Kynnefjäll is a plateau area crisscrossed by parallel rift valleys with waterways and long, narrow lakes. This distinctive landscape is a great starting point for discovering Munkedal through its hiking trails, river and cultural attractions. The municipality is also shaped by its location on the Gullmarsfjord: the fjord gives it access to the sea; together with Saltkällefjord and Färlevfjord, it surrounds Tungenäset.
Hiking Trails, Views and Water
In the Strömmarna Nature Reserve, possible hikes take you between glacial potholes, through deciduous forests and along wooded steep slopes. You can also canoe there. With a little luck, you may spot white-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, beavers and lynxes, among other wildlife. Kviström offers a different experience: this nature reserve is an easily accessible hiking area with a well-developed network of trails. From there, you can enjoy views over the Örekilsälven valley and a waterfall about 15 metres high. Its water flow depends on the season and rainfall.
If you would like to include longer distances in your hiking plans, several sections of the Bohusleden trail pass through Munkedal Municipality. The trail is suitable for both day hikes and multi-day hikes. From Kasebo, several trails also cross Kynnefjäll; they vary in length and difficulty, and some connect to the Bohusleden. This gives you a choice of routes without every hike requiring the same amount of time or level of effort.
There are also opportunities to explore the area on the water. The Friluftsfrämjandet canoe centre is located by Lake Vassbotten at Kaserna. Canoes and kayaks can be rented there from May to September; check availability before your trip. The Flottarleden starts at the canoe centre and runs for more than 40 kilometres to Dalsland.
Discover the Lake and River
Kärnsjön lies in the Örekilsälven valley and is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Bohuslän. The lake offers good opportunities for swimming, fishing and hiking around the shore. The Örekilsälven itself is Bohuslän’s second-largest river and one of the best salmon-fishing rivers in southern Sweden. Salmon fishing takes place in the river from April to September. As fishing seasons and rules may change, check the latest official information before your trip.
Traces of Prehistory and Regional Life
At Stenehed, the burial ground brings together at least 40 prehistoric sites and a striking row of standing stones. The long, slightly curved row rises in height from north to south. According to a 1980 study, it may have been laid out as a kind of astronomical calendar. This interpretation remains a possibility. Lökebergsristningen offers a different glimpse of prehistoric imagery: its numerous rock carvings include around 150 ships, human figures, quadrupeds, soles of feet, a spruce-like tree, ring crosses and cup marks. The motifs cover an area about 30 × 10 metres in size.
Munkedals Hembygdsmuseum has been open since 1964. Its extensive collection tells the story of life in the Munkedal region in earlier times. Gamla Bruket also offers insight into industrial history: it is a historic part of the paper mill site in Munkedal. The Munkedalsslöjd association offers courses there in crafts and bookbinding, among other things; the course programme may change. In Hällevadsholm, Thomas Thorild Square, designed by artist Lukas Arons, commemorates Thorild’s ideas about the freedom of people to shape their own lives and destinies.
Architecture and Railway History
Torreby Castle was built in 1887 as a red-brick summer palace in the Romantic Neo-Gothic style, based on plans by architect Adolf Emil Melander. Its design was inspired by English examples. From there, a 8-kilometre circular trail leads around Trebeneberget, and a 2.5-kilometre circular trail goes around Flaggberget. Lunch or coffee is served at the castle afterwards. Today, Torreby Castle is a restaurant and clubhouse for the Torreby Golf Club. Its use may change and the restaurant’s offerings are seasonal; check both before your trip.
The Munkedals Jernväg offers another glimpse into history. Museum trains run on the 5.6-kilometre narrow-gauge railway between Åtorp and Munkedal harbour. Operating days and departure times vary by season, so it is a good idea to check the schedule before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Hedekas, Valbo-Ryr, Dingle, Hällevadsholm, Munkedal, Lerum, Lysekil, Västerlanda.
Back to the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.
