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The Fryken area is characterised by forests, lakes and gently rolling hills. There are plenty of walking paths, hiking trails, cycling-friendly roads and outdoor recreation areas that make it easy to get close to both nature and the region’s rich cultural history.

Hiking & nature

Villa Fryksta is close to several beautiful outdoor areas where you can hike through forests, along the lake or up to viewpoints overlooking the Fryken valley. Kil offers fitness trails, illuminated tracks and quiet forest roads suitable for both walking and jogging. Nearby, there are also nature reserves with untouched forests, small forest lakes and peaceful places for those who appreciate tranquillity. 

Lower Fryken 

Lake Lower Fryken is a natural part of a stay at Villa Fryksta. In summer, the lake is perfect for swimming, paddling and calm walks along the shoreline. The evening sun over the water attracts many guests to the terrace or the beach. Fishing is possible (fishing permit required), and autumn offers peaceful walks. In winter, when conditions allow, Fryken can offer beautiful winter views. 

Fryken is a long and calm lake, well suited for canoeing and kayaking. Villa Fryksta’s lakeside location makes launching and landing easy. The landscape opens up into long, narrow bays with forested slopes and small shoreline areas perfect for breaks. 

The Fryken trail 

To truly experience Fryken, head out on the Fryken Trail, which runs near Villa Fryksta. The approximately 20-kilometre-long trail takes you past ancient monuments and key habitats, all framed by Lake Fryken. The trail starts at Sannerudsvallen in Kil and ends in Nilsby. You can also connect directly from Villa Fryksta via the Fallet Trail. 

Rennstadsnipan 

The open landscape around Fryken makes it possible in some places to enjoy outstanding panoramic views of the Värmland countryside. Rennstadsnipan’s twelve-metre-high observation tower is about a 30-minute drive from Villa Fryksta and well worth a visit. Here, hiking trails meet vast views – on clear days you can see both Lake Värmeln to the east and Lake Vänern to the south. 

Apertin nature reserve

Apertin Nature Reserve is located by the manor of the same name, about three kilometres northeast of Kil town centre. The manor and its grounds alone are well worth a visit. The reserve features long trails through ravines and old-growth forest – a perfect destination for a longer hike. 

Glaskogen nature reserve

In western Värmland, about 1.5 hours from Villa Fryksta, lies Glaskogen Nature Reserve – one of the region’s most popular nature experiences. Mirror-like lakes are framed by cliffs, forests and a tangible sense of calm. There are both hiking trails and paddling routes, well suited for a day trip. 

Lökeneskogen outdoor area

The forest you pass on your way to Villa Fryksta is Lökeneskogen – a popular outdoor area used year-round. It features varied coniferous and mixed forest with gravel roads and trails suitable for walking, running and cycling. The area is especially popular with riders and includes both riding trails and an indoor riding arena. Many of Villa Fryksta’s guests come specifically to combine lakeside accommodation with riding in a natural setting. 

Skiing

Frykstabacken is Kil’s family-friendly ski slope with four varied runs suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers. The slope is located right next to Villa Fryksta and offers wide, easy runs as well as steeper challenges and a popular terrain park. Adjacent to the slope are cross-country ski tracks on Frykstahöjden, winding through the forest and offering routes of varying length. 

For more slopes and cross-country trails, Ski Sunne is about 40 minutes away. The resort offers downhill skiing for the whole family, well-maintained cross-country tracks, as well as restaurant and services. 

Kil golf club

Kil Golf Club is beautifully located just outside Kil town centre, about five minutes from Villa Fryksta. The course winds through classic Värmland scenery with forest sections, open views and well-maintained greens. The club offers practice areas, a restaurant and a welcoming atmosphere. Villa Fryksta cooperates with Kil Golf Club, and the proximity to the course is highly appreciated by our guests. 

Culture

Kil and the surrounding areas around Lake Fryken offer a vibrant small-scale cultural scene. Here you will find local cafés, farm shops, craftspeople and attractions rooted in Värmland’s history. During the summer months, markets, theatre performances, music and exhibitions are organised, bringing together both locals and visitors. 

Mårbacka

Selma Lagerlöf’s Mårbacka is located in Sunne, about a 30-minute drive north of Villa Fryksta. The estate from 1793 was the author’s childhood home and is today a popular museum with exhibitions, a café and gardens. 

Alsters manor

At Alsters Manor in Karlstad, the poet Gustaf Fröding was born in 1860. The manor, about a 30-minute drive from Villa Fryksta, is today Gustaf Fröding’s memorial site with a café and exhibitions. 

Rottneros park

Just outside Sunne lies Rottneros Park, one of Northern Europe’s largest sculpture parks. The park is designed to allow sculpture and landscape to interact and features around a hundred works of art, landscaped gardens and a large playground. Rottneros is about 30 minutes from Villa Fryksta. 

Berättarladan

Adjacent to Rottneros Park is Berättarladan, a converted barn and popular theatre venue for Västanå Theatre. Every summer, a play is staged here, often with local or regional connections. Berättarladan seats around 500 people and is about a 40-minute drive from Villa Fryksta. 

Lars Lerin at Sandgrund

Sandgrund in Karlstad houses the art of Lars Lerin. The art gallery opened in 2010 and has received several awards, including Sweden’s Tourism Award in 2016. Sandgrund is just under a 30-minute drive from Villa Fryksta. 

Värmlands museum

Next to Sandgrund is Värmlands Museum. Visitors can explore the history of Värmland from the Stone Age to the present day through permanent exhibitions, visual material and archaeological finds. For children, there is the exhibition Sandberg’s Fairytale World, featuring well-known characters from Swedish children’s books.