A walking trail in Karlskoga connects nature with several special places: the 2.4-kilometre, hilly Gröna promenaden passes through the Rävåsen Nature Reserve, by Skogskyrkogården and along Nobelparken, ending at the butterfly and bumblebee garden on Sågholmen. Rävåsen lies on a glacial gravel terrace in the city centre and is hilly in places. This trail offers a way to discover different sides of Karlskoga.
Hiking trails and shores of Lake Möckeln
Those looking for a longer hike can choose from routes of different lengths and layouts. An eight-kilometre circular hike goes around Angsjön; the start and finish are at Valåsen, east of Karlskoga. There is also a 13-kilometre route between Odlingen and Lunnedet, as well as an 11-kilometre hiking route from Valåsen to Svinsjöstugan. The circular hike returns to its starting point, while the other two routes each have two different endpoints.
The area around Lake Möckeln has a different character, too. Näset Västra bathing beach is centrally located on the northern shore and stretches for 100 metres. At the same lake, Sandviksbadet offers a large sandy beach with sunny and shady areas. These differences can help you choose a spot by the water without confusing the two beaches.
Outside the town, four cycle routes maintained by Karlskoga Municipality pass through varied landscapes. Lunnedet also has mountain bike trails. Alongside the hilly walking and hiking paths, there are routes for different ways of exploring the area.
Art, churches and Nobel’s legacy
At Karlskoga konsthall, contemporary exhibitions meet a place steeped in history. The venue showcases art, crafts and photography by established and local artists. Its programme includes around ten exhibitions a year, and admission is free. Regular openings and artist talks with music complement the exhibitions. The art gallery is surrounded by Tingshusparken. Its building originally housed the holding cells of the courthouse where Alfred Nobel’s will was legally validated.
Another chapter in the town’s history can be found at Karlskoga kyrka. Its roots date back to the late 16th century, and it is considered one of the most interesting churches in Bergslagen. Murals dating from the time it was built have been preserved in the sacristy. This detail links the church building of today with its early history.
Alfred Nobel’s Björkborn is located in his last home in Sweden and offers guided tours and presentations for groups. Nobelparken lies immediately to the south. At Björkborn’s Fiffiga Huset, children can explore experiments and scientific phenomena. Nobel’s life story and hands-on exploration of scientific questions sit side by side at the same location.
Karlskoga’s industrial history is also very much in evidence: Bofors industrimuseum covers the history of the Bofors ironworks, which began in Karlskoga in 1646, and presents 350 years of industrial history. As a regional waterway, Bergslagskanal connects Filipstad to Karlskoga via 14 lakes, four rivers and six locks.
Activities and practical information
An admission ticket to Boda Borg Karlskoga includes 25 quests with different themes and challenges. Groups work together to solve the timed tasks; simulations and virtual reality are not part of the experience. This makes it different from a team activity centred mainly on an exhibition or a single subject.
For an experience on the racetrack, Gelleråsen Arena offers bookable sports car experiences with instruction on the racing line, braking techniques and theory. Karlskoga Konserthall offers a different way to enjoy events: it is within walking distance of the city centre and has 597 seats and six wheelchair spaces. The venue is suitable for public events such as stand-up comedy, concerts and talks. If you have a particular event in mind, check the relevant dates.
The Lunnedet recreation and excursion area, with the Knappfors locks, brings together several facilities: bathing spots, hiking trails, a boat dock, cafés and dining options, camping, and market stalls. Walpurgis Night, Midsummer and Christmas market celebrations are held in the area each year. The range of facilities makes Lunnedet a destination in its own right within the municipality; the annual celebrations add recurring events to the nature and leisure activities.
For road travel, the E18 between Stockholm and Oslo passes through Karlskoga Municipality. The nearest railway station is in Degerfors, about 14 kilometres from Karlskoga bus station; connecting buses are available. This makes it possible to factor travel by train and bus into your plans, along with the area’s varied nature, culture and excursions.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Karlskoga, Bohult, Granbergsdal, Hällefors, Vintrosa, Kumla, Nora, Hallsberg.
For the overview of the wider area: Örebro.
