Borgvik and Glaskogen – culture and nature in western Värmland

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

In western Värmland, an excursion awaits that offers two completely different experiences – but which fit surprisingly well together. We started the day among cozy little stone houses and mill history in idyllic Borgvik. Then we continued to Glaskogens nature reserve – an area that offers large forests, sparkling lakes and peaceful tranquility.

Borgvik – one of Värmland's most charming industrial environments

Borgvik is a small town in Värmland with an unusually well-preserved ironworks environment. An ironworks was established here as early as the 17th century, and for a long time the location played an important role in Värmland's iron handling.

Today, you will instead encounter charming stone houses and historic mill environments, along with art and the opportunity to eat, have a coffee or have an ice cream.

Borgvik mill

One of the most characteristic buildings in Borgvik is the old mill, which reminds us of the town's industrial history. Now there is a cozy restaurant here, where you can sit down with a view of the water.

The Church and the Grinding Mill

You can also check out Borgvik Church, which is considered one of the best preserved examples of Baroque church buildings in Värmland. The church was built in grey stone between 1716 and 1718.

Another popular place is Sliperiet, which functions as a restaurant while also being used for art exhibitions and live performances.

Ice cream and parking space

We made our way down to the small marina, where we each bought an SIA ice cream and enjoyed the peace. There is also a parking lot here, but we didn't stop and rolled on towards our next destination...

Towards Glaskogen

After a few hours in Borgvik, it was time for us to continue west. The road winds through the forests of Värmland, and we were fascinated by the forest, which almost feels ”endless”.

Glaskogen – lakes, forests and tranquility

After just over an hour, we arrived at Glaskogen, which is one of Sweden's largest nature reserves. The area includes a large network of lakes, forests and hiking trails, and people come here to hike, paddle, fish or just experience the tranquility.

We drove to ”Glaskogens Camping & Infocenter” which feels like a good starting point for various hiking trails.

Go on a short or long hike

At the information center you can get both brochures and personal tips. Just outside the center, a number of different trails start in many different lengths, ranging from 1.5 kilometers to 12 kilometers. We chose a 4 kilometer hike and had the chance to experience fantastic views of the lakes.

A paradise for paddlers

Right next to the information center is a canoe center, and we can really understand why many people enjoy coming here to paddle. The countless lakes and beautiful nature make Glaskogen a paradise for paddlers.

Camping

There is also a campsite here and it looks very cozy, with nice scenic spots in the forest, some of which have lake views. This was a place where we could have stayed, but we chose to continue our adventure in Värmland …!

Two sides of Värmland

We had a really nice day in western Värmland – a day full of contrasts. In the morning there were historic buildings and ice cream, and in the afternoon there were forests, lakes and hiking trails.

Borgvik and Glaskogen show two different sides of Värmland – the cultural and historical and the natural. Together they can be a very nice excursion in western Värmland!

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Would you like more tips on things to see and do in Värmland? Here you will find a number of inspiring reports:

• Museums in Karlstad
• Things to do in Arvika
• Rottneros Park in Sunne
• Selma Lagerlöf's Mårbacka