Torsby Finnskogscentrum
Värmlands Museum's summer-open branch in Lekvattnet, with an exhibition on the Forest Finns and the Finnskogen region, a café, a shop and a starting point for walks.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Torsby Finnskogscentrum (Torsby Forest Finns Centre) lies in Lekvattnet in northern Värmland, a couple of mil (Swedish distance unit) west of Torsby, and is run as a branch of Värmlands Museum. The centre is both a museum and a meeting place, and it lies beside the E16, opposite the old village shop (lanthandeln). It is intended as a starting point for walks to the Finn farms (finngårdar) in the area.
The exhibition Finnskogens landskap (The Landscape of the Finnskogen) is always shown at the centre. It deals with the period from the late 16th century to the early 20th century, and with how the slash-and-burn farmers (svedjebrukarna) colonised the landscape in the 17th century, with rye cultivation, hunting, fishing and livestock keeping. It also covers everyday life and household chores.
Värmlands Museum with Torsby Finnskogscentrum hosts the project Finnskogen – Vägen till världsarv (Finnskogen – The Road to World Heritage), which works to get Finnskogen onto UNESCO's World Heritage List. In summer 2026 an archaeological excavation began at the old Finn farm Mäkikylä in Torsby Municipality. Between the centre and the Finn farm Karmenkynna runs the nature trail Karmenpolku.
Highlights
- The exhibition Finnskogens landskap on the slash-and-burn farmers
- The Karmenpolku nature trail to old Finnish settlements
- Guided tours and walks in summer
- Café, museum shop and library
- Starting point for walks to the Finn farms
Permanent exhibition
- Finnskogens landskap – Exhibition on the slash-and-burn farmers' colonisation of the landscape in the 17th century, on rye cultivation, hunting, fishing, livestock keeping and everyday life.
- Operated by
- Värmlands Museum
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 80 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 20 · Free admission up to 20 years. |
| Groups | SEK 80 per personGuided viewing and admission for groups cost SEK 80 per person. |
A viewing is included in admission. Guided walks along Karmenpolku are booked via Tickster.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The premises can be visited by wheelchair, and an accessible toilet is available. Dogs are welcome in the area, at the Finn farms and on the trails, but not indoors.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 20 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
A quiz in the exhibition Finnskogens landskap (ask at reception) and a small craft corner where children can draw, build and solve riddles. School programmes are available.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Larger free parking next to the centre; charging points for electric cars are available.
From Torsby, drive along E16 towards Lekvattnet/Kongsvinger for about 22 km. The centre is right beside the E16, opposite the old village shop.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Café, museum shop and customer toilet. Wi-Fi is available.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | In summer a guided viewing of the basic exhibition is offered every day at 14:00 (included in admission; register at reception). Every Wednesday at 11:00 a guided walk along Karmenpolku leaves from the centre. Groups and school classes book on +46 54 701 19 90. |
