Attractions in Värmland – 7 nature experiences in the landscape you didn't know you wanted to visit

Värmland begins where the landscape becomes larger and the pace slower. Here the forests spread out between lakes, river valleys and hills. You can walk a short nature trail in the morning and still have wilderness left to discover as the day turns to evening.

This is the ninth article in our series about attractions in the Swedish countryside. After Skåne, Blekinge, Halland, Småland, Öland, Västergötland, Dalsland and Östergötland, we continue north to Värmland.

The selection below is suitable for both those looking for an easy day trip and those who want to plan a longer trip with a tent. What the places have in common is that nature is at the center. The equipment should help you stay out longer – not become a goal in itself.

1. Glaskogen Nature Reserve – Värmland's great wilderness

Glaskogen is the obvious start for a nature trip in Värmland. The nature reserve covers almost 29,000 hectares and has around 300 kilometers of hiking trails. You can choose between shorter day trips and multi-day trails, with shelters, fireplaces, rest areas and toilets along the way.

The landscape is hilly and rich in water. Stora Gla and Övre Gla are the largest lakes, but there are a large number of lakes and ponds in total. Therefore, Glaskogen works equally well for a day hike with a pack or for a combination of hiking and paddling.

The nature and culture trail at Lenungshammar is a good choice for a first trip. It is easier to walk and also suitable for those who want a shorter tour. For longer trips, however, you need to plan more carefully. Cell phone coverage varies, and shelters or cabins may be occupied.

Glaskogen's own hiking information recommends that you bring your own tent even if you plan to sleep in a wind shelter. This is practical advice. A tent for one or two people gives you a backup plan when the weather changes or the rest area is already full.

2. Edeby by the Klarälven River – nature from the water side

Edeby is not a traditional hiking destination with a large network of marked trails. This is important to say, as otherwise the place could easily be misdescribed. Instead, it is a Natura 2000 area on the Klarälven River, with floodplain forest – deciduous forest that is affected by the river’s recurring floods.

The nature experience is therefore more about the river, the birdlife and the special riparian forest than about a long hike. The Ransäter–Edeby stretch is highlighted for canoeing and kayaking, and Edeby serves as a destination or starting point for paddling.

This makes the place interesting for those who want to vary their activities. A day could consist of a short walk in the area, followed by a paddle trip on the Klarälven River. However, the terrain and accessibility can vary, and the area is not equipped like a regular outdoor recreation center.

Bring a map and check local conditions before you set off. If you want to carry equipment along the river, a sturdy backpack is more important than extra small items. What will the pack actually handle – a short excursion or a full day near the water?

3. Långban – mining history, minerals and flower-rich lands

Långban shows another side of Värmland. Here nature meets a long mining history. The area is known for its minerals and for the mining that took place from the 16th century until the 1970s.

In and around Långbans mining and cultural village there are several shorter walks. Lilla Långbansvarvet is about one kilometer long. Stora Långbansvarvet is about 2.3 kilometers and goes over piles of ore and past older mining environments.

Also nearby is the Tibergs udde nature reserve. The approximately 1.2 kilometer long loop runs through an older cultural landscape with a rich flora and orchids. It's a trip where you don't have to go far to get a lot to see.

The long-distance railway is therefore particularly suitable for a half-day trip or as a stop on a longer journey through Värmland. Read more about the area at Värmlands Museum and follow the signs on site. The surface is usually easier than on a hilly forest trail, but sturdy shoes are still wise when you walk on uneven piles of rubble.

4. Mangen and Ängen – lakes, forest and old mining ruins

Mangen is located approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Sunne and is part of a larger trail system between Ängsjön and Mången. There are over forty kilometers of trails here, from short loops to full-day trips.

The Grurrundan trail is about ten kilometers long and goes through a hilly landscape with forests, lakes and old mining environments. The Peckererundan trail is about three kilometers long and is better suited when you want a shorter trip. For a longer day, you can choose the Tiskaretjärnsleden trail of about 13 kilometers or the Ängenleden trail of about 17 kilometers.

The beauty of Mangen is the variety. You get a forest feel, contact with water and cultural history without having to choose just one type of experience. The trails are marked and have rest areas, but the longer tours still require you to plan according to the weather and your strength.

A pair of trekking poles can be useful on the hilly stretches. They take the strain off your knees and help when the trail gets wet or uneven. They are no substitute for good shoes, but they can make a difference after several hours.

5. Värmland's rift valleys – the landscape between water and mountains

Värmland's rift valleys are not a single tourist attraction. They are a type of landscape that you can experience in several places. Long, narrow lakes such as Fryken, Glafsfjorden and Värmeln follow old cracks in the bedrock. Between the waters rise hills and steep slopes.

Around Fryksdalen, Tossebergsklätten provides a clear picture of the contrast. From the height you can see the long, narrow valley and the lake that cuts through the landscape. It is a good choice when you want a view without planning a multi-day hike.

In the border areas with Västmanland is Lokadalen, a more marked rift valley with a narrow valley and steep sides. For other dramatic environments in Värmland, Brattfallet and Halgåleden are a strong alternative. The main loop is approximately 6.8 kilometers and goes through woodland and along the Halgån.

Here you will notice the height differences in your legs. Choose shoes with stable soles and bring reinforcements, even in summer. Viewpoints are often windy, and a warm sweater weighs less than the irritation that occurs when you stand still and freeze.

6. Brattfallet and Halgåleden – hydropower in the landscape

Brattfallet is both a waterfall and the starting point for the Halgåleden Trail. The longer trail is a moderately demanding circular loop of about seven kilometers. There are also shorter loops, including a one-kilometer-long trip along the river and a forest loop of about 2.3 kilometers.

The site shows how water has shaped both nature and human activity. You walk close to the watercourse, pass through forests and experience the power that was previously used for rafting and other activities.

At the starting area there is parking, information boards, a rest area and a toilet. The Halgåleden trail is quality assured by Hiking Värmland . This makes it easier to plan than many smaller local trails.

The steep fall works well as a day trip. You don't normally need to carry heavy things, but the weather can change quickly near water. A rain jacket that goes over your backpack is an easy way to keep both you and your pack dry.

7. Granberget – Värmland's highest point

The planning documents for this article mentioned Halsbranberget. That name cannot be verified in current sources about Värmland's highest point. The peak listed by outdoor guides and compilations is instead Granberget near Höljes.

Granberget reaches approximately 700.5–701 meters above sea level. A marked trail leads to the summit, approximately 2.5 kilometers one way, or about five kilometers round trip. At the top there is an observation tower with views of forests, lakes and mountains.

The hike is short but not entirely without effort. The difference in elevation is noticeable, especially if you walk fast or carry heavy loads. Plan for a trip where the uphill part is the main part. The nature map is a good starting point for up-to-date information about the trail.

Pack according to the trip – not according to your wish list

Värmland rewards those who plan simply. For a shorter trip, water, warm clothing, rain cover, a map and something to eat are often enough. For a night in Glaskogen or on a longer route, you need to think in terms of supplies:

1. Shelter: tent or other safe place to sleep.
2. Sleep: sleeping bag and sleeping pad that works in the temperature you may actually encounter.
3. Water and food: enough for the entire distance, with a margin.
4. Navigation and safety: map, compass and charged phone.
5. Clothing: dry change and rain cover.

A thin sleeping pad can save a few grams but will result in cold ground and poorer recovery. Similarly, a sleeping bag is not good enough just because it has a high CUIN value. Fill weight, construction and temperature rating also play a role. Please read our guide to down in sleeping bags before choosing.

For longer trips, you can compare sleeping bags , sleeping pads and tents based on season and use. The best equipment is not the lightest on paper. It's the one that works when the rain comes, the temperature drops and your legs start to get tired.

Värmland is ultimately about balance. You don't have to walk the furthest or carry the least. Choose a tour that suits the group, the weather and your experience – and let the landscape do the rest.