A striking art landmark and several paths by Lake Vänern give Kristinehamn different sides: the Picasso sculpture stands in Picasso Park; cycling and hiking routes reveal different landscapes and trail profiles. The city also has a history that begins at the museum with the question of how and why Kristinehamn became a city. Visitors can make culture the focus of their trip or plan time outdoors—the routes vary in length, course and landscape.

Art and city history

The permanent exhibition “Järnet födde staden” is on the upper floor of the museum and explores the history of Kristinehamn. It begins with the city’s origins: the question of how and why Kristinehamn became a city. The exhibition also includes display-case installations for children.

Kristinehamn Art Museum has a different focus. Its collection centres on art by artists with ties to Kristinehamn and the region. A large part of the collection comes from donations by the artists Bengt Olson and Stig Olson. A city history exhibition and a collection featuring artists with regional ties thus offer different cultural experiences side by side; the Picasso sculpture in the park adds another artistic attraction.

Kristinehamn’s history also includes its role as a centre for iron and timber exports from Bergslagen. Market day, held on the last Saturday of every month, offers another glimpse of today’s Vågen district. The district has, among other things, crafts and locally produced food. If you plan to visit specifically for market day, check the dates before your trip.

Cycling and hiking routes with different profiles

Vänerleden is a national cycling route around Lake Vänern. In Kristinehamn, 86.6 kilometres of the route are marked with red trail signs. The Kristinehamn–Otterbäcken stage starts at Kristinehamn guest harbour or Herrgårdscampingen. After a few kilometres, the stage reaches the Picasso sculpture; you can also walk to two viewpoints.

Järnleden offers a different kind of landscape: the hiking trail passes small pools and lakes, crosses marshland and waterways, and runs through forests and pastureland. An old country road is also part of the route. By the gorge on the Varnan River, there is a relatively untouched area with interesting plants and animals. Marked trails run along both sides of the river and cover about three kilometres in total.

Hiking by Lake Vänern and in the archipelago

Sannaleden is six kilometres long and runs between Sannakajen and Herrgårdscampingen; parts of the route follow the shore of Lake Vänern. Tre Öars Led is four kilometres long and crosses nature via footbridges. Along the way, there are barbecue areas, shelters and sandy beaches, as well as views of Lake Vänern. The route starts on Vålön and continues to Kalvön and Sibberön; Kalvön and Sibberön are in a nature reserve.

A boat trip is required to access Tre Öars Led. In summer, you can take Båtbuss 97 from Vålösundsbryggan in the Kristinehamn archipelago. Since this service runs seasonally, check the timetable in advance. This makes the island route’s access clearly different from Sannaleden, which runs between two named starting points.

Another hiking option goes from Marieberg to historic Gustafsvik. The trail follows Lake Vänern and is about four kilometres each way. For an outing, you can weigh up different priorities: a route between named places, a trail with islands and footbridges, or a hike along the lake. The distances given can help you choose a route that fits your day’s plans.

Discover more destinations: Sörgården, Visnum, Ölme, Nybble.

Back to the main travel overview: Kristinehamn.