From countryside to big city – bike package north of Lake Vänern along Unionsleden

This two-night bike package is perfect for culture and nature lovers. You can also book spa treatments and additional nights. Places to visit include Sliperiet Art Gallery in Borgvik and the Lars Lerin Museum in Karlstad, both no more than a leisurely bike ride away. The final leg of Unionsleden is 49.6 km and cuts through the Värmland landscape before finishing in our very own little big city, Karlstad. If you are keen to explore and discover the area without over exerting yourself in the saddle, this is the bike package for you. Unionsleden is an official national cycle trail that runs through sparsely trafficked roads, with accommodation run by cycle friendly hosts along the very well signposted route.

Day 1

Arrival at Kungskvarnen in Borgvik. People have lived in this area between Lakes Värmeln and Vänern since the Bronze Age. Check in to your delightful room in the cabin at this old inn before exploring the unique old industrial area. We recommend a stroll through the village and maybe a look inside Sliperiet Art Gallery before sitting down to a three-course meal in the rustic old mill building.

Day 2

After a good night’s sleep, a delightful breakfast awaits in the Kungskvarnen restaurant. Stow your packed lunch and hop onto your bike saddle. Then head east from Borgvik along Unionsleden. The area offers a variety of landscapes and plenty of delightful places to stop and eat your lunch. Closer to Karlstad, the shoreline of Lake Vänern and beautiful nature reserves are worth stopping for. Or pedal down to Skutberget or Bomstadbaden for a refreshing dip and a coffee break – rocky or sandy spots, the choice is yours. On reaching charming Karlstad, check into Elite Stadshotellet where you can securely store your bikes. How you choose to spend your time in Karlstad is up to you, but one thing we can recommend is to give your body an opportunity to recuperate at the hotel’s Vana Spa.

After a good night’s sleep, a delightful breakfast awaits in the Kungskvarnen restaurant. Stow your packed lunch and hop onto your bike saddle. Then head east from Borgvik along Unionsleden. The area offers a variety of landscapes and plenty of delightful places to stop and eat your lunch. Closer to Karlstad, the shoreline of Lake Vänern and beautiful nature reserves are worth stopping for. Or pedal down to Skutberget or Bomstadbaden for a refreshing dip and a coffee break – rocky or sandy spots, the choice is yours. On reaching charming Karlstad check into Elite Stadshotellet where you can securely store your bikes. How you choose to spend your time in Karlstad is up to you, but one thing we can recommend is to give your body an opportunity to recuperate at the hotel’s Vana Spa.

Day 3

Start the day at the groaning breakfast buffet and enjoy all the amazing culture Karlstad has to offer, both the Lerin Museum and Värmland Museum have eye catching exhibitions. If you decide to stay an extra night in Karlstad there are delightful day outings if you want to do more cycling, such as wonderful car free cycling to the harbour at Lillängshamnen on Hammarö island north of Klarälvsbanan.

You can either catch the water bus back to Borgvik from Hammarö or take a taxi. In which case, please book the trip at the same time as your main booking.

Naturally, you can also add an extra day and night in Borgvik if you want to explore the area by bike, foot or SUP/kayak.

Transport: For water bus departure times from Lillängshamnen, please see timetables for routes 97 and 98. Bikes are welcome onboard. Grums Taxi tel +46 (0) 555 61670

Important. You are welcome to leave your bike at your respective accommodation and collect it by car at a later date. If you intend to hire a bike, we recommend starting in Karlstad.

The package includes:

Two nights (sharing a double room) at Kungskvarnen in Borgvik and Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad

• 2 x breakfast
• 1 x three-course dinner
• 1 x two-course dinner
• 1 x packed lunch
• Free car parking
• Free WiFi

Optional extras:- entrance/artwalk at Sliperiet in Borgvik, entrance to Lerin Museum in Karlstad Vana SPA – Elite Stadshotellet Bike Hire (from Karlstad) Kayak or SUP at Borgvik harbour Canoe at Värmeln, Borgvik

Inspiration: www.hamneniborgvik.se