Sulvik lies on Sulviken, a part of Lake Glafsfjorden. The village combines an unusual harbour location with a medieval history of markets and routes, an Iron Age burial mound and the Kolsjön bathing spot. The Västra Värmland Pilgrim Trail, which leads towards Sulvik, is another feature. This offers several different aspects to consider when planning a trip: geographical setting, layers of history, swimming and pilgrimage.

Lakeside and harbour with a connection to the sea

The harbour in Sulvik is Sweden’s most inland harbour connected to the sea. This is a distinctive geographical feature in addition to Sulvik’s location on Sulviken, a part of Glafsfjorden. The lake establishes the village’s setting; the harbour detail adds its connection to the sea. Visitors interested in places by the water will find a striking combination of lakeshore and a harbour connected to the sea.

Markets, routes and layers of history

In the Middle Ages, Sulvik was a hub and marketplace where a walking route and a waterway met. Here, “hub” refers to the specific meeting of two routes: one on foot and one by water. It is therefore more than a transport term: it describes the connection between Sulvik’s role as a market and its different routes. Sulvik’s large marketplace was located on Glafsfjorden. There is also an Iron Age burial mound near Sulvik. It belongs to a much earlier period than the medieval history of markets and routes. The burial mound and the hub therefore offer two different historical perspectives: an archaeological trace from the Iron Age and Sulvik’s role as a meeting point for a walking route and waterway in the Middle Ages.

Bathing spot and fishing permits

Kolsjön bathing spot is in Sulvik and has a sandy beach and changing rooms. As facilities may change, check the latest information about the bathing spot before your visit. Kolsjön is therefore a specific place to swim among Sulvik’s water-related features. Fishing permits for the Glafsfjorden fishing area are sold at Sulvikingen. The point of sale may change, so check before your trip whether Sulvikingen still offers permits. The bathing spot and fishing area serve different purposes: Kolsjön is the local bathing spot, while the fishing permit applies to Glafsfjorden.

Pilgrim trail towards Sulvik

The Västra Värmland Pilgrim Trail leads towards Sulvik; pilgrims can collect stamps in their pilgrim passports along the route. If you are planning a leg of the trail, check its exact course and bring your passport if you would like to collect stamps. The medieval crossroads and the pilgrim route address different questions: one is part of Sulvik’s history, while the other is a practical consideration when planning your pilgrimage.

Discover more destinations: Arvika, Salungen, Jössefors, Glava, Klässbol, Ottebol, Edane, Glava Glasbruk.

Go to the main travel guide: Arvika.