Discover Molkom: hiking, lakes and culture

Molkom combines trails through historic landscapes with lakes, cultural sites and traces of the region’s working history. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering the different options: some trails are individual circular routes with a stated distance, while others comprise several routes or can be started in Molkom.

Hiking trails around Molkom

The Vildmarksleden can be started in Molkom. Along the route are the remains of charcoal kilns where charcoal was once made. Bear this restriction in mind when planning: the trail is not accessible with a stroller or wheelchair. The trail through Molkomsmossen also tells the story of the area’s former use. It runs through a former peat extraction area, and clear traces of peat cutting are visible along the way.

For a circular route with a set distance, consider Prostgårdsslingan: it is four kilometres long and starts and ends in Molkom. In the surrounding area, Acksjöleden comprises three circular routes of approximately 3.5, 9 and 15 kilometres. They all start at Acksjöns skola. Acksjöleden also passes the ruins of Acksjöhyttan, a blast furnace built in the 17th century to produce iron. This means you can choose between one four-kilometre loop and three circular routes of different lengths.

In the area around Molkom, Brattforsheden offers hiking trails with a total length of 75 kilometres. This figure refers to all the trails combined, not to a single hike. Comparing this with the circular routes mentioned above can help you narrow down the right distance for your plans, without treating different trails as one continuous route.

Lakes and waterside activities

A waterside promenade runs along the shores of Molkomsjön and Borssjön. The lake district offers opportunities for swimming, fishing and ice skating. Graningebadet, a small bathing spot with a sandy beach and large grassy areas, is also located on Molkomsjön. The promenade, the activities available at the lakes and the bathing spot are distinct aspects of the area’s waterside experience.

Cultural sites and history

The Krigsflygfält 16 cultural reserve is located on Brattforsheden, between Molkom and Filipstad in Värmland. It is a unique site from the Second World War. Traces of earlier ironworking offer another glimpse into the past: at Nyeds kyrka, a retaining wall made of slag stone bears witness to Molkom’s former ironworking. The remains of charcoal kilns along Vildmarksleden recall the area’s charcoal-making past, while Acksjöhyttan represents iron production in the 17th century.

At Bruksparken, a stone foundation, two storehouses and parts of a landscaped garden remain from Molkom Manor. The farm and local heritage buildings in Upperud form a small, picturesque village ensemble and convey Molkom’s clearly visible historic character. The townscape also tells a story: it reflects agricultural activities, Molkom’s history as a mill town and industrialisation. These places and features offer different perspectives, from preserved building remains to traces associated with work in the past.

For those interested in culture, Ängsbacka offers another highlight: this course and festival centre in Molkom offers yoga, tantra and meditation. Dance events are still held at Upperudslogen. If an evening of dancing is important to your trip, check the specific event dates in advance. The antique shop Antik och Design covers 600 square metres over two floors.

Nature areas nearby

Torskeds nature reserve lies northwest of Molkom, between Älvsbacka hembygdsgård and Lake Östra Örten. It is important for its biological diversity, landscape and recreational opportunities. In Råglandaberget nature reserve, the forest covers 10.6 hectares. The local hyperite rock creates conditions for a rich variety of plant and animal life, and the mountain ridge offers wide-ranging views. Both areas add another perspective on the landscape around Molkom, complementing its trails and cultural sites.

Discover more destinations: Lindfors, Karlstad, Skattkärr, Segerstad, Väse, Edsvalla, Vålberg

Go to the main travel overview: Karlstad.