Discover Västra Ämtervik on Lake Fryken

Västra Ämtervik lies on Lake Fryken and offers expansive views across the Fryksdalen landscape. The village combines natural surroundings with cultural history: its former spa tradition, historic buildings, bathing spots, and food and drink offerings can appeal to visitors with a range of interests. If you are looking for a hotel in Västra Ämtervik, these themes can help shape your travel plans—from scenery and local history to activities on the water or a bike ride.

Landscape and getting here

If you plan to travel by train, Västra Ämtervik has a stop on the Fryksdalsbanan. Several trains run daily between Torsby and Karlstad. These connections provide a practical reference point for planning your journey. The expansive views across the Fryksdalen landscape also give the village its scenic character. An arched bridge dating from 1911 crosses the Aplungsälven, adding a landmark with a specific date to the village’s history.

Spa history and historic buildings

Sillegården was originally established as a spa and is associated with textile artist Ida Sahlström. Sahlström designed Sillegården’s restaurant in an Old Norse style. Sillegården’s history thus brings together its former use as a spa and the restaurant’s design. Sillegårdsbrunn and the warm bathhouse, which attracted visitors, are also part of the area’s spa history. The current church in Västra Ämtervik was built in 1820. The stone wall of the old church remains at the site of the former church. The spa history and the churches thus illustrate different aspects of the village’s past.

The local heritage site in Västra Ämtervik features historic buildings, including drying barns, a pole barn and a soldier’s cottage. It is open to visitors seasonally. The different types of buildings add to the stories of the spa town and church, offering further glimpses of the area’s historic architecture.

Swimming and activities

Lake Aplungen is mentioned as an alternative to swimming in Lake Fryken. There is a bathing spot at Sillegården, with a 20-metre-wide sandy beach, a changing hut and a dry toilet. Seasonal facilities may vary. For planning purposes, it is important to note the distinction: the beach dimensions and facilities refer to the bathing spot at Sillegården, while Aplungen is an alternative to swimming in Lake Fryken.

Canoe Sweden rents out canoes in Västra Ämtervik. Check before your trip whether rentals are currently available. For a culinary activity, Kulinarika at Aplungen in Västra Ämtervik is a food and wine estate. Tastings and cooking classes are offered there; the current selection may change.

The bike ride to Västra Ämtervik is 24 km long, 7 km of which are on gravel roads. The 7 km are included in the total route length. Route conditions and details may change. At Ekebyvallen, there is a short, distinctly hilly cross-country ski trail of about 2 km. Its approximate length and hilly character together give you an initial impression of the route profile; snow conditions and trail availability may vary.

Discover more destinations: Östra Ämtervik, Sunne, Lysvik, Gettjärn, Rottneros, Uddheden, Ivarsbjörke, Gräsmarken

Back to the main travel overview: Sunne.