In Filipstad, national roads 63 and 26 meet. The Bergslags Canal also runs for about 65 kilometres from Karlskoga in the south to Filipstad in the north. Lakes, straits, rivers and canals shape its course. This combination of waterways, nature and industrial history makes the town and its nearby surroundings particularly varied to explore.
Waterways and getting around
There are six locks along the Bergslags Canal, which is considered a family-friendly excursion destination. Those interested in the waterscape can use the various waterways and locks to find their bearings. Conditions for travelling on the water may vary, so it is worth checking the latest situation in advance.
You can also plan your journey: a bus runs hourly in both directions between Filipstad and Karlstad. Check the timetable before departure. For cyclists, Persbergsturen is one of the routes offered in Filipstad Municipality. Route conditions and signage may change, so a current check is helpful when planning.
Brattforsheden: trails through a shaped landscape
In Brattforsheden, winding waterways, glacial hollows, steep ridges and ravines shape the landscape. The marked trail network covers a total of 75 kilometres. The Brattforsleden is a distinct route: it is 24 kilometres long, marked in orange and forms a loop through four nature reserves. Along the way, it passes Ă…ngsĂĄgen, the old cabin in Brattfors and Lake Alstern. This means there is both an extensive trail network and a single loop with a set route.
Several shelters in Brattforsheden allow visitors to cook and stay overnight. If you plan to stay overnight, check the shelters’ current conditions; the condition of individual trails may also change.
Activities around Kalhyttan
In Filipstad, Kalhyttan offers a range of ways to explore actively. The mountain bike trail is 13 kilometres long and runs mostly through forest. There is also a 3,300-metre paved trail. A 1,300-metre section of it has been adapted for people with disabilities. The site also has an 18-hole disc golf course.
Explore industrial history
Brattforsheden is home to Krigsflygfält 16, a Second World War site with well-preserved remains and the status of a cultural reserve. Its camouflaged agricultural landscape includes constructed dummy trenches, dummy roads and associated buildings preserved in their original condition. The site is open to visitors in summer; a café, guided tours and other activities complement the visit. Check the current summer programme in advance.
In the vicinity of Filipstad, LĂĄngbans Gruvby presents mining history through the mine shaft, the everyday lives of workers and a mineral collection. Guided tours and activities for families complement these themes. There is also a restaurant in the birthplace of inventor John Ericsson. If you plan to visit the restaurant, check its current opening hours.
Lesjöfors Museum offers another perspective on industrial history. It shows life in a Swedish industrial community in the 20th century. A museum guide supports a self-guided tour; there is also a shop and a café. In Filipstad Municipality, Tilas stoll in Högbergsfältet was put into operation as an exploratory adit in 1767. While the museum focuses on an industrial community, the adit points to a specific early phase of exploration.
Another historic silver mine in the vicinity offers guided tours that lead deep into the mountain and explain the mining history of Värmland. Check the current conditions for the tours. For a different aspect of a visit, the OLW snack shop in Filipstad combines snack sales with information about the history of Cheez Doodles and how crisps are made.
Discover more destinations: Filipstad, Gåsborn, Lesjöfors, Persberg, Nykroppa, Brattfors, Nordmarkshyttan, Arvika.
See the overview of destinations in the wider region: Värmland.
