Edsvalla can be explored through two themes: its history as a mill settlement and the Norsälven, with canoe trips and fishing. The station house is an important symbol of the area’s history; the Norsälven canoe trail also starts in Edsvalla. If you are planning a stay, you can first decide whether local history or activities on the river should be the main focus.

River and canoe trip

The Norsälven canoe trail is 10.2 kilometres long. Its starting point is in Edsvalla, downstream of the power station dam; between Edsvalla and Vålberg, the route runs along steep riverbanks. Salmon, trout, pike and zander are also fished for near Edsvalla. The two options differ in their format for travel planning: the canoe trail is a route with a set starting point and course, while fishing centres on the fish species listed above.

The mill settlement’s architectural history

Edsvalla railway station was completed in 1879. The station house is an important symbol of the area’s history as a thriving mill settlement. Edsvalla schoolhouse was built in 1912 and has retained its essential exterior character. It conveys the layout and architectural development of an early mill settlement. The façades feature decorative patterns in red brickwork. The base is made of slag stone, said to have come from Edsvalla bruk, and serves as a reminder of the area’s iron production. There are 33 years between the completion of the station in 1879 and the construction of the schoolhouse in 1912.

The former mill site is now used for small-scale industry and workshops, and features brick industrial buildings dating from several decades of the 20th century. The former mill manager’s villa displays the wood-clad architecture and delicate carved details typical of the period around 1900. At the schoolhouse, the focus is on brickwork details and slag stone; at the villa, on wood cladding and carved ornamentation. This comparison offers a tangible way to explore the different architectural styles.

Strawberries east of Edsvalla

Höglunda Gård, where you can pick your own strawberries, lies just east of Edsvalla. This seasonal activity can offer an extra reason to plan a trip if the dates work out. Check directly with Höglunda Gård in advance to find out when picking is possible during your stay, so you can plan this outing around your travel dates.

Choose a holiday rental based on the reason for your trip

When choosing a holiday rental, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. If the canoe trail and fishing are your main interests, check how the specific location of each option fits with your plans for the river. If the history of the mill settlement is your priority, plan your visit around the historic buildings. This lets you compare accommodation based on the reason for your trip that matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Lindfors, Vålberg, Väse, Karlstad, Molkom, Segerstad, Skattkärr.

Return to the main travel overview: Karlstad.