Västra Ämtervik lies on Fryken. The water, cultural history and activities such as canoeing and cycling give the place many different facets. As you plan your trip, consider whether swimming, historic buildings or activities will be your main focus.

Getting here and the landscape

Västra Ämtervik has a stop on the Fryksdalsbanan railway line. There are several train connections daily between Torsby and Karlstad. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable for your travel dates and factor the connections into your plans.

Västra Ämtervik offers wide views across the Fryksdalen landscape. One notable historic structure is the arch bridge over the Aplungsälven, built in 1911. The views take in the surrounding landscape, while the bridge draws attention to a single example of historic construction.

Spa history and buildings

Sillegården was originally established as a spa. Sillegårdsbrunn and the warm bathhouse also attracted visitors as a spa destination. Sillegården is also associated with textile artist Ida Sahlström, who designed the restaurant in an Old Norse style. Here, the history of the spa meets a distinctive connection to design.

The present-day church in Västra Ämtervik was built in 1820. The stone wall of the old church building remains at the site of the former church. The two sites tell of different periods in the history of the church. Together with the arch bridge, they show that the historic buildings in the area each have their own stories.

Swimming and local history

Lake Aplungen is an alternative to swimming in Fryken. The bathing area near Sillegården has a 20-metre-wide sandy beach, a changing hut and a dry toilet. Seasonal facilities may vary. If you are counting on these particular amenities, check the arrangements for your travel period before you visit.

The local heritage centre has historic buildings, including drying barns, a pole barn and a crofter’s cottage. It is open to visitors seasonally, so take this into account when planning and check in advance whether your travel dates fall within the season. The buildings offer a different perspective on local history from the church, bridge and spa heritage.

Food and activities

Kulinarika is a food and wine estate on Lake Aplungen in Västra Ämtervik. Tastings and cookery classes are offered there. As the current programme may change, check in advance if a particular tasting or class is important to your plans.

Canoe Sweden rents out canoes in Västra Ämtervik. Check before your trip whether the rental service will be operating during your visit. This lets you plan a canoe trip as a possible activity without assuming it will be available.

The cycling route to Västra Ämtervik is 24 kilometres long, of which 7 kilometres are on gravel roads. These figures describe the total route length, not a one-way journey. Route conditions and details may change, so it is worth checking before setting off.

Västra Ämtervik offers a range of options for planning your trip, from Fryken and swimming to historic buildings, food and activities. Which ones you combine depends on your interests and the conditions during your travel period.

Discover more destinations: Sunne, Östra Ämtervik, Ivarsbjörke, Rottneros, Gräsmarken, Uddheden, Gettjärn, Lysvik.

Back to the main travel guide: Sunne.