Rope-making gives Älvängen a tangible historical anchor: Carlmarks rope works moved its operations from Åmål to Älvängen in 1916, and the Rope-Making Museum is dedicated to the history of this craft. There are also cycling tours with clearly specified distances, historical themes along the Rannebergsstigen trail, and a hike between two railway stations. If you are planning a stay, you can choose between rope-making heritage, viewpoints and specific route options.

Rope-making and built heritage

The Rope-Making Museum explores the history of rope-making and Carlmarks’ 200-year heritage, from craft to industry. Carlmarks rope works moved its operations from Åmål to Älvängen in 1916; the rope works is protected as a listed building. Whenever the museum is open, rope is always made there; other types of handicrafts are occasionally demonstrated too. Älvängen is also home to the oldest surviving Folkets Hus (People’s House) in Ale Municipality.

Choose a cycling tour by distance

The three cycling tours differ in length and in the features described for each. Älvängen–Paradiset is 5 km long, family-friendly for children, and offers views over the Älvdalen valley. The 11 km Älvängen–Kilanda route is described as a longer family tour and goes over the heights of Älvängen to Starrkärr. Älvängen–Utby–Torp–Hältorp covers 13 km and is described as a family tour. When choosing, you can compare both the distance and the views or route described.

On foot: history, views and waterways

Signs along the Rannebergsstigen trail provide information about the Viking Age, the hillfort, prehistoric agricultural land and prehistoric settlements in the surrounding area. The trail’s themes thus range from the Viking Age to traces of prehistoric times. Ranneberget is a landmark of Älvängen; from its summit, there are impressive views in every direction. Waterways are also part of the local geography: for much of its course through Älvängen, Rallatébäcken runs underground through a pipe. Its water is discharged into the Grönån, which in turn flows into the Göta älv.

A hike along the Pilgrimsleden Göta älv leads from Bohus railway station to Älvängen railway station. Further afield in the region, the Pilgrimsleden runs from Gothenburg to Vänersborg. The hike between the railway stations and the trail’s wider regional extent therefore describe different scales.

Getting here and practical information

Älvängen railway station is served by the Alependeln commuter train and regional trains. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable for your travel date in advance. The Rope-Making Museum is accessible to wheelchair users, people using rollators and visitors with pushchairs, except for the temporary exhibition room. The activity playground in Älvängen has a basketball court and a multi-purpose arena with artificial turf for ball sports.

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