Vikene: Water Landscape and Regional Routes

Vikene combines a distinctive water landscape with regional routes and a local history dating back to the 16th century. Those looking for a holiday that combines experiences by the lake, landscape observation and cultural discoveries will find several different starting points for planning their trip here.

Water landscape around Vikene

The Vikene farm is located on two bays of Lake Björkelången. This makes the lake an important reference point for anyone who wants to shape their stay around a characteristic landscape. In addition, southern Mölnetjärn is located in Vikene. It is approximately 1,700 metres as the crow flies from the end of Dammtjärn Road. This specific figure helps with orientation in the area without prescribing a particular route.

In the wider regional surroundings of Vikene lies the Kronefjället Natura 2000 site. It forms a slope descending westwards towards Lake Björkelången. Thus, water and sloping terrain meet in the regional landscape. This contrasting character may play a role when choosing accommodation: while one day of travel may be shaped more strongly by the area around the lake, another can be devoted to the wider landscape and regional destinations.

Local history with an unusual detail

Vikene is documented as “Viigen” for the year 1542. The historical name gives the village additional depth in time and provides a specific way of accessing its past. Rather than perceiving history only through general dates, this detail allows you to understand that the village was already known by a different form of its name in the 16th century.

Church and regional routes

The Västra Värmland Pilgrim Trail passes the church in Skillingmark. During the summer half of the year, the church is open on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This creates a distinct cultural element for visitors who wish to combine religious buildings and routes. The opening hours should be taken into account when planning a visit.

Another route extends from Vestmarka in Norway via Tannsjön, Skillingmark, Askesjön and Björkelången along the Kölaälven to the lakes Hugn and Ränken. This sequence makes it clear that the regional landscape consists not only of individual lakes but can also be experienced through a longer connection between various places and bodies of water. Those who enjoy incorporating different stops into a trip can regard this route as a regional point of orientation without limiting their stay to a single experience.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Vikene, it is worth first deciding what kind of trip you want. If the water landscape is the main focus, Björkelången and southern Mölnetjärn can form the central themes of your stay. If you are more interested in history and religious culture, Vikene’s historical name, the church in Skillingmark and the Västra Värmland Pilgrim Trail can complement your itinerary. For a regionally focused trip, the longer route through several lakes and villages, on the other hand, offers an important point of reference.

For the overview of the wider region: Skillingsfors.