Säffle is a locality next to the river Byälven. It is an industrial town in the southwestern part of the province of Värmland, not far from the shores of Lake Vänern. With a population of around 9.200 inhabitants, it is the fifth-largest urban area in what is today Värmland County.
Säffle is the youngest town in Sweden, as it received its town privileges as late as 1951. Actually, it was the last place to get the privileges as the reforms of 1971 abolished them altogether.
A Short History of Säffle
Seffle Köping, the market town, was established as late as 1882. A bit earlier, in 1838, the Säffle Canal was completed. Because of the canal, it became possible to travel past the rapids of the river Byälven and the industrialization of the area begun. Its development was further supported by the railway in 1879. The area saw during the end of the 19th century the establishment of several new industries, such as sawmills, paper mills, glassworks, and factories. One of the companies that were established here at the time was Billeruds, with a paper mill.
Säffle received its town privileges in 1951, as number 133 and the last new town to be created in Sweden. Billerud had been important for the town for several decades until the paper mill in Säffle was sold to Norwegian M. Peterson & Søn. It has changed owners since but is still in operation with Chinese owner Anhui Shanying Paper.
Things to Do and See
Walking along the canal on a sunny summer day might be one of the best ways to enjoy Säffle. There is plenty to see, especially along the old waterways.
Säffle Canal
The canal in Säffle was completed in 1838 and is today still active. Walk along the canal and the river Byälven and enjoy the views of the town, the water, and the locks. Several of the more historical buildings in the town are next to the canal.
The Old Water Tower
The old water tower is one of the sights that are hard to miss. The tower was built in 1914 and was in use until 1958. The 45-meter high tower is today used as an art gallery.
Säffle hembygdsgård
Säffle hembygdsgård is the home of the local heritage organization. They have a large collection of objects, photos, and stories from the past. Their building was originally built in Djupvik in Östra Kila at the beginning of the 19th century but was moved to Säffle in the early 1930s
Tegnér
Tegnér is a nature area to the east of Säffle. The area has 5 trails, reaching from 1.5 kilometers up to 10 kilometers, with two of these being illuminated, 1.5 km and 3 km.
Höglunda
Höglunda is a nature area north of Säffle with hiking paths as well as trails for running and jogging. The illuminated trail is a 3-kilometer loop while the walking path is 5 kilometers.
How to Get to Säffle
- Flights: There are domestic and international routes to and from Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT), which is 215 kilometers away. Other options for mostly domestic flights are Karlstad Airport (KSD), 63 kilometers away, and Trollhättan–Vänersborg Airport (THN), 118 kilometers away.
- Car: Säffle is close to the E45 between Grums and Åmål.
- Bus: Local and regional buses from Värmlandstrafik connect Säffle with the surrounding region.
- Train: SJ and Västtågen have trains to and from Göteborg, Karlstad, and Trollhättan.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 366 kilometers (4h 11min)
- Gothenburg – 193 kilometers (2h 35min)
- Malmö – 467 kilometers (5h 23min)
- Linköping – 270 kilometers (3h 33min)
- Kiruna – 1435 kilometers (17h 3min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
