The stone church in the centre of Forshaga was built between 1919 and 1920. Its altarpiece dates from 1696 and was a gift from the parish of Grava. The construction period and the furnishings bring together very different historical moments in a single building.
History between the church and log driving
The history of Forshaga and Skived dates back to the Middle Ages. In the municipality of Forshaga, salmon fishing, industry and log driving shaped the landscape and settlements. Forshaga was an old industrial community where the pulp and paper industry was highly significant. At Forshagaforsen, the water is considered one of the best places in Northern Europe for salmon fishing. These varied traces give the local history its breadth: from the church’s older heritage to the industries and activities that shaped life in the municipality.
The history of schools and crafts also features among the local cultural themes. There is a school museum at a local heritage site in Forshaga. A local heritage site in Forshaga also has a bakehouse for making tunnbröd.
Exploring the Klarälvsbanan and forest areas
The Klarälvsbanan runs from Karlstad via Forshaga and Deje to Uddeholm. One section passes through the centre of Forshaga. You can use the Klarälvsbanan for cycling, walking, inline skating or roller skiing. The route is therefore not limited to one way of getting around; its passage through Forshaga also offers a direct connection to the town.
At SISU-gĂĄrden, a sports and leisure facility in Forshaga, there are illuminated running trails. The five- and ten-kilometre trails pass through varied woodland with remains of house foundations and charcoal-burning sites. There is also a mountain bike trail there. By the local heritage site in Skived, there is an outdoor activity area with three exercise trails.
The area around Abborrtjärn offers a different perspective on the forest: it consists of open woodland with coniferous and deciduous trees. A 1.5-kilometre trail runs around the lake. In the municipality of Forshaga, Norra Hyn is an important stopover and breeding area, especially for ducks and wading birds. So, alongside routes for outdoor activities, the area also offers varied landscapes and nature to explore.
Two cultural trails, two different lengths
The cultural trail by the Forshaga Canal follows the locks along the paved path beside the canal. It is about 750 metres long in total. A sign next to the lock provides information about the history of the canal. Kulturstigen i Mölnbacka has a different focus: in the municipality of Forshaga, the five-kilometre route passes 15 places that tell stories about the people, surroundings and events that have shaped the area. The difference in length helps you choose between the shorter canal trail and the longer route in Mölnbacka.
At every stop on Kulturstigen i Mölnbacka, there are signs with information and historical images. The information is also available in English. While the locks and the history of the canal shape the route by the Forshaga Canal, Mölnbacka spreads its stories across 15 locations. Both trails combine outdoor activity with a glimpse into the history of their respective surroundings.
A place to eat
For a meal, Gamla Kraftstationen offers a bio café and a lunch restaurant. Together with the cultural trails, the varied routes and the historic sites, Forshaga offers a selection of discoveries to suit your interests.
Discover more destinations: Olsäter, Forshaga, Deje, Mangskog, Grums, Kristinehamn, Långserud, Skillingsfors.
View the broader travel overview: Värmland.
