The Bergslags Canal region
The Bergslags Canal region is a hilly and lake-rich forest landscape with small farms scattered in between. The numerous lakes make the landscape open and beautiful. Animal species in the area include roe deer, hare, moose, beaver, lynx, various waterfowl, fireflies, and occasional wolves.
Until the mid-19th century, this region was one of the country’s foremost in iron production, and much of the country’s iron export was transported on the Bergslags Canal down to Kristinehamn on Lake Vänern.
For a time, the Bergslags Canal was Sweden’s second-largest waterway after the Trollhätte Canal. The Walloons arrived here in the 17th century, which is evident in several family names in the area. In colloquial terms, the region was called the “Iron Carrier’s Land.”
In the area, there are a multitude of remnants from that era:
– Mining areas like Persberg, Nordmark, Långban, and the silver mines of Hornkullen. Guided tours during the summer.
– Old industrial environments by rushing waters in places like Bjurbäcken, Knappfors, Brattfors, Lundsberg, and Granbergsdal.
– Restored smelting houses in Brattfors and Långban, where there is also a museum showcasing the history of iron and the life’s work of John Eriksson.
The Bergslags Canal itself is a sight to behold, with its 65 kilometers of diverse waterways, including canals, lakes, straits, and locks. Especially beautiful is the area around Bjubäcken’s locks, with the canal keeper’s cottage and the three-stage lock system with a drop of approximately 11 meters.
The canal extends from Filipstad in the north to Karlskoga in the south.
Lundsberg
Lundsberg, approximately 4 kilometers from the accommodation, is dominated by the prestigious boarding school founded in 1896, where Prince Philip graduated in the year 2000 (possibility of guided tours). There is also a café in the old mill building located on an island surrounded by flowing water. There is also a beautiful golf course here.
Lungsund
Lungsund’s church village, 1 kilometer from the accommodation, is a picturesque village with its red wooden church by the lake and the beautifully situated heritage center called “Berget.”
Karlskoga
In Karlskoga, approximately 40 kilometers from the accommodation, Alfred Nobel lived and worked. It was here that the Nobel Prizes were established. In Björkborn, Alfred Nobel’s home, there is the Nobel Museum and the “Fiffiga huset” (Clever House) experimental workshop for children of all ages.
Filipstad
In Filipstad, approximately 25 kilometers from the accommodation, the poet Nils Ferlin was born and raised. During the summer, an exhibition about Nils Ferlin is displayed at the Kvarnen Museum. Here, you can also find the world’s largest crispbread bakery, Wasabröd, which offers guided tours.
Kristinehamn
Kristinehamn, approximately 30 kilometers from the accommodation, is located by Lake Vänern. Here, Picasso erected a large sculpture on a promontory in Lake Vänern. Östervik’s Chapel is a peculiar and fascinating chapel, well worth a visit (guided tours available).
Grythyttan
Grythyttan, approximately 50 kilometers from the accommodation, is a picturesque town with cobblestone streets and old wooden buildings. Here, you can find Grythyttans Gästgivaregård and Måltidens Hus, a remarkable building from the World Exposition in Seville. 15 kilometers south of Grythyttan, you’ll find the spa resort of Loka Brunn, where the water for the mineral water brand Loka is sourced.
