Valbo-Ryr: River Landscapes, Forests and Hiking Trails

Valbo-Ryr brings together small settlements in the valleys and along the shores of the lower Valboån lake system, set in a varied, lightly forested landscape. Farmland and natural forests shape the character of the area. There are also river and lake landscapes, marked trails and traces of local history. Here, nature experiences and cultural history meet, without any single attraction defining the destination on its own.

River Landscapes and Nature Areas

The Strömmarna Nature Reserve is in the Valbo-Ryr area, a canyon-like valley landscape along the Munkedalsälven. The area is used for canoeing and hiking. The two activities offer different perspectives: on the water, the river takes centre stage; on foot, the valley landscape does. Wildlife is another of Strömmarna’s distinctive features: beavers and lynx are found in the area. Those interested in river landscapes and native wildlife will find specific features here that distinguish it from the more geologically focused Vågsäter nature reserve.

Vågsäter consists of a gravel deposit with significant geological value. The area lies east of the road between Valbo-Ryr and Munkedal. Vågsäter’s beech forest is also in the Valbo-Ryr area and is a nature reserve in its own right. It is home to 20 trees considered especially worthy of protection. Together, these areas showcase different aspects of the landscape: Vågsäter is about geological formations, while the beech forest is about protecting remarkable trees.

Trails and Water

The Viksjöleden runs from the bridge at Hattefjäll to Valbo-Ryr Church. Both locations are designated starting points and provide clear geographical reference points for the route. Its endpoints make it easy to identify the hiking trail: it leads from a bridge to the church, rather than simply describing a general forest or natural area.

A hand-operated cable ferry is also located near the destination, at Strömmarna. It provides a crossing over the river and is part of Stage 15 of the Bohusleden. If you plan to walk this stage, check the information about using the ferry before your visit. The trail and river crossing offer another way to experience the landscape around Valbo-Ryr.

The Viksjöns FVOF Valbo-Ryr fishing area is known for its large fish population. Species found there include zander, pike and perch. Viksjön thus offers another perspective on the local waters: while Strömmarna is used for canoeing and hiking, the fishing area is all about its fish species.

The Church and Local History

Valbo-Ryr Church was consecrated in 1903. At the church’s former site at Ryrs säteri, an old cemetery and a memorial stone erected in 1939 have been preserved. These two places provide different historical reference points: the consecration of the present church and the memorial at the former site. This lets visitors connect the landscape with a tangible trace of history, without taking the focus away from the natural features.

Kikerud is also part of the historic cultural landscape. Kikerud was a small farm in a scenic location on Kikerudssjön. Describing it as a farm adds a reminder of the area’s agricultural past alongside its protected natural areas. Together, the river landscape at Strömmarna, the geological values of Vågsäter, the beech forest and the church memorial sites offer different points of interest for a stay in Valbo-Ryr.

Discover more destinations: Munkedal, Hedekas, Dingle, Hällevadsholm.

Go to the main travel overview: Munkedal.