Dals Långed – Åmål, Vänerleden
Upon arriving in Fröskog, cyclists can find cozy accommodation at B&Bs like Villa Weidling and Nordic Refuge. The area is home to Fröskog Kyrka, a delightful church from the early 18th century, featuring wooden shingles and rustic baroque interiors. Open during summer with an available audioguide, it’s a notable stop. The nearby 3.8 km Bläsenrundan walking loop begins at the local parish hall and explores historical mining shafts disguised as caves, leading to a turquoise lagoon ideal for picnicking. A short bike ride away lies Fengersfors, dominated by the Fengersfors Bruk complex.
Fengersfors Bruk, a former paper mill, is now a center for art, culture, and small businesses, revitalized in 2003 by the Not Quite artists’ cooperative. The site hosts the annual Glupsk på Dalsland food festival every August, attracting visitors with its café, bistro, and the aroma-filled stone oven bakery Brukets Godaste. This historical mill, also functioning as an industrial museum, was honored as the Swedish Industrial Heritage Site of the Year in 2015. Fengersfors includes a quaint village shop for essentials and a central bathing spot. Also located in a refurbished slaughterhouse is Fengers, a B&B with a vintage shop.
Continuing from Fengersfors, the Vänerleden route winds towards Åmål, passing through scenic areas like Torpane, Lake Käppesjön, Bodane, and Jakobsbyn. Near Åmål, you’ll encounter Tollebols Kvarn & Kvarnkafé, a preserved water mill featuring a café that serves delicious waffles and a museum depicting mill life. The mill is surrounded by green spaces with animals and activities for children. Åmål, a great place for an overnight stay, offers accommodations like Åmåls Stadshotell and Örnäs camping near Vänern’s shore. The harbor comes alive in summer, potentially coinciding with Åmåls Bluesfest. For panoramic views of Vänern, a walk up Kungsberget Hill is recommended. For more activity ideas in Åmål, visit the Turistbyrån tourist information center in the guest marina, also known as a Vänerhub.
