Kil: Ravines, Hiking Trails and Railway History

The ravines of Apertin combine a striking natural setting with a remarkable history of protection: in 1936, they were designated a natural monument, making them the first protected natural area in this part of the country. On a walk, you’ll encounter mature deciduous trees, hazel bushes and ferns. In Kilsravinerna Nature Reserve, vegetation is lush in summer and humidity is high.

Hiking trails of different lengths

There are several trails to explore in Kilsravinerna. The Skutbergsleden runs for 24.3 kilometres from Sannerudsvallen in Kil to the Skutbergets motionscentral on Lake Vänern. A 1.5-kilometre section passes through Kil Municipality; the route also goes through Kilsravinerna Nature Reserve, which lies south of National Road 61. At 19.5 kilometres, the Frykenleden is shorter and runs between Sannerudsvallen in Kil and Nilsby. Both trails start at the same place but have different endpoints. Along the Frykenleden are key biotopes, archaeological monuments and cultural-historical remains—nature and traces of earlier times are equally part of the trail experience.

Another option is the 3-kilometre circular trail on Rennstadsnipan. It leads to the summit and around the mountain. At the top are an observation tower, a wind shelter and a fire pit. From the tower, you can see lakes, forests and mountains. With its clearly stated length, the loop is distinctly different from the two longer hiking trails.

Cycling and other activities

Fryksta Heights offers several activities with different focuses: an 18-hole disc golf course, a pump track and a mountain bike trail. The pump track is open to all types of cyclists. The mountain bike trail is 8 kilometres long, starts at Frykstastugan and follows Ömansmilen in the opposite direction. This means there is both a cycling route with a clearly defined course and a pump track, as well as disc golf as another activity at Fryksta Heights.

In Fryksta, at the southern end of Lake Fryken, there is a bathing area with a simple playground and a toilet. In summer, bulls, cows and calves of the Highland Cattle breed graze at Djurhägn/Grillplatz in Lövenstrand. When planning your travel dates, you can take this seasonal feature into account alongside the trails and leisure activities in the area.

Railway history and cultural heritage

Railway history is another distinctive theme in Kil. The Frykstad-Clara Elfs jernväg was Sweden’s first public railway. It ran between Lake Fryken in Kil and Lyckan in Forshaga and operated from 1849 to 1871. The Frykstad Clara Elfs Railway Museum is located at the southern end of Lake Fryken. Its old carriage shed contains railway carriages and other memorabilia from Sweden’s first railway. The museum is temporarily closed.

Another historical connection dates back to the 12th century: since that time, a pilgrimage route has run along the eastern side of the Fryken lakes from Kil to Torsby. At Apertin, the manor house and its surrounding buildings, park and avenue are also protected under the Cultural Heritage Act. The estate is privately occupied. Alongside its hiking trails, the landscape therefore also has a cultural-historical dimension.

Planning your stay

Kil is a railway junction with train connections in five directions. For information about the area, the Kil Municipality visitor service points provide local information, maps and brochures; assistance from staff is also available. This helps you take your interests in nature, cycling or history into account when planning excursions. Discover more destinations: Kil, Skållerud, Gräsmark, Säffle, Karlstad, Filipstad, Långserud, Brunskog.

For the main travel overview: Värmland.