Säffle: Nature, Art and Historic Trails

Säffle brings together a range of travel interests: nature reserves, public art, historic sites and trails through forests and landscapes. Lurö skärgård Nature Reserve was established in 1967 to preserve archipelago landscapes for their natural and cultural history. It is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network. Lurö has numerous hiking trails and sights; it is also where the Pilgrimsleden Västra Värmland begins, following a route past several churches to Säffle.

Nature, Trails and Activities

Hösås Nature Reserve is home to one of the few ash tree stands in Värmland. The reserve was established to promote nature studies and outdoor recreation for the public. This gives it a different natural character from the archipelago landscape on Lurö: here, the distinctive trees shape the visit, while on the island, hiking trails and sights take centre stage.

There are also different starting points for cycling trips. Säffle lies on the 60-kilometre Unionsleden Stage 6 between Edsleskog and Borgvik. In the Tegnérområdet, you’ll find mountain bike trails through varied terrain. One of the routes is technically easy and passes through old forest, but also has challenging climbs and fast sections. When choosing a route, it’s therefore worth considering this varied trail profile as well as its technical grading.

Those interested in fishing will find two different options: The Byälven in central Säffle offers opportunities for zander fishing. At Harefjorden, family-friendly fishing for zander, perch and pike is available.

Art, History and Special Places

Echstedtska gården is one of Sweden’s best-preserved manor houses from the 18th century. What’s on offer includes guided tours, a seasonal café and an herb garden. The orchard is also home to a clone archive of 26 Värmland apple varieties. A visit thus combines the history of the manor house with garden and fruit-growing traditions.

In the centre, you can explore the Seffle Canal on foot, passing historic buildings. These include Stenmagasinet, which is over 200 years old. From Kanalområdet, an approximately two-kilometre walk leads to Rolfserudsholmen. From there, you can see Säffle’s railway bridge, built in 1878 and still in operation. At Ulvudden on Värmlandsnäs, there are rock carvings depicting at least seven ships, three indeterminate figures and 70 cup marks. They are thought to date from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

Public art is also part of the local landscape. Säffle Zoo is a sculpture collection by artist Eka Acosta. The Säffle Emoticon Circuit is a public art installation by Signe Johannessen and Erik Rören at the Säffle swimming pool and Tegnérskolan. Those interested in industrial history can also visit Wiksfors Bruk in Säffle Municipality: various businesses have been based in this old industrial setting since the 17th century. Today, the site serves as a business hotel and brings together small-scale production, reuse and creative collaboration in a historic industrial environment. Waffles and wood-fired pizza are also available on site.

Another option for a day trip is a rail-bike ride with Joytrail. The return trip takes about three hours, passes through forests and by lakes, and goes through the 263-metre-long Bollsbytunneln. Check whether the activity is available on your chosen date when making your plans. At the Värmlands Vikingacenter in Säffle Municipality, children can enjoy a playground with a play ship, as well as wooden swords and shields.

Planning Your Stay

When choosing a hotel in Säffle, consider whether you’d like to spend most of your time in nature and hiking areas, at historic sites or enjoying activities. Säffle has good bus and train connections to Karlstad, Åmål and other destinations in Värmland. If you’re planning to travel by public transport, check the timetables for your specific travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Långserud, Högsäter, Nysäter, Svanskog, Säffle, Kila, Mangskog, Arvika.

View the main travel overview: Värmland.