Railway trolley padelling in Gullspång

Pedaling a trolley on a railway track is an appreciated and different adventure. From the rental station in Gullspång, you can choose between two directions:

• Torvedsbanan which is 12,5 kilometers long and runs south along the river Gullspångsälven to Midskog.
• Trelänsbanan which is 38 kilometers long and runs north toward Konsterud in the southern part of Kristinehamn to the end station at Degerfors.
  More about the two tracks can be found below.

If you get tired or don’t want a long ride you can just get off the trolley at any time, turn it around and pedal back. You pedal approximately 10 kilometers per hour.

On a trolley for two persons, one will pedal, and one will sit alongside. Two adults may bring one child, but dogs are not allowed.

Good to know

A trolley can weigh up to 65 kilos.

There are many nice places to stop along the rail, but you need to bring your own food and drink. Grocery stores can be found in the city centre of Gullspång. There are some toilets along the rail and at the rental station.

Contact

You book your trolley through the booking system.
For questions send mail to: dressin@gullspang.se.

Torvedsbanan, Gullspång - Midskog 12,5 kilometers

The first kilometers of Torvedsbanan include the only hill along the whole track and can feel tough. Once past this, you will be rewarded by a beautiful stretch along the river of Gullspångsälven. The rail runs just next to the river and after a few kilometers, you will arrive at a rest area with a beach at Skagersvik. The rest area has a barbeque site and a toilet. The rail continues along a small bay of Lake Skagern and passes the small village of Skagersvik.

The manor Ribbingsfors herrgård is located on the other side of the bay. A famous Swedish author, Frans G Bengtsson, used to live there. He is buried in Gullspång and there is a library to his memory. Today the manor has a beautiful 9-hole golf course.

Enjoy restful peace and quiet when pedaling along Karsmossens naturreservat. The old pine trees and the moss create an interesting area with rich bird life. Continue across the fields to the end station of Midskog. The old station building is preserved, and you can enjoy your picnic here. The area has benches and a table as well as a toilet.

When you return to Gullspång make sure to use your brakes in the downhill slope – the trolley can quickly acquire high speed.

Trelänsbanan, Gullspång - Degerfors 38 kilometers

The north part of the railway is called Trelänsbanan and is suitable for those in good physical condition prefering pedalling a longer distance. You pedal over the old railway bridge and pass the salmon stairs of Gullspång. The unique Gullspång salmon play and reproduce here during the autumn. 

The railway continues past Löksta gård and runs parallel with RV 26 between you and the river Gullspångsälven. The river flows left and finally reaches Lake Vänern. The railway crosses the border into Värmland 9 kilometers north of Gullspång. From the slope, you have a view of Lake Vänern and Kolstrandsviken on your left, both are on the other side of the road.  

The journey continues for approximately 9 kilometers until you reach the rest area called Rötterna. This rest area has a small cottage in meadowlike surroundings. This is a nice spot for a rest. Table and benches and a barbeque pit are free to use. After another kilometer, you’ll see an old stone bridge a few hundred meters from the railway. This is a unique arched stone bridge that was built at the beginning of the 18th century. The bridge was part of the pilgrim trail Letstigen leading from Riseberga monastery. If you continue a little further, you will reach the trolley station in Konsterud.

From Konsterud the railway ascents through untouched nature for 3 kilometres up to Nysund which is the highest spot on this route. In Nysund the old water crane that filled the steam locomotives with water remains. There is also an old platelayer’s cottage here.

After another 3 kilometers, you arrive at the municipality of Degerfors and the beautiful rest area at Mosstorp and Lake Däveln. (You are now approximately 26 kilometers from Gullspång). Mosstorp is the last rest area and is located 12 kilometers from the end station at Ängebäck, which in turn is a few kilometers outside Degerfors city centre. 

Directions

From the RV 26 (that runs between Mariestad and Kristinehamn) turn off to the city centre of Gullspång. Follow Storgatan and then take a right turn before the square, at the sign “Dressinbana”. Continue approximately 200 meters on Västergatan and you will see the trolley house on your left-hand side. Park in a designated parking lot or in the car park at the junction between Stationsgatan and Bankgatan.

The closest bus stop is Gullspång bus station at approximately 200 meters walking distance.