By Christer · Sulvikstugby · Updated 22 May 2026

Things to Do in Arvika: Local Guide with Tips from the Hosts in Sulvik

When our guests check in with us by Glafsfjorden, two questions always come first: where is the nearest swimming spot, and what is there actually to do in Arvika? After many seasons as hosts in Sulvik, we have gathered the recommendations we give ourselves, real places, accurate distances and seasonal advice we know holds up. Here we guide you through nature, swimming, culture, cafes, shopping and day trips, all starting from 11 kilometres outside Arvika town centre.

Nature Experiences and Outdoor Activities around Arvika

Värmland is one of Sweden's most forested landscapes, and around Arvika you find both gentle family walks and more demanding hikes. The nearest clear viewpoint from us in Sulvik is Bergs klätt, a rocky summit six kilometres away that offers a wide view over Glafsfjorden. It is a short climb, perfect as a morning loop before breakfast or as a sunrise walk on a summer morning.

For longer hikes, Glaskogen nature reserve is the main attraction. The reserve lies 25 kilometres from the cottage village and consists of an extensive trail system through forest, water and marshland. We recommend spending a full day here if you are an experienced hiker, or choosing a shorter loop if children are along. Pack a fika and good shoes, as the terrain varies.

Storkasberget, 18 kilometres away, is another natural destination that many guests overlook. It is quieter than Glaskogen, and the area is well suited if you want to combine a walk with mushroom or berry picking during late summer. On the subject of berries: allemansrätten applies everywhere here, and Värmland is one of the country's better berry landscapes. Blueberries are usually ripe around 23–25 July, lingonberries from August through September, wild strawberries in June–July and cloudberries in bogs and marshes July–August. The forests towards Brunskog and the area around Glaskogen are classic berry grounds, and if you want to go deeper into the subject, "Bärkungen" Sylve Björkman from Arvika is the local expert.

Glafsfjorden and the Swimming Spots: the Heart of Summer

We live one kilometre from Glafsfjorden, and it is water that defines the whole area. The nearest organised swimming spot is Kolsjön, just three kilometres from the cottage village, perfect for a spontaneous afternoon dip without having to pack the car. Ingestrand bathing area lies 18 kilometres away and is one of the beaches suited for a full day with a picnic. The same site also has Ingestrands Discgolfbana, which makes the place convenient for families where not everyone wants to swim at the same time.

If you want to paddle yourself, Arvika Kanot and Turistcenter, 11 kilometres away, has a wide range of rentals. For those who prefer to get out on the water independently, Hyrtunnan is a self-service kayak solution at the same distance. In our experience the morning hours are the finest: the water is often mirror-smooth and you have Glafsfjorden almost to yourself.

Culture and Sights in Arvika

Arvika has a surprisingly strong cultural history for a town of its size. Rackstadmuseet, 12 kilometres from the cottage village, is our first recommendation for anyone interested in art. The museum sits in a beautiful setting and shows works from the artists' colony that was active in the area around the turn of the twentieth century.

Klässbols Linneväveri lies 37 kilometres away and is worth a trip if you enjoy crafts. Linen tablecloths and textiles are produced here in a setting where you can follow the entire process. Combine the visit with a fika in the area before heading home.

For music lovers, Musikhögskolan Ingesund in Arvika is a gem. The school is 11 kilometres away and puts on regular concerts and student performances. Open events can usually be found by checking the programme in advance. Stadsparken in Arvika serves as the town's living room in summer and hosts summer concerts when the season gets going.

Activities for Families with Children

With children in the group we often return to the same favourites. Moose safari via Arvika Adventures, 11 kilometres away, tends to be a hit with both young and old. Seeing moose in their natural habitat with a guide is something entirely different from reading about it in a book, and our younger guests often talk about the trip for days afterwards.

Disc golf has grown into an obvious family activity. Ingestrands Discgolfbana, 18 kilometres away, and Arvika DiscGolf in Åmotfors, 22 kilometres away, are two courses that both work for beginners. Discs can be hired or bought locally, so you do not need your own equipment to get started.

If you want to cycle, there are roughly 55 kilometres of paved cycle paths in Arvika municipality, plus a growing network of marked MTB trails. The trails are Biking Värmland-certified, which means signage and maintenance are consistently reliable. In Jössefors, about 10 kilometres west of Arvika, there is a world-class pump track that suits both children learning the ropes and teenagers wanting to practise tricks. The current cycle map is available at kartor.arvika.se, and hire is available at several places in the municipality. The cycle paths also connect to Klarälvsbanan and Unionsleden if you want to ride further afield.

Shopping, Crafts and Fika in the Town Centre

Arvika town centre, 11 kilometres from the cottage village, is well stocked for a town of its size. On Magasinsgatan we have two favourites we always send guests to: Bruket Interiör at Magasinsgatan 3, for anyone who wants to browse homewares in a pleasant setting, and Elins Bakgård a few doors down at Magasinsgatan 4 when it is time for fika. Bakgården is tucked a little away from the main street, and we have yet to hear a guest complain after sending them there.

For a broader shopping day, head to Charlottenbergs Shoppingcenter, 30 kilometres north. Many people drive up for the day to combine shopping with a cross-border trip, as Charlottenberg is close to the Norwegian border. Allow a full day if you want to fit everything in.

Golf, Hills and Something to Work Up a Sweat

For an active day, there are two golf courses within reasonable distance. Eda Golfklubb is 22 kilometres away, Arvika GK is 33 kilometres from the cottage village. Both can be booked as a visitor and work for seasoned golfers and those playing their first round alike.

Valfjället, 28 kilometres from us, is a destination for those who want to get into the terrain. Hiking is possible in summer and skiing in winter. The season determines what you can do, and it is worth checking current opening times before you go.

Events Worth Putting in Your Calendar

Summer in Arvika is filled with local events. Summer concerts in Stadsparken are one of the town's annual fixtures. Gammelvala at Brunskogs Hembygdsgård, 30 kilometres from the cottage village, is a traditional craft week that draws visitors from across the region. Everything from blacksmithing to flax processing is demonstrated, and it is one of the events that most easily ends up on our guests' favourites list.

Day Trips from Sulvik

If you want to combine several things into a day trip, here are a few arrangements that tend to work well:

• Nature day heading south: morning at Bergs klätt, packed lunch by Glafsfjorden, afternoon in Glaskogen nature reserve.
• Family day to Ingestrand: swimming at Ingestrand, lunch on a blanket and disc golf at Ingestrands bana when everyone is dry.
• Culture and fika loop: morning at Rackstadmuseet, lunch and fika in Arvika town centre with a stop at Bruket Interiör and Elins Bakgård.
• Border trip north: Eda Skans, a reconstructed fortress from 1808 that lies 40 kilometres away, then on to Charlottenbergs Shoppingcenter and home via Eda Golfklubb if the evening light holds.
• Craft day: Klässbols Linneväveri in the morning, on to Sandvikengården 35 kilometres away if the day is unhurried.

Practical Information Before You Go

Sulvik is 11 kilometres from Arvika town centre, and most of the attractions we mention here fall within 30–40 minutes by car. Värmland is expansive. Do not expect to fit everything into one weekend. Our recommendation is to choose two or three things per day and let the rest have its own time. When we have helped guests plan, it is usually the slower rhythm that produces the best memories.

The season matters greatly. Swimming is generally possible from mid-June to mid-August. Berry picking follows the schedule we outlined above. Winter activities at Valfjället require snow cover. Concerts and events in Stadsparken are a summer affair. Feel free to get in touch before you book if you have specific wishes: we know what is happening week by week.

Frequently Asked Questions from Our Guests

How far is it from Sulvik to Arvika town centre? It is 11 kilometres from the cottage village to the centre, roughly a quarter of an hour by car.

What is the nearest swimming spot? Kolsjön bathing area is 3 kilometres from us. Glafsfjorden literally begins at the neighbour's boundary, one kilometre away.

Do we need a car to see most things? In practice, yes. The distances mean you get much further with a car, even though Arvika town centre can be explored on foot once you are there.

When is berry season in the area? Blueberries around 23–25 July, lingonberries from August to September, wild strawberries in June–July and cloudberries in July–August in bogs and marshes.

Are there activities for children when it rains? Rackstadmuseet, Klässbols Linneväveri and Charlottenbergs Shoppingcenter are good indoor options. The town centre also has cafes where a rainy hour passes quickly.

Can you hire a kayak without being an expert? Yes. Both Arvika Kanot and Turistcenter and Hyrtunnans self-service kayak work for beginners. Glafsfjorden is often calm in the morning, which makes paddling relaxed.

Which attraction should we prioritise if we only have one day? Our favourite combination is Bergs klätt in the morning, lunch in the town centre with a stop at Elins Bakgård, and an afternoon at Rackstadmuseet or swimming at Kolsjön depending on the weather.

Are cycle paths easy to find? Yes. There are around 55 kilometres of paved cycle path plus marked MTB trails. The cycle map is at kartor.arvika.se, and hire is available at several places in the municipality.

Book a Base in the Middle of It All

Many of our guests return year after year precisely because Sulvik is so centrally located, close to forest, lake and town. Get in touch and we will help you plan your stay.

Book a cottage at Sulvikstugby