Discover Färgelanda: Art, Trails and Railway History

Färgelanda is centrally located as a starting point between the western sea and Lake Vänern. Themes for your trip include contemporary art, railway history and walking trails with views of the Dalsland countryside. Different priorities may be important when planning: a visit to an exhibition depends on its dates, while trails and routes offer geographical reference points for outdoor activities.

Art at Färgelanda Art Hall

Färgelanda Art Hall is located in Färgelanda Centrumhus, Timmervägen 12. It presents eight to ten exhibitions each year; the individual exhibition periods usually last four weeks. If you are travelling to see a particular exhibition, take this usual timeframe into account when planning and check visiting arrangements before your visit. The art hall in Färgelanda presents contemporary art. Another theme is the cultural trail “From Weaving to Blacksmithing” (“Från väv till smide”). This means you can consider both changing exhibitions and the connection with this cultural trail when planning your trip.

Trails along the Valboån and railway history

The combined foot and cycle path between Färgelanda and Ödeborg follows the former route of the Lelångebanan railway and runs alongside the Valboån. This brings the former railway line and the river landscape together along a single route. The town’s history is also connected to the railway: after the Lelångenbanan was built, Färgelanda developed into a railway settlement in the late 1890s. The railway connection can therefore be seen both in the town’s history and in the route of the path.

Walking trails in and around Färgelanda offer views of the Dalsland countryside. They provide a different focus from the combined path between the two towns: here, the scenery takes centre stage, while the former railway route and use by both walkers and cyclists are explicitly highlighted there. The Färgelanda InfoPoint has a map of Kroppefjäll and Ödeborgsfjället, with information about history, vegetation and hiking trails. There are several hiking trails in the Kroppefjäll Nature Reserve.

Routes and directions

The scenic Flottarleden runs from Färgelanda to Bohuslän and Kaserna. It is about 30 kilometres long, with camping areas and barbecue facilities along the route. Its length and the facilities along the way are useful reference points when including this route in your travel plans. Karl XII:s väg starts at Soldattorpet Bräckan in Järbo. This route therefore has a specific starting point.

Church architecture and regional landmarks

Högsäters kyrka is a Neo-Gothic brick church dating from 1902. Its original design has been preserved both inside and out. The church provides an architectural contrast with the contemporary art at Färgelanda Art Hall: one is a historic church building, while the other is a venue with changing exhibitions each year. Ättehögskullen is immediately south of Färgelanda; its location provides another geographical reference point for finding your way around the area.

Plan your stay

If you are planning your trip around an exhibition, the art hall’s exhibition dates are an important planning reference; check visiting arrangements in advance for your specific visit. For trails and routes, the course, approximate length, camping areas or a named starting point can help guide your choice.

Discover more destinations: Rådanefors, Ödeborg, Stigen, Högsäter.

For the overarching travel overview: Färgelanda.