Norra Barken round trip

This round trip across varied terrain starts at Smedjebackens harbour. The harbour sits beautifully by lake Barken, the start and end point of Strömsholms Kanal, the second longest canal in Sweden at 110 km-long, running through fourteen lakes and twenty-six locks. In the harbour area there is a roundhouse, steam locomotives, a narrow-gauge railway, a restaurant, kiosk, café and crazy golf. Also look out for Arkivhuset a restored stone building that holds exhibitions summertime, as well as Meken, a cultural centre with art gallery and interesting exhibitions.

Length: 36 km Blue trail: The terrain can be hilly Duration: 2 – 4 hours Departure: Smedjebackens harbour Stop-offs Villa Gladtjärn - Hotel, camping and restaurant Beautifully situated by lake Barken. Stop off for coffee and buns. ‘Bergman’ villages Stimmerbo and Torrbo Fine examples of village environments enshrining Bergman culture. Söderbärke Hembygdsgård A well-preserved ‘Bergman’ homestead located beside a church. There is a café and you can purchase local handicrafts. In the former vicar’s residence there is an interesting collection of naïve-style wooden sculptures by local artist Paul Eriksson. Wanbo Herrgård - Hotel and restaurant Beautifully situated by lake Barken. Stop off for coffee and buns. Flatenbergs foundry A well-preserved ‘Bergman’ foundry.