At the southern tip of Hammarö, cliffs, rocky pine forests, alder marshes, coastal meadows, and reed-filled bays meet. These varied landscapes shape the distinctive character of southern Hammarö; the area is part of the Värmland Archipelago Nature Reserve. The island can be explored from different perspectives, combining encounters with nature and cultural history.

Nature and birdwatching at the southern tip

There are walking trails at Hammarö sydspets, with rest areas that are easy to find and access. A total of 265 bird species had been observed there by 2023—a figure that also makes the area interesting for anyone who enjoys birdwatching. At Sättersviken, near Kilenegården, there is a birdwatching tower from which you can observe a variety of bird species.

For finding your way around, one specific route is useful: from the car park at Hammarö sydspets, it is about an 800-metre walk to the southern tip and Skage Lighthouse. The walk through the coastal landscape thus leads to a landmark in local history.

The lighthouse and cultural history

Hammarö Skage Lighthouse was built on Storholmen in 1872. After its light was extinguished in January 1932, the structure continued to serve as a sea mark. Hammarö Skage is considered one of the best-preserved older lighthouse installations on Lake Vänern. Its construction and subsequent use make the lighthouse a distinctive window into the region’s maritime past.

Other places also tell the story of Hammarö. Hammarö Church is a wooden church clad in wooden shingles, with origins dating back to the 12th century; it acquired its present cruciform appearance in 1748. The Hammarö local heritage centre’s collections include historical household items and documents, as well as a school museum set up as a period classroom, traditional Hammarö boats, and old fishing equipment.

The Hammarö Archipelago Museum is based on a unique collection of objects from the historic Lake Vänern fishery. It also preserves old wooden boats. You can fish from a jetty and observe life underwater. Around Hammars udde, a QR-coded cultural walk has 20 stops at sites of cultural and historical interest. The headland is also home to a Bronze Age stone circle.

Trails with different characteristics

The trails on Hammarö vary in length and design. The Pilgrimsleden on Hammars udde is about three kilometres long and runs between fields and water, through the forest, and back along an existing gravel path. It is partly accessible. The Skärgårdspromenaden at Lillängshamnen leads from the harbour area over the rocks past St Olofs gryta and is fully accessible.

A longer nature route starts at Kilenegården and runs for about 5.2 kilometres to Bonäsudden. Along the way, coniferous and birch forests alternate with boardwalks through the reeds and rocky shores overlooking Lake Vänern. Kilenegården is Hammarö’s largest outdoor recreation centre; it also has two reflex trails for use in the dark: one 900 metres long and a longer one measuring 4.9 kilometres. The centre also has walking trails, exercise tracks, an outdoor fitness area, several barbecue areas, and a playground.

Getting around by bike, bus, or kayak

Hammarö offers good opportunities for exploring the island by bicycle. The northwestern section of the Vänerleden runs from Åmål via Hammarö to Karlstad and is 126 kilometres long. If you want to explore the bays from the water, you can set off from KAYAKOMAT Hammarö at Mörudden. Paddlers can reach several islands, including Söön, provided they have suitable experience and the weather is good.

In summer, Bo buses run to and from Hammarö; Värmlandstrafik operates three route sections on Hammarö, offering a way to experience the archipelago of Lake Vänern. If you are planning a journey, it is worth checking the timetable for your travel dates.

Local flavours are also part of the discovery: near Lillängshamnen, there is a restaurant, a fish smokehouse, and a delicatessen. You can sample local products there and enjoy meals with a view of the lake.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hammarö, Säffle, Skoghall, Forshaga, Munkfors, Filipstad, Kil, Skillingsfors.

Back to the main travel overview: Värmland.