Sollerön is a unique mix of beautiful nature, interesting culture and exciting history. In the northern part of the island, in Klikten , you can experience all three in the same hike.
A meteorite impact created the Ring of Siljan about 377 million years ago and brought valuable prerequisites for a nature and cultural landscape. Klikten is classified as a natural monument by the Swedish Antiquities Authority.
The Vikings chose Sollerön as a place of permanent residence thousands of years ago. A bay of the Baltic Sea went all the way to Sollerön. The access to hunting and fishing as well as the favorable climate were the main reasons for their settlement. The traces from the Viking Age remain.
Here is Dalarna’s largest Viking burial ground. The iron ore that the Vikings on Sollerön produced was used in trade with Birka, Gamla Uppsala and other places. Iron was needed there to produce for tools and weapons. And the valuable iron was available on Sollerön. Hike the Vikingaslingan trail and experience the wings of history from the Viking age.
1Start at Sollerö Hembygdsgård where you will find old,genuine with gray and tan log cabins from ancient times. See all the Viking findings in one of the cabins. Then walk the path taking you over the Viking burial ground with up to 100 – 150 graves. Signs along the trail will give you the full story.
2First stop is the remains of the St. Lawrence’s chapel from the beginning of the 16th century. The chapel was demolished in 1781 when Sollerö church was built.
3Right next to it is the Offerkällan, which may have been an old sacrificial grove from prehistoric times where the Vikings probably sacrificed to their pagan gods. It is said that Offerkällan never shines in summer and never freezes in winter.
4Continue into Klikten itself with a majestic view of Utanmyra village.
5One of the piles of stones next to the path may be an old cult place called harg from the Viking Age. Beautiful birdsong is heard from many species and birds of prey glide low over the meadows where mountain cows, sheep and goats munch on the juicy grass. It is an idyll that brings peace and tranquility to the soul.
6The path leads you into the Agnmyren nature reserve.
7On the right hand side is a small limestone quarry, called the ”Silver Mine”. The lime-favored flora provides an abundant presence of blue sedges and white sedges. Calcareous seepage from the steep slope contributes to the lush vegetation on the farmland and in the Agnmyren itself , which is a smaller pond.
At the turn of April-May, thousands of common frogs gather in the pond for mating. The nutrient-rich pond provides a large amount of decaying plant matter that benefits the frogs’ fry. The mating game itself sounds like a Formula 1 Grand Prix race. It is a grand display that takes place in front of the visitors’ feet. The birdlife is species-rich.
8Pass Agnmyren and walk to the right up the hill towards the village of Bengtsarvet . Turn off onto Karl Lärka’s road. Now the magnificent landscape opens up again. The sociologist and photographer Karl Lärka’s cabin, which is surrounded by an old apple orchard, comes into view.
1End the walk by continuing on Bengtsarvsvägen south back to Hembygdsgården.