Best lakes around Arvika, a municipality in Värmland County, Sweden, is characterized by its abundant waterways, featuring over 365 lakes. This region is known for its diverse aquatic landscapes, from large fjord-like bodies of water to secluded wilderness lakes. Arvika's lakes offer a range of natural features and recreational opportunities, making them a focal point for outdoor activities. The area's geography includes hilly, forested terrain and significant nature reserves.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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It's worth taking a break here. The hut has a fire pit with benches, a water pump, and an outhouse.
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Lake Lomsen is just a short walk from Ritamäki and boasts the usual wilderness hut, fireplace and outdoor toilet. It features on the Finnskogleden long-distance hike on the stage between Mitandersfors and Lebiko. Don't forget your insect repellent!
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Marked in the wrong place on the map. The hut is located at the tip of the headland.
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For all newbies (like me;)): Leave one boat on each bank, which means, if in doubt, pulling the other one behind you while rowing and bringing it back to the original bank if you are alone. A bit tricky, but it works.
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Too bad. By mid-October all the boats had been taken out of the water. Unfortunately, this information was not given at the parking lot but only a few meters before the passage. There are almost no alternatives and we had to break off the hike and turn back. Next time I'll ask explicitly in the info center.
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There is a hut at this spot where you can spend the night. With fireplace and door. And outside place to light a fire. A little further on there is a toilet house and a beautiful deck for swimming and fishing. Lots of mosquitoes so don't forget your mosquito spray! (we had forgotten, teenager not amused). Once you get to the parking lot with the signs for Ritamäki, you've gone too far. Walk back up about 100 meters along the lake. Then you will see a small path on the left through the forest towards the lake. Turn that in and you will see the hut. ---- Here you find a little cabin with fireplace inside and a door. When you are at the parking with the sign for Ritamäki, you went to far. Walk back up the road along the lake. After approx 100 mtr there is a small path on your left. It goes through the forest downward towards the lake. There it is.
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Arvika's lakes offer diverse natural features. Glafsfjorden, for instance, is a remnant of an ancient fjord, giving it a distinctive elongated shape. Within the Glaskogen Nature Reserve, Lake Stora Gla is surrounded by a vast wilderness of deep coniferous forests, streams, and moors, home to diverse wildlife. Lake Racken is known for its picturesque landscape of forests and hilly terrain.
The lakes around Arvika are ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and sailing on Glafsfjorden. The Glaskogen Nature Reserve offers a 300-kilometer network of hiking trails and 150 kilometers of paddling trails for multi-day canoe tours. Fishing is popular in many lakes, including Glafsfjorden, Lake Racken, and Stora Gla. For specific routes, you can explore cycling routes, MTB trails, and running trails in the region.
Yes, several spots cater to families. The Shelter at Stora Gla Lake is noted as family-friendly, offering shelters directly on the water for swimming and fishing. Children and adolescents up to 16 years old can enjoy free fishing in Lake Racken. The Glaskogen Nature Reserve also provides well-maintained facilities and an information center, making it easier for families to explore the wilderness.
Fishing is a popular activity in Arvika's lakes. Glafsfjorden offers species like pike, perch, zander, and brown trout. Lake Racken has a natural stock of pike, perch, vendace, brown trout, and burbot, with free fishing for those up to 16 years old. Fishing in Stora Gla and other lakes within the Glaskogen Nature Reserve is also possible with a fishing permit. For more details on fishing in Glafsfjorden, you can visit Visit Värmland.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, water sports, and enjoying the numerous bathing spots. The Glaskogen Nature Reserve is excellent for hiking and canoeing from spring to autumn. Some wilderness huts, like the one at Lake Lomsen, are accessible even in winter, offering a different experience.
The town of Arvika, located directly on Glafsfjorden, offers easy access to urban amenities, museums, and cultural attractions, including accommodation and dining options. Within the Glaskogen Nature Reserve, there are prepared wind shelters for multi-day canoe tours, equipped with firewood, BBQ areas, and toilets. An information center at Lenungshammar, near Lake Stora Gla, can also provide details on local facilities.
Yes, for fishing in Stora Gla and other lakes within the Glaskogen Nature Reserve, a fishing permit is required. For camping and using the facilities within Glaskogen, visitors typically need to purchase a visitor card. It's advisable to check with the Glaskogen information center for the most current permit requirements.
Lake Racken is culturally significant due to its association with the 'Rackstad Colony,' a group of prominent artists and craftsmen. Their work can be explored at the Rackstad Museum. Near Lake Stora Gla, you can find historical sites like the former Glava Glassworks, which is now a museum, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
Yes, several unique facilities enhance the visitor experience. The Lenången boat dock provides a self-service boat crossing point. Lake Lomsen features a wilderness hut with a fireplace and an outdoor toilet. The Shelter at Stora Gla Lake offers two shelters directly on the water, popular with canoeists. There are also Lakeside Shelters Near Stömne with excellent swimming areas.
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the wide range of outdoor activities. The opportunity for wilderness experiences in Glaskogen, the picturesque scenery of Lake Racken, and the extensive water sports on Glafsfjorden are highly valued. The availability of well-maintained shelters and facilities, like those at Lake Lomsen and Stora Gla Lake, also contributes to a positive experience.
Arvika municipality is renowned for its abundant waterways, boasting over 365 lakes within its borders, offering a vast array of natural environments to explore.


Still not found your perfect lake around Arvika? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.