In the Kroppefjäll nature area, forests, lakes and numerous hiking trails shape the landscape of Färgelanda. The 23,000-hectare area includes twelve nature reserves and more than 100 kilometers of hiking trails. It also features historic paths, churches, burial grounds and preserved farmsteads. Nature and cultural history can be explored here as distinct yet easily combined themes.

Hiking on two scales

The Kroppefjäll Trail is 54 kilometers long and divided into two stages. A shorter alternative is the historic Karl XII:s väg hiking trail, which crosses Kroppefjäll and is 15 kilometers long. This gives you a choice between a longer route divided into stages and a shorter trail with historic character. The Karolinerstugan lies along Karl XII:s väg and is open to the public year-round. If you plan to stay overnight there, check locally in advance that it is open.

On foot, by bike and on the water

Between Färgelanda and Ödeborg, a walking and cycling path follows the old Lelångebanan railway line and runs alongside the Valboån River. The former railway line and the river provide clear landmarks along this route. For a different perspective on the surroundings, you can paddle the Flottarleden from Ellenösjön or Östersjön, through Färgelanda towards Bohuslän and Kaserna. There are overnight stops and barbecue facilities along the route. The starting lake and direction of travel are therefore just as useful for planning your trip as the available places to stop and rest.

Traces of different eras

Färgelanda Church was inaugurated on July 20, 1873; its old churchyard dates back to the Middle Ages. A freestanding burial chapel for the Rydingswärd family has also been preserved there. Nearby is Ättehögskullen, a burial ground dating from the Early Iron Age. The site is signposted, clearly visible from Route 172 and has free parking. Another architectural landmark is Högsäters Church, built nearby in 1900–1902 in the Neo-Gothic style. The sites span a broad stretch of history, from an Early Iron Age burial ground and a medieval churchyard to churches from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Art and collections

On the upper floor of Centrumshuset in Färgelanda, Färgelanda konsthall presents various kinds of art year-round. It hosts eight to ten exhibitions each year. A different kind of collection awaits nearby at Ödeborgs fornsal: it contains almost 6,000 objects from Dalsland dating from the pre-industrial era. Visits are by prior arrangement only, so be sure to arrange a time in advance. Cultural Route No. 2 passes through Färgelanda and Bäckefors.

Farmsteads, events and local ingredients

Nearby is the well-preserved Dalslandsgården Vinnsäter farmstead, dating from the mid-19th century. Summer events are held there regularly; check specific dates before your visit. Blanketorpet is also nearby: this well-preserved farmstead includes a residential building dating from 1824. A stone wall about 300 meters long surrounds the garden. Such architectural details give each farmstead its own character, and their history cannot be reduced to a single building.

Ragnerud Kök nearby describes its ingredients as locally produced in Dalsland and Västsverige. According to the restaurant’s own description, it also uses ingredients gathered in the surrounding forests in its food and drinks.

Planning further discoveries

The Färgelanda InfoPoint provides a map of Kroppefjäll and Ödeborgsfjället with information about history, vegetation and hiking trails. It also has information about fishing in Ellenösjön, Östersjön and Ragnerudssjön. This gives you information about both fjäll areas as well as specific lakes.

Discover more destinations: Färgelanda, Rådanefors, Ödeborg, Stigen, Högsäter, Tibro, Göteborg, Mariestad.

For the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.