In Kristinehamn, there is immediate proximity to Lake Vänern and the islands of the archipelago. Whether you have your own boat, hop on the boat bus, or rent a boat, it’s easy to get out on the lake. In Kristinehamn archipelago, you’ll easily find tranquility, untouched nature, and your own rock to sunbathe from. Pack your picnic basket, swimsuits, and head out!
The beach walk along Vålösundet, Lake Vänern.
Picasso sculpture and café Picasso’s Veranda.
Kristinehamn Promenade
Take a walk or bike along the approximately 4 km long promenade along along Vålösundet, which opens into Lake Vänern. It’s a pleasant walk where you can admire both newly built and older archipelago houses as well as motor and sailboats moored at the many docks along the entire strait. You also pass Skymningen Beach and several restaurants and cafés along the way. Perhaps you’ll see one of the boat buses chug away from Vålösundsbryggan.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Picassoudden where you can admire one of the world’s biggest Picasso sculptures. Pablo Picasso named the sculpture Jacqueline, after his wife, and here she stands today welcoming boaters to Kristinehamn at the entrance of Lake Vänern. Picasso Park is also the starting point for the 2.5 km hiking trail Jacqueline’s Nature Trail, a circular trail where you hike through both forest and settlements – and last but not least, with an incredible viewpoint overlooking the uninterrupted horizon of Lake Vänern at Södra Udden.
Enjoy good food and Swedish fika in the archipelago
- Skymningen Mat & Café – enjoy a meal, coffee, or ice cream at Herrgårdscampingen (only open in the summertime)
- Restaurang Trossen- Serves lunch during weekdays and á la carté during evening. Located opposite to Herrgårdscampingen
- Café Pärlan – coffee, ice cream, and light lunch across from Vålösundsbryggan where the Boat Buses depart (only open in the summertime)
- Picassos Veranda – Bistro & café with delicious food, coffee, and ice cream overlooking the Picasso sculpture.
Explore the Vänern Archipelago on a paddle tour
Watch boats on a walk along Kristinehamn’s waterfront promenade, Vålösundsvägen.
Boat, Kayak, and Canoe Rentals
Do you want to explore the archipelago from the water but don’t have your own boat? No problem, in addition to the Boat Buses, you can paddle both canoes and kayaks, rent an electric boat, motorboat, or sailboat to explore the archipelago and Lake Vänern. Here you’ll find tips on great paddling tours regardless of wind conditions.
- Kayak rental – Kayakomat
- Canoe rental – Herrgårdcampingen
- Electric boat rental – Bowter Take a wave
- Motorboat rental – Våg Kristinehamn
- Sailboat rental – Elvina Marin
Rent a motorboat with your mobile via Våg and embark on an adventure!
The Picasso sculpture by Lake Vänern in Kristinehamn.
Welcome to Kristinehamn with Your Own Boat!
Explore the Northern Vänern Archipelago with your own boat. In Kristinehamn, there are two guest harbors and a wide range of natural harbors in the archipelago.
- Kristinehamn Guest Harbor & RV Park – Close to the center with toilets, showers, and sewage disposal. Kiosk available.
- Elvina Marin – Boat accessories store, marina fuel station with both gasoline and diesel for boats.
- Kapurja Service Dock – Boat ramp, boat lift (pre-booking required), marina fuel station with diesel for boats (Vålösundsvägen 78A)
Hike in the archipelago environment with Lake Vänern as a backdrop.
Well-deserved coffee break during the hike.
4 Hiking Trails with Views of Lake Vänern
- Tre Öars Trail – Hike the Hiking Värmland Trail from Vålön to Kalvön and Sibberön.
- Jacqueline’s Nature Trail – Start at the Picasso sculpture with a fantastic view of Lake Vänern at Södra Udden.
- Dyrön Nature Reserve – Hike out onto the cliffs towards the open horizon.
- Arskagsleden – A Hiking Värmland trail that can be combined with Nötöleden and Prästöleden.
Watching the sun set over the unbroken horizon of Lake Vänern is a magical experience.
Beautiful Views of Lake Vänern
There are plenty of viewpoints over Lake Vänern. We have gathered several places with Vänern views on a map so you can easily plan your excursion. Pack a picnic or why not grill at one of the designated fire pits? Watch the sun set over the unbroken Vänern horizon.
Water play and fun on the rocks.
Stöten, Boat Bus 97, takes you to the archipelago’s largest island, Vålön.
Boat Buses (Season 2024 is Closed)
For just 31 SEK, you can reach a Vänern island. Kristinehamn has two Boat Bus routes. Boat Bus 96 takes you to Alvön or Långön, a trip of about 1 hour. With the charming old wooden boat Stöten, Boat Bus 97, you can reach Vålön and Kalvön in about 10 minutes. You can read more about the islands further down the page. Both boats depart from Vålösund Pier, opposite Café Pärlan (Vålösundsvägen 156). Let your summer adventure begin in the Kristinehamn archipelago!
Smooth, sun-warmed rocks on Alvön.
On Långön, you can easily find your own rock.
Guide to the Islands in Kristinehamn’s Archipelago
Kristinehamn’s archipelago boasts many beautiful islands to explore, whether you have your own boat or not. Keep in mind that there are no shops or restaurants on the islands, so make sure to pack your picnic basket with goodies or grab take-away from one of the restaurants or cafes along Vålösundsvägen. Some islands offer excellent camping spots for overnight stays.
Alvön and Långön
Many refer to Alvön as the “sunbather’s island,” which suits the island’s numerous smooth and gently shaped rocks. The best spot is on the eastern part of the island, near the strait towards Svinön. The flat, soft rocks are often empty and waiting to welcome bathers. The island features several docks for both Boat Bus traffic and recreational boats. Near the docks, there’s a child-friendly small sandy beach. If you stay overnight, don’t miss the chance to follow the small trail to the other side of the island and enjoy the sunset over the Vänern horizon. Alvön also offers campfire sites and composting toilets.
On Långön, you’ll find many lovely natural harbors where you can find shelter from any wind direction. Therefore, Långön is particularly popular among boaters and especially sailors. Here, you can easily find your own rock and take a dip at Långön’s little riviera, right next to the dock on the island’s northwest side. There’s a wind shelter, a campfire site, and a composting toilet near the Boat Bus dock.
Visit Alvön and Långön with Boat Bus 96.
The sandy beaches of Sandvikarna on Vålön, the largest island in the archipelago.
Hike the Three Islands Trail between Vålön, Kalvön, and Sibberön.
Enjoy a coffee with a wonderful view of Vänern on Kalvön.
Vålön, Kalvön, and Sibberön
Vålön is a paradise for families with children. On the eastern side of the island, you’ll find Sandvikarna, one of Vänern’s finest sandy beaches. There is a beach ramp and an accessible toilet. Near Sandvikarna, there’s also a playground for kids, picnic tables, and a grill area.
Kristinehamn’s largest island is well worth a visit regardless of the weather. The nature here is diverse, featuring coniferous forests, shallow sandy beaches, blueberries, wild strawberries, mushrooms, white lilacs, and deciduous trees. The three islands are connected by bridges and a four-kilometer hiking trail (one-way), Three Islands Trail. Along the trail, you’ll find secluded swimming spots and rocky outcrops where you can swim while gazing out over Vänern’s archipelago.
Walking out on the footbridge towards Kalvön with Vänern on both sides is impressive. Kalvön is the smallest of the connected islands and is part of the Värmland Archipelago Nature Reserve. You can camp at designated spots on the island. Near the Kalvön pier, there are rocky swimming areas and a small sandy beach. There are also docks for those arriving by boat, as well as barbecue spots, shelters, and an eco-toilet.
The third and southern island, Sibberön , is also part of the Värmland Archipelago Nature Reserve. Enjoy rocky swimming spots, forested areas, open meadows, and beautiful views of Vänern. From the bridge, you leave the beach behind and walk into the forest edge. On Sibberön, there is a simple rest cabin available for temporary overnight stays, though it cannot be booked in advance. Originally, the cabin was a lumberjack’s hut with an adjacent stable. The trail splits at the rest cabin. To the east, it leads to the popular Lakviken. There are fine woods with ancient, large pines on both tips (eastern and western Lakholmsudde) offering magnificent views of Vänern’s uninterrupted horizon. On clear days, you can see Lakholmens lighthouse west of Brattsand. Bring your fishing rod and try your luck. Fishing is free in Vänern, and there are over 38 fish species here.
Travel to Vålön and Kalvön with Boat Bus 97.