In the borderland between Värmland, Dalsland and Norway there is a coherent trail area that offers varied cycling in fantastic natural scenery. Here the cyclist gets to experience two national cultures, two different types of nature that complement each other within the framework of a common story. The icing on the cake is the proximity to the huge lake Vänern with archipelago, small islands and water cycling. We asked Elin Värmsjö, business developer at Visit Värmland, to tell us more.
Photo: Roger Borgelid and Amplifyphoto.
Can you describe what it is like to work with cycling tourism in a way that includes both Sweden and Norway?
Working in the borderland between Sweden and Norway means that we get a large, continuous trail area where cyclists can discover two countries in one trip - something that is right in time when more and more people are looking for slow adventure, smooth micro-escapes and trips where the experience is as important as the destination.
What do cycling tourists encounter in this borderland?
Here, dramatic and varied scenery meets a shared history that is evident along the way, not least on the Union Trail, where cultural heritage, historic sites and local stories become a natural part of the cycling experience. Communicating the area as a whole also makes it much easier for the cycling tourist to plan their journey, from dirt roads and views to accommodation and local food.
In short, the borderland is not a barrier, but an opportunity. Here, cyclists can experience two cultures, two natural landscapes and a shared story - at their own pace.
Is there anything special about the Swedish side compared to the Norwegian side?
On the Swedish side, cyclists are met by something that still feels unspoiled and unexplored - perfect conditions for today's traveler looking for authenticity, contrasts and quietcation.
It's a landscape that moves between winding dirt roads, deep forests and open vistas. Värmland and Dalsland also offer something unique in the Nordic region: the proximity to Lake Vänern, Europe's largest inland sea, with archipelagos, small islands and water cycling that really stand out. Here, nature is an obvious companion - from calm lakes and rippling streams to the opportunity to experience wildlife and a genuine “safe in the outdoors” feeling. It's easy to cycle all the way, or take it one piece at a time and hop on the bus back, making the area perfect for both beginners and the curious explorer. Fine accommodation, local flavors and small encounters along the way create a warm and personal experience. It's cycling where the pace is set by you, not by the clock.
Do you have a good example of what ”Cross Border Biking” can be in practice?
One of the best examples of ”Cross Border Biking” are those stretches where the trail follows water - lakes, streams and quiet forests - and where the cyclist can literally move between two countries. A unique rhythm emerges: calm, relaxed and with the freedom to stop for a spontaneous wild swim on either side of the border. It's cycling in a pleasant climate, where the stillness of nature and the low-key pace become part of the experience. At the same time, there is a fascinating contrast in discovering how small differences and similarities between the countries show themselves in culture, landscape and not least in the food.
Any particular place that shows what you highlight?
A clear example of a place that captures the Swedish part of the Cross Border feeling is Borgvik. Here the cyclist is met by beautiful mill history, cultural environments that feel like something out of a movie - and really good restaurants that celebrate local produce. It's the perfect place to take a break, where the historical meets the modern, and where the cyclist really feels that the journey is as important as the destination.
This map gives you an overview of the whole region and how the cycle routes connect between Sweden and Norway.
