In Munkfors, Munkforsen combines a striking natural feature with a nearby cultural venue: the highest natural waterfall on the Klarälven lies in Bruksparken, and Laxholmen Kulturhus is next to it. The Klarälvsbanan and landmarks from the area’s industrial and cultural history add to the picture. Munkfors can therefore be explored from several perspectives: the river and its seasonal spectacle, a route for different ways of getting around, and the history of Munkfors Bruk and local exhibitions.
The waterfall and its seasonal spectacle
At 17 metres high, Munkforsen is the highest natural waterfall on the Klarälven. On certain summer days, the rushing water makes it an impressive sight that can be viewed from just a few metres away. If you want to plan your visit around this spectacle, check the exact dates before you travel. The waterfall is in Bruksparken in Munkfors; the neighbouring Laxholmen Kulturhus complements the natural setting with art.
The Klarälvsbanan: 90 kilometres and three ways to use it
The Klarälvsbanan is a 90-kilometre paved route with no motor traffic. It runs from Karlstad to Hagfors, passing through Forshaga, Deje, Ransäter, Munkfors, Norra Råda and finally Uddeholm. Munkfors is one of the named places along a route that connects several towns. You can use the route by bicycle, on inline skates or on foot. These three options give you a clear choice of how to get around; the paved surface and lack of motor traffic also describe the route itself. When weighing up your options, you can consider both the route’s length and how you want to experience it.
Industrial history and a place for recreation
Industrial activity at Munkfors Bruk began in 1670, when the first hammer forge was built. This date gives the area’s industrial history a specific point of reference. Hästskoholmen reveals another side of the story. The owners of Munkfors Bruk were already using the site as a place for recreation in the early 19th century. Among other things, a large pleasure pavilion was built there, where balls and theatrical performances were held. The hammer forge and the pleasure pavilion thus represent different themes: industrial activity on the one hand, and leisure and performances on the other.
Art and life stories
Laxholmen Kulturhus is an art museum next to the highest natural waterfall on the Klarälven. It has a permanent exhibition of sculptures donated by Bo Englund, an artist born in Munkfors. The donor’s connection to the area links the exhibition biographically to Munkfors and adds a distinct cultural focus alongside the waterfall.
Another cultural stop is the Fridolf Rhudin Museum. It features an exhibition about Fridolf Rhudin’s life and career. By contrast, the sculpture exhibition at Laxholmen Kulturhus focuses on artworks and their donor, while the Fridolf Rhudin Museum centres on one person and their life and career. Together, the two exhibitions offer different points of interest for visitors drawn to art or to a biographical story.
Discover more destinations: Ransäter.
Go to the main travel overview: Munkfors.
