That Sweden is perfect for a relaxing holiday surrounded by nature, you might already know. But what exactly can you do there? And which region should you visit? After all, Sweden is huge! The Värmland region is ideal for those looking for outdoor adventures combined with peace and natural beauty. Summers are pleasantly warm, the scenery is stunning and the region is dotted with countless lakes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor fun.
Read this article in DutchWhat to do in Värmland?
If you’re wondering what to do in Värmland, you’ll quickly discover that finding the best tips and hidden gems isn’t always easy. Local staff at accommodations or nature parks are often seasonal workers and may not know all the ins and outs. That’s why it’s best to look online for inspiration. In this article, you’ll find some of the best activities and places to visit in beautiful Värmland, Sweden.
Cycling on an old railway track
One of the most enjoyable activities during a holiday in Sweden is cycling on an old railway track. You can do this in several places across the country, including multiple locations in Värmland. We covered 24 kilometers of the total 50-kilometer route known as Dal Västra Värmlands Järnväg (DVVJ), between Årjäng and Bengtsfors. Our ride started in Årjäng and ended in Gustavsfors, roughly halfway along the track.
There are two types of rail bikes. The first is a single-rider trolley, which has space for one person to pedal and a small bench that fits two children. The second type is designed for two riders sitting one behind the other, with a bench for two children and an extra seat behind the second rider, meaning up to five people can share one bike. Both models have a middle section where you can place one or two bags.
What to know before cycling from Årjäng
If you start your rail bike tour in Årjäng, keep in mind that you’ll need to give way to trolleys coming from the opposite direction. This means lifting your rail bike off the track… be warned, they’re heavy! One model weighs around 55 kilos, while the other can weigh up to 95 kilos. If that doesn’t sound appealing, it’s better to start in Bengtsfors, where you have the right of way instead.
The route itself is absolutely stunning. The track winds through dense forests, past sparkling lakes dotted with small islands and offers a real sense of adventure. Be prepared for some elevation changes. According to my smartwatch, we climbed about 20 meters in just 30 minutes of cycling. Luckily, there are also downhill stretches where you can catch your breath again. It’s recommended not to go faster than 10 km/h, as the trolley could derail at higher speeds. But honestly, you wouldn’t want to rush, the scenery is far too beautiful! You can find more information about rail biking in Värmland on the official DVVJ website.
Hiking in Värmland
Värmland is a fantastic region for hiking, though finding well-marked routes can sometimes be a challenge. One of the best places to explore on foot is the Glaskogen Nature Reserve. At the information center, you can pick up detailed hiking maps and get tips for different trails. The surroundings are breathtaking, with tranquil lakes, pine-covered hills and flat rock formations that invite you to stop and enjoy a picnic while taking in the views.
If you’re looking for hikes in other parts of Värmland, there’s plenty of information available online. A great resource is Naturkartan.se, where you’ll find detailed trail maps and route descriptions. They even have an app available in Google Play and the App Store, so you can navigate directly from your phone while hiking through the beautiful Swedish wilderness.
Go on a moose safari by car in Värmland
When you think of Sweden, you probably think of moose and the region of Värmland is one of the best places to see them in the wild. However, it’s not recommended to go searching for moose on foot, especially in summer when females can become aggressive while protecting their calves. A moose safari by car is a much safer and more comfortable alternative. Drive slowly along open fields that border the forest. Moose usually appear at dusk, coming out of the woods to graze on grassy clearings.
We weren’t so lucky (no moose during our trip) but locals in Blomskog told us that moose are often spotted there. The rare white moose, a true local celebrity, has also been seen in the area. When I asked a Dutch resident of Blomskog when she last saw it, she laughed and said, “Two or three days ago!” So your chances are quite good. The Glaskogen Nature Reserve is another excellent place where moose sightings are common.
Keep in mind that moose mothers with calves stay deeper in the forest early in the summer, only venturing out more frequently later in the season. So while moose sightings are possible year-round, your chances tend to improve towards the end of summer or in early autumn.
Canoeing on the lakes of Värmland
With its countless lakes and serene waterways, Värmland is a paradise for canoeing. A great place to rent a canoe or kayak is Alcatraz in Gustavsfors, a former factory now owned by a Dutch family. Here you can rent equipment, stay overnight in the inn, camp at the small campsite and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
At Alcatraz, canoes and kayaks are available per day or per week, giving you the freedom to embark on a multi-day canoe trip. Along the way, you can spend the night in designated shelters or set up your own tent in nature. Detailed maps are available at Alcatraz, so you can plan your route in advance. From this location, the possibilities are endless. In theory, you could even paddle all the way to the Netherlands through the connecting lakes and locks!
If you’re traveling with children, consider renting a Canadian canoe, which comfortably fits two adults and one child. For families with two kids, that can get a bit tight, especially on multi-day trips. Many families rent two canoes and connect them using a few lightweight tree branches to create a simple catamaran. That way, you can paddle from one canoe while using the other to store your luggage; a clever and stable setup that makes longer adventures even more enjoyable.
Go timber rafting on the Klarälven River in Värmland
Another fantastic activity in Sweden is timber rafting and Värmland’s Klarälven River is the perfect place to experience it. Timber rafting here isn’t something you do in an hour, you’ll need to plan at least two days. During a multi-day trip, you can choose to travel 50 or 100 kilometers, depending on how much time you have.
The adventure begins with building your own raft from logs, using ropes and simple tools. Once your raft is ready, you set off down the calm, meandering Klarälven, surrounded by untouched Swedish nature. You can moor wherever you like to rest, swim or spend the night. Sleeping is possible either on land in a tent or directly on the raft. If you choose the latter, a mosquito net is highly recommended, since the “tent” setup on the raft is usually nothing more than a few poles and a tarpaulin. It’s a true back-to-nature experience; peaceful, simple and unforgettable.
Mariebergsskogen city park in Karlstad
In the city of Karlstad lies the beautiful Mariebergsskogen city park, a place that blends nature, culture and history. Since several historic buildings from across Värmland were relocated here, part of the park now functions as an open-air museum. It’s a wonderful place to unwind and explore. Children can play in the playgrounds, visit the petting zoo or learn about animals and nature in the interactive museum. You can even play traditional Swedish games or take a ride on the small park train that circles the area every half hour.
A visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the Mariebergsskogen Fika Café, housed in a beautiful wooden building. The freshly baked Swedish waffles here are among the best we’ve ever tasted: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and served with sweet jam and cream. A perfect place to relax during a fun-filled day in Karlstad!
Elgåfossen waterfall on the border with Norway
Close to the Norwegian border, near the town of Halden, lies the impressive Elgåfossen waterfall. Although it technically sits outside the Värmland region, the distance makes it an easy and worthwhile day trip. With a height of 46 meters, Elgåfossen is the tallest waterfall in Sweden. The falls are surrounded by lush forest and accessible via a short, scenic walking trail. On warm days, you can even feel the mist of the waterfall while standing nearby, a refreshing experience in summer.
The parking area for Elgåfossen is located just south of the waterfall and is clearly marked on Google Maps. From there, a short walk through the forest brings you directly to the falls. Depending on the season, Elgåfossen looks very different. In spring and autumn, the waterfall is at its most powerful, with a roaring flow of water cascading down the 46-meter drop. During the summer months, however, the stream can shrink to just a gentle trickle. Since the walk is short and easy, it’s definitely worth a quick stop, specially if you’re on your way to Oslo after flying into Sweden. Even a brief visit gives you a taste of the wild, scenic beauty along the Swedish-Norwegian border.
We didn’t manage to visit Elgåfossen ourselves, but locals and travelers alike describe it as well worth the detour, especially if you’re already exploring western Värmland or driving toward the Norwegian border.
