Bengtsfors by the Water: Lakes, Trails and Culture

Those looking for a base in Bengtsfors for waterside trails, nature experiences and culture will find a range of options for planning their days. The lakes Bengtsbrohöljen and Lelång shape the local landscape. There is also a six-kilometre lakeside promenade, the 28-kilometre Nordleden trail, bathing spots and several places where the history of the region can be explored.

Lakes, locks and waterside trails

Lake Lelång stretches from the south of Bengtsfors to Lennartsfors in the north. In Bengtsfors, a lock station leads from Lake Bengtsbrohöljen into Lelång. EKA-Miljörum is located on Bengtsbrohöljen in the town centre. Its exhibitions cover the industrial history of the EKA area and the remediation project that transformed the previously contaminated site into the park it is today. EKA-Miljörum also has a stone labyrinth where children can play.

For walks by the water, Bengtsfors Strandpromenad is an ideal choice. It runs for six kilometres along Lelång, Bengtsbrohöljen and the shores of the Dalsland Canal. The promenade begins at Sågudden and passes through EKA-Miljörum. Those planning a longer hike can consider the 28-kilometre Nordleden trail. Its starting points are at Sågudden in Bengtsfors and at Optimistens lanthandel in Gustavsfors. The distances make it possible to combine a stay with short waterside walks or a more extensive hike without treating the two options as equivalent.

Culture on Majberget and in the Town Centre

Majberget is a recreational area on the hill above the town of Bengtsfors. Halmens Hus is located there. The house presents a permanent exhibition on the importance of straw in Dalsland and offers basic training in straw crafts. Also on Majberget is the Gammelgården open-air museum, with more than 20 buildings. Visitors can walk freely among the old houses on the grounds.

Bengtsfors kyrka stands in the town centre. It was consecrated in 1926 and displays clear stylistic features of 1920s Classicism. Together with Halmens Hus and the open-air museum, it provides a range of cultural experiences offering different ways to explore local and regional history.

Swimming, Canoeing and Fishing

Bengtsfors guest harbour is located right in the town centre. Lake Lelång has bathing spots, a guest harbour and berths for rent. Badplats Sågudden is a centrally located bathing spot with a sandy beach. It has a wheelchair ramp, and the paved path leads almost all the way to the ramp. This specific accessibility feature is important information when choosing a bathing spot for visitors who want to consider access in advance.

Lelång offers particularly good fishing for pike and perch. Trout are also found there, and their population has improved following fisheries conservation projects. For excursions on the water, a canoe tour begins and ends at the boathouse in Bengtsfors. A 25-kilometre canoe tour on Lake Lelång is also suggested as a day trip. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore decide in advance whether walks, a hike, time at the beach, fishing or a trip on the water should be the main focus of your stay.

For a wider selection of locations, you can also consider Billingsfors, Dals Långed, Gustavsfors, Ödskölt and Bäckefors.

For the broader travel overview: Bengtsfors.