Segerstad can be explored from two perspectives: through the landscape of Segerstad’s archipelago and through the history of its church village and cultural landscape. The trails differ in their surfaces, wheelchair accessibility, starting points and distances. There are also distinctive historical themes, from stone labyrinths to the organ in Segerstad Church. You can therefore choose the focus of your stay based on nature, trail routes or history.

Nature and trails in Segerstad’s archipelago

Segerstad’s archipelago is a nature reserve and part of the Natura 2000 network. The islands are characterised by wind-shaped pine forests, wetlands and open sandy beaches. The mainland section of the area can be reached without a boat. Both this mainland area and the islands’ distinctive landscape features are useful points of reference when exploring the archipelago.

The trail to Arnäs udde is a gravel path and is wheelchair accessible. Arnäs udde is about 1.5 kilometres from the main car park, where there is a wind shelter. From Arnäs udde, a constructed boardwalk continues to Hamnholmarna. On Hamnholmarna, you will find another wind shelter, a wooden deck, a dry toilet and a fire pit. The information about the surface and wheelchair accessibility applies to the trail to Arnäs udde; the listed facilities are on Hamnholmarna.

Other trails differ in their routes and lengths. The walking trail to Onsösundet is about 1.5 kilometres long and runs mostly along an old road. The Blue Loop starts at the main car park and is about 2.5 kilometres long. For Arnäs udde, the figure of about 1.5 kilometres refers instead to its distance from the main car park. The figures therefore refer to different things: the distance to Arnäs udde, the length of the trail to Onsösundet and the length of the Blue Loop. Together with the details about each trail, these figures help you distinguish between the options when planning.

Church village, monuments and history

Segerstad’s cultural landscape also offers a range of historical points of interest. There are four stone labyrinths on Stora Axelön. Closely associated with Segerstad’s old church village are four burial grounds in total, with burial mounds and stone settings. The cultural landscape also contains four larger concentrations of Bronze Age and Iron Age monuments. They lie near the shore of Lake Vänern and the farmland behind it, and are closely associated with Segerstad’s old and new medieval church villages.

The undivided church village of Segerstad has the character of a linear village. Period-style homes and farm buildings stand closely alongside the village road. The village structure itself is therefore part of the area’s history. Segerstad’s history also includes boatbuilding, which was carried out intermittently, and fishing in Lake Vänern, an important resource for local households.

In Segerstad Church, the organ points to another connection with the region’s history: it is considered of national interest because some of its pipes are, with a high degree of certainty, from the former organ of Karlstad Cathedral, dating from the 18th century. The different themes are easy to distinguish: trails and landscape shape Segerstad’s natural side, while the village structure, monuments, fishing and organ history offer other perspectives on the area.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Karlstad.