Säffle: Canal History, Art and Activity

Säffle combines canal history with public art and activities by the water. The town centre is home to the only lock on the Säffle Canal, as well as its only excavated section. The canal itself is an approximately 80-kilometre waterway from Säffle to Arvika, Sweden’s most inland port. This brings together a distinctive section of the canal and the course of a longer waterway in one town. For your stay, you can decide whether to focus mainly on historic sites, art, activity or time by the water.

Canal history in the town centre

The walking route highlights the built surroundings of the canal, running between historic buildings in the town centre. The Stenmagasinet offers another perspective on the canal’s history: the workers who built the Säffle Canal in the 1830s once lived there. This brings the historic buildings into focus alongside the story of the people involved in building the canal.

Art and architecture

Art in Säffle ranges from public sculptures to exhibitions in a historic building. Säffle Zoo is a sculpture collection by artist Eka Acosta. The old Säffle water tower was built of brick in the early 20th century, based on a design by architect Ivar Tengbom, and now houses a restored art gallery. Regular summer exhibitions are held there. The tower thus combines architectural history with a seasonal exhibition programme; if an exhibition is important to your trip, check the dates in advance. Another public installation, Emoticon circuit, is located by Säffle simhall and Tegnérskolan.

Trails and activity

There are different types of routes to consider for time outdoors. The route between the town of Säffle and By Church is part of the Pilgrimsleden Västra Värmland pilgrimage trail. The MTB Tegner Trail is 8.6 kilometres long, marked in orange and technically easy; it passes through old-growth forest. It also includes some challenging climbs and fast sections, as well as roots and stones in places. The planning considerations therefore differ: the pilgrimage trail focuses on the connection between the town and By Church, while the MTB trail is defined by its length, markings and terrain.

Water, fishing and swimming

The Byälven also offers a specific connection to the water: pike-perch are fished in the stretch running through central Säffle. The fishing area is divided into three zones with different conditions. Check the current fishing rules and seasonal access before your visit. For a different way to spend time in the water, Säffle simhall has a 50-metre pool, play areas and a relaxation area. Check the facility’s current operating details before your visit.

A break by the canal

Kanalcaféet serves ice cream and coffee beside the canal’s gently flowing water. Its opening schedule may vary by season; if you plan to visit the café, check in advance whether it will be open during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Nysäter, Kila, Högsäter, Långserud, Svanskog.

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