On the Water - Torsby

Experience our beautiful nature by paddling straight into it. At Kollsberg’s shoreline, wilderness meets rocky edges with scenic views over Lake Fryken. A peaceful paddle through the winding meanders of the Klarälven river is another simple and calming way to get close to nature. It’s easy to pull up along the shore to fish, set up camp, or explore the surrounding forest.

Pause by a hidden forest tarn and try stand-up paddleboarding. The water lies still like a mirror. The sun warms your cheeks. The only sound is a distant bird’s call. As your paddle touches the surface, small ripples form and the water gently gurgles. You glide swiftly and silently through the landscape.

With the evening sun at your back and a few persistent mosquitoes in the air, it’s a moment you’ll remember when winter winds howl around your doorstep. There are many lakes and waterways suitable for both short and long canoe trips – whether you’re just a few people or a larger group. Why not combine paddling with hiking?

Rottnan – approx. 52 km

Rottnan is a gently flowing river best paddled in spring or early summer, as the water level tends to drop later in the season, which may require getting out and pushing your canoe. We recommend launching your canoe at Övre Ingevadssjön by Rottnemon, right near the Norwegian border, and paddling down to Mårbacken. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the meandering river, the stillness of the wilderness, and rich birdlife along the riverbanks.

The route includes a few timber slides and several bridges, but no portages are needed. You’ll also pass through several lakes as you journey down the river. At the southern ends of both Nedre Ingvaldsjön and Långsjön, there are wind shelters if you wish to rest or stay overnight. This is a beautiful and beginner-friendly trip, perfect even for novice paddlers. In Lekvattnet, you’ll find a grocery store close to the river if you need to restock supplies. In Mårbacken, you can stay overnight at Nya Skogsgården Camping and Hostel. From there, it’s a 12 km paddle to Skallbergssjön, where the journey ends at a large dam. At the southern end of Skallbergssjön, there is a wind shelter with a barbecue area for those who want to camp overnight.

Röjdån – approx. 23 km

Röjdån is a small river or stream that is navigable by canoe from Lake Kläggen in Östmark all the way into central Torsby. It’s also possible to paddle upstream along parts of Röjdån. Start your journey by launching your canoe at the bathing area on the northern shore of Kläggen, then paddle southwest across the lake. You’ll encounter a small dam, which requires a short portage. Once in the river, you’ll continue through forest landscapes, where you might spot wading birds or even a beaver. And who knows – you might catch a glimpse of sauna-goers at Sörmarks Camping!

Along the river, you’ll occasionally come across wider stretches that resemble small lakes. Be careful when you reach Lake Flaten – don’t accidentally paddle under the road into Lake Velen! You’ll pass under several small bridges along the way, and sometimes be cheerfully greeted by people out for a walk. After passing under an old stone bridge and then a newer road bridge, you’ll reach Lake Kilen. Paddle straight across and re-enter the river at its southeastern corner. Here, the river winds peacefully past farms and meadows. When you reach the dam in Väl, paddle to the left-hand shore and pull your canoe out. There is a portage of about 150 meters, across the road and down a slope to a wind shelter right by the riverbank. From here, only a few kilometers remain before you arrive in central Torsby, where you can take your canoe out of the water just behind the Vehicle Museum.

Klarälven

Klarälven flows through all of Värmland, from north to south. With its majestic meandering bends, it’s a defining feature of the Värmland landscape. In addition to great paddling, the river offers plenty of sandy beaches and islands that invite you to stop for a break or spend the evening by a campfire. If you’re quiet and observant, you might spot a beaver surfacing at dusk.

Beyond canoeing, Klarälven also offers the unique experience of timber rafting with Vildmark i Värmland. Gently drifting down the river on a hand-built timber raft, while taking in the surrounding wilderness and small riverside villages, is truly an adventure like no other. You’ll build, ride, and dismantle your own raft with the help of an experienced guide. The journey downstream happens at a peaceful pace of about 2 km/h, and you’re free to stop along the way for breaks or overnight stays. Visit the organizer’s website for more information on departure times, prices, and booking.