Mangskog: Church, Local History and Finnleden
Accommodation in Mangskog
Mangskog Church brings together a specific construction history and an older piece of church furnishing: it was completed in 1813, while the altarpiece had already been acquired for the church in 1757. Also of interest are Mangskogs HembygdsgĂĄrd Neragata, a heritage farm, and two Finnleden hiking trails with different lengths and terrain. A trip to Mangskog therefore offers a range of topics, from church architecture and local history to longer hikes.
The church and its older furnishings
Mangskog Church was completed in 1813. Its floor plan and exterior are typical of church architecture at the beginning of the 19th century. The altarpiece, made by sculptor Isac Schullström, was acquired for the church in 1757. The two years refer to different things: 1813 marks the completion of the church building, while 1757 marks the acquisition of the altar. The floor plan shows the building’s spatial layout, while the exterior refers to its outward appearance. This contrast illustrates how the building and its furnishings each have their own date.
The cemetery and local history
Mangskog Cemetery offers a different perspective. Open lawns and hedges that define the space shape its appearance, with the hedges dividing the open area. The cemetery affords a view of Lake Mangen. It is said to have been in use as early as 1706.
Mangskogs Hembygdsgård Neragata also brings together two periods. The heritage farm has had its present appearance since 1783. Many of its inventory items come from Nils Keyland’s home in Bjurbäcken. The year refers to the farm’s present appearance, while the origins of many of the objects open up a story of their own. This distinction gives you two specific starting points for exploring local history: the farm’s appearance and the origins of many of its inventory items.
Finnleden: two hiking options
Finnleden Ă–stra
Finnleden Ă–stra is 19 km long and runs through varied terrain on cart roads and paths in the forests north of Mangskog Church. The trail passes old remains of Finnish settler homesteads, adding a historical dimension to its landscape and route. There is a parking area and an information board at the recommended starting point by the church. Bus route 113 from Arvika to Mangskog also stops there. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable for your travel day.
Finnleden Västra
Finnleden Västra is a 15 km circular trail starting at Storperstorpet, where parking is available. Access points are at Porna and at the Neragata heritage farm in Slobyn. The terrain is varied and hilly. Both length and route type matter when comparing the trails: Västra is specifically described as a circular route, while Östra is 19 km long and runs on cart roads and paths through the forests north of the church. The circular route of Västra and the lengths of both trails therefore provide specific points of comparison when choosing between them.
Discover more destinations: Skoghall, Skillingsfors, Gräsmark, Sunne, Borgvik, Årjäng, Forshaga, Hammarö
For the broader travel overview: Värmland.
