Karlstad – Kristinehamn, Vänerleden
This journey starts in Karlstad, heading towards Kristinehamn and Mariestad, but can just as easily be traversed in reverse.
In Karlstad, the route takes you through the city center, close to key attractions. Start at the large Stora Torget square, and head north to Sandgrund Lars Lerin’s art gallery to admire exceptional watercolours. Across from it is Värmlands museum, a renowned county museum in Sweden, exhibiting international pieces and showcasing Värmland’s cultural heritage. A nearby park offers a playful and educational experience for kids. Music enthusiasts can visit Wermland Opera for high-quality operas and musicals, while history buffs might prefer Brigadmuseum along the River Klarälven.
The route not only skirts Lake Vänern but also meanders along River Klarälven and Lake Kroppkärrssjön, perfect for a swim. For supplies, there’s Välsviken retail park. Further along, a scenic forest road leads to Alsters Herrgård, where you can enjoy a meal with views of Vänern. Nearby Alsters Strandbad offers swimming, or you can bike a bit further to Kungsnäs Badplats.
Towards Kristinehamn, the path winds through a rich cultural landscape. Before Väse, you’ll glimpse Vänern again. In Väse, Café Gamla Skolan serves home-baked treats in a summer-only rustic setting. For families, Vilda Parken is a must-visit, featuring a skate park and child-friendly trails. Beyond Väse, consider a kayaking break with Vänerkajak in Strandvik. The route continues over Ölmeslätten Plain, with an optional detour to Kummelön’s nature reserve, known for its ancient oaks and birdlife. Without detouring, you’ll soon see a stunning stone church, historic buildings, and vast landscapes. For a culinary treat, stop at Ölme Prästgård & Gästgiveri, a White Guide-listed restaurant and hotel. The route runs parallel to the E18 road towards the Rastplats Stolpen rest area, featuring amenities and Stolpens Trädgård’s unique plant garden. For accommodation, try Elofstorps Gamla Missionshus or Nancys Bed & Breakfast in Ölme, where you can also explore a flea market, farms, and Ölme Ljus candle shop. Don’t miss Björns Bigård for flavored Swedish honey. (Note: The gravel path between Ölme Prästgård and Stolpen may have coarse gravel, challenging for narrow bike tires.)
From Ölme, the journey leads through forests to Varnumsviken Bay, with several attractions along the way. Gustafsviks Herrgårdspark, a manor estate park, hosts various activities, especially in summer. Learn about its history through signs or an audioguide. For hikers, it’s the starting point of the Järnleden trail, an old iron transport route. At Gustafsvik, you can also refresh and visit the chapel Österviks Kapell, once home to artist Eric Rafael Rådberg. Nearby, Strandgården B&B and Hotell Marieberg offer accommodations, with Kristinehamns Konstmuseum and a children’s playground in the area.
Reaching Kristinehamns Gästhamn och Ställplats, you’ll be in central Kristinehamn, close to Stadsparken, Kristinehamns Historiska museum, and the town center’s shops and cafes. For archipelago exploration, take a boat tour to the islands. The path to the Picasso sculpture is lined with swimming spots, cafes, and a vibrant camping and boating scene, immersing you in the archipelago atmosphere.
