail Biking

The paved, car-free Klarälvsbanan runs for 90 kilometres between Karlstad and Hagfors. It is suitable for cycling and inline skating, with several points where you can join the route. In Hagfors, it connects to the 120-kilometre Klarälvsleden, which continues to Sysslebäck. Together, the two routes form a connection that extends beyond Hagfors.

The rail-bike route from Hagfors Järnvägsmuseum to Stjärnsfors kvarn offers a different way to get around. The round trip is about twelve kilometres, with places to stop and rest along the way. Alongside the longer routes for cycling and inline skating, this offers a shorter, distinct rail-bike route.

Industrial History and Exhibitions

Hagfors Järnvägsmuseum presents Hagfors’s industrial history from 1635 to 1990. On display are steam locomotives, electric locomotives, carriages and work equipment, including the Ånghästen from 1862. The museum’s broad time span and specific objects offer different points of interest—from the long development of industry to individual vehicles and tools.

The Monica Zetterlund Memorial Museum presents the artist through photographs, music, stage costumes and an exhibition about her early years. It also explores life in the industrial town and the music and sporting history that shaped Monica’s upbringing. In winter 2025/26, the museum moved to premises near the neighbouring railway museum; new premises were planned for spring 2026. Check the current location before your visit.

Kärnåsens Rovdjursexpo introduces Scandinavia’s four large predators: bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. The exhibition also features moose, golden eagles and capercaillies. Together with the railway history, these offer a range of cultural and exhibition topics to consider when planning your trip.

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

Regional bus services in Värmland County are operated by Värmlandstrafik AB. On weekdays, there are about 20 services from Karlstad to Hagfors on routes 300 and 600. As this information was last updated in 2023, check route numbers and frequency before travelling. Stockholm Arlanda can be reached from Hagfors Airport in 50 minutes; free parking is available directly outside the terminal. Flights and operating details may change, so it is worth checking before your trip.

The Hagfors Tourist Information Centre provides information about attractions and activities, books accommodation and activities, offers free internet access and sells fishing permits. When looking for a hotel in Hagfors, use your planned activities as a guide: a short loop by the waterfall, a longer hike, a cycling trip and a museum visit each involve different routes and themes. Decide what you would like to focus on and include the appropriate travel arrangements in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Gustavsfors, Hagfors, Råda, Uddeholm, Ekshärad, Sunnemo, Gustav Adolf, Lakene, Höje.

See the regional travel overview: Värmland.