Where Dalsland and Värmland meet, one of Europe's most beautiful waterways stretches out. It's a place where people and culture intertwine to create one of Sweden's most vibrant and natural destinations.
A nature experience without borders
Here, nature unfolds without borders. With magical forests that turn into open fields, lakes that reflect the sky and paths that lead you through an area where everything belongs together. In the middle of this wild nature runs the Dalsland Canal. A connecting link between Dalsland and Värmland, with 253 kilometers of navigable fairway stretching from Köpmannebro in the south to Östervallsskog in the north.
A living cultural heritage
Along Dalsland's canal, there are traces of both the days of industry and the glory days of the manor houses, but also of a creative force that is constantly taking new forms. Old crafts and new ideas meet here, as in the old forges where the fire still glows and old knowledge is passed on to the next generation and shapes something lasting.
Not Quite has emerged at the old paper mill in Fengersfors. A living cultural center where art, crafts and community are intertwined through workshops, exhibitions and homemade coffee.
The story continues all along the canal: from Baldersnäs Manor and Dalsland Art Museum to the aqueduct in Håverud and on to the forests of Värmland. New initiatives are emerging everywhere. In barns and village halls, evenings are filled with music, creativity and stories. Here, crafts and cultural heritage become a basis for future expression and make the Dalsland Canal a living cultural link between these two landscapes.
Here, people, traditions and ideas meet in a web that feels both natural and surprising. In the villages and communities along the canal, everyday life is close to nature. Conversations take place over a cup of coffee or a freshly baked bun, and midsummer poles are erected to celebrate summer. During the cozy light festivals, people gather to light up winter together. Candles and lanterns reflect off the water, transforming the canal into a warm, glowing path through the darkness. It's a tradition that brings us closer together, a reminder of the community that carries us through the darker months of the year.
At the same time, there is a strong forward movement. In old industrial premises, art and design are created, in small workshops new ideas and expressions are born. Between all these places, people and meetings there is a common thread: the feeling of closeness. To nature, to history and to each other.
Enjoy your vacation in Årjäng
Our beautiful part of Värmland has everything you could want from a great vacation! Stay at nice campsites with lake views, stroll along beautiful hiking trails in nature reserves and paddle in 1000 lakes and a canal. As a cycling enthusiast, you have both the Union Trail and many idyllic gravel roads to pedal on.
The Värmland food guide
Experience local and sustainably produced food that is good for both the stomach and the soul. Welcome to the food destination Värmland and a journey through the entire taste palette.
To the food guide - Visit Värmland
Culture and history
Here you will find a smorgasbord of cultural experiences of the highest class and can feel the wings of history. Explore Värmland flavors, design, culture and history
Culture & history in Värmland
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Visit Värmland's newsletter is packed with tips and inspiration for your trip to Värmland. Get the best tips for each season, inspiring travel guides and exciting news.
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Come for nature, stay for life
Are you curious about a different kind of life? One where Dalsland is not just the place you visit on vacation, but somewhere you can actually stay? Finding home in Dalsland is a relocation initiative that wants to show what life here can be like. Not made up, not romanticized, but through the people who bring the place to life: entrepreneurs, creators, association people, small business owners and everyone else who builds the everyday life that makes Dalsland special.
Here, the pace is slower, nature is closer and the community is stronger. There is room to realize ideas, give everyday life more space or simply live a little more in balance with oneself. At the same time, it's a place with drive and confidence, where people are happy to share their stories and welcome new neighbors.
Experience nature
Dare to follow your curiosity a little further afield? There's hiking, canoeing, fishing and many unexpected adventures. Nature offers surprises all year round.
Tips on activities
Håverud, Dalsland Canal
Aqueduct in Håverud
Experience the meeting of land, railroad and waterway at the aqueduct in Håverud, one of Dalsland's most visited attractions. Here history, popular will and engineering meet. Visit Dalsland's canal museum for the story of the canal's creation, take a look at the Visit Dalsland center and enjoy good food at Håfveruds Rökeri & brasseri.
Dalsland, Nordmarken
Pleasure hiking
Here you are always close to trails and nature. Enjoy beautiful hikes during the day and finish with good food and a comfortable bed in the evening. Our accommodations arrange lunch packages, coffee and tips on the best trails so you can just focus on enjoying.
Dalsland, Mellerud
Dals Rostock
Dals Rostock is an old spa town with an exciting history of health wells, sanatoriums and medicinal plants. Today you will find a herb garden, an artist's studio, a village museum, guided walks, a summer café and a charming miniature station house.