Gunnarskog: Trails, Forest and Culture

Gunnarskog combines distinctive nature experiences with cultural and historical impressions. Hiking and cycling trails lead through the landscape, Lake Gunnern adds a destination by the water, and Gunnarskog Church preserves noteworthy interior details. Those planning a trip can therefore choose between active days outdoors, observing nature and a cultural visit. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Gunnarskog can be selected to suit your own interests, without all your holiday days having to follow the same rhythm.

Culture at Gunnarskog Church

The present-day Gunnarskog Church was completed in 1727. Inside are several works by Isac Schulström: the pulpit from 1738, the altarpiece from 1739 and the gallery balustrade from 1757 to 1760. The interior style is known as “bondbaroque”. These details make the church a worthwhile destination for anyone who wants to discover not only the landscape but also the region’s architectural and art history while travelling.

The elevated Gunnarskog Cemetery is also part of the cultural orientation. From there, there are views over Gunnern to the south and southwest. The view of the lake provides a landscape contrast to the church’s historical details.

Hiking and cycling trails for different types of holiday days

Södra Gunnarskogsleden is a combined cycling and hiking trail and is approximately 23 km long. It begins at Larstomta in Gunnarskog. Along the way, it passes Gunnarskog Hembygdsgård and the Ryggestadberget observation tower. This gives the trail several clearly named landmarks for visitors who enjoy spending their time actively outdoors while also incorporating cultural or scenic destinations.

Those looking for a longer route for a full-day excursion can take the approximate length of 23 km into account when planning their day. Those who want to keep different forms of activity open to them will find combined hiking and cycling trails in both Södra Gunnarskogsleden and Norra Gunnarskogsleden. The facts about the two trails allow for an easy choice based on the desired focus: the southern route is described in greater detail through its length, starting point and named stops; the northern route is identified as a combined hiking and cycling trail.

Lafallhöjden, an elevated Finnish farmstead, is located along Norra Gunnarskogsleden. This place adds a cultural and historical landscape aspect to the trail experience. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus your trip mainly on the southern route with its stops, the northern route with Lafallhöjden, or a combination of nature and culture.

Gunnern, Open-Air Swimming Area and Forest Nature

Gravåsöna, a municipal open-air swimming area in Gunnarskog, is located on Lake Gunnern. The site adds time by the water to the possible holiday experiences. Together with the views over Gunnern and the trails through the landscape, it creates a varied picture of the area: you can plan a day with a hiking or cycling tour and focus on the lake or cultural destinations on another day.

The forests of Gunnarskog are home to abundant wildlife and a high diversity of species. For travellers interested in nature, this is another reason not to view the area merely as a stopover. Those travelling with different interests can consider which holiday activities reflect their personal priorities when looking for accommodation: exercise on the trails, the landscape around Gunnern, observing nature or historical impressions.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Gunnarskog with other places from the same overview, you can also visit the pages on Ottebol, Edane, Klässbol, Sulvik, Glava, Glava Glasbruk, Salungen and Jössefors. For Gunnarskog itself, the particular appeal lies in the combination of forest nature, trails, lake and a church of art-historical interest.

For the higher-level travel overview: Arvika.