Tresticklan National Park lies in the municipality of Dals-Ed in northwestern Dalsland, near the Norwegian border. As southern Sweden’s largest roadless and undeveloped forest area, it gives the landscape a distinctive character. Three marked trails lead through the national park: Bodalsvikenleden, Bråtaneslingan and Orshöjdsleden. Their names offer a concrete starting point for hikes there; other trails in the municipality vary in length, route and terrain.
Hiking trails among forests, hills and the border
There is a clear contrast between the two hiking trails around Sågtjärn. The orange trail is 3.9 kilometres long and follows forest tracks around the lake, making it a shorter loop than the red trail. The latter is 24.5 kilometres long, loops around the built-up area and passes north of Tavlan. Its route over paths and forest roads is hilly. The length and terrain descriptions help distinguish the two routes; check the marked trails locally before setting out.
Härvägen starts at Tavlan. From Klevmarken, you can continue the hike via Ringsmon along paths connected to trails in the Heråmaden nature reserve and Tresticklan National Park. The Lundsnes nature reserve on the Norwegian side of the border can also be reached from Tresticklan. This cross-border connection is a distinctive feature of the hiking landscape; check conditions before setting out.
Heråmaden offers a different kind of experience: the nearly five-square-kilometre nature reserve includes unspoiled forests along the River Herå. Those interested in winter activities will find groomed cross-country ski trails at Tavlan in three lengths: 2.6, 4.3 and 22 kilometres. They are prepared when there is enough snow. Motionsgården Tavlan is an outdoor activity area with several paths and trails that you can combine to create your own scenic hiking routes.
Lakes, paddling and routes on the water
The municipality of Dals-Ed has more than 400 lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Furustad Nature Reserve can also be explored in different ways: it is suitable for landing a boat and walking in the forest, and is most easily reached by water or alternatively via a forest track from Valsebo. Canodal offers canoe and kayak rentals, including the necessary equipment, in the Dalsland-Nordmarken lake system. Canodal also provides instruction in paddling technique and safe conduct on the lake. Check and book the rental service before your trip.
The Sund–Jaren ferry across Lake Stora Le offers another specific point of reference on the water. The route is 900 metres long and the crossing takes ten minutes. It is a good idea to check the timetable when planning. Anglers can use the municipal fishing permit, which covers 15 fishery management areas and allows for a fishing trip. Check the rules and the area covered by the permit before fishing.
Art, collections and living history
The Dals-Ed municipal art gallery opened in the library in 2017. Its wide-ranging exhibition programme changes and features works by both professional artists and amateurs. The Eds MC- och Motormuseum offers another way to explore cultural history. It displays 700 objects, including historic motorcycles, radios, sewing machines and boat engines. Its scope therefore extends beyond motorcycles to include a range of everyday and technical objects.
Gäserudsstugan is a local heritage museum and one of the oldest surviving buildings in Dalsland. The site includes a stable and a rare building known as a Stolpbod; all the buildings are very well preserved inside and out. The history of the border region is also present at specific locations: during the Second World War, border guards and refugees used the Hallevägen trail between Rävmarken and Bodalsviken. From January to May 1945, Rävlyckan was one of 14 secret Norwegian military bases on Swedish territory and is part of the Ekomuseum Gränsland.
Parsetjärns skans is reached via Route 166, southwest of Ed; there is a rest area beside the site. If you are interested in this place, you can combine a visit with a stop along the way, without confusing it with the hiking trails described further north.
More experiences around Ed
Dalslands Moose Ranch has a ten-hectare enclosure with seven tame moose; the number of animals may change. Guided tours of the moose park last one or two hours. Check availability and book before your visit. If you would rather travel on two wheels, a gravel cycling route starts and ends in Ed and runs between Lakes Stora Le and Lilla Le. It is around 52 kilometres long.
Dals-Eds DiscGolfPark is a nine-hole course at the Sågtjärn swimming area. In Ed itself, Café Smör & Socker on the market square serves homemade fika and filled sandwiches. The market in Ed has stalls, food, coffee and pony rides for children; the specific offerings may vary from one event to the next. The Dals-Ed Tourist Information Centre provides information and brochures about what the municipality and Dalsland have to offer. Seasonal arrangements may change, so it is a good idea to check what is currently available in advance.
Discover more destinations: Nössemark, Ed, Mellerud, Bengtsfors, Borås, Gothenburg, Skövde, Vara.
Return to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.
