#36 Stora Gla

Stora Gla
Remote gravel riding in remote country

Distance: 52,8km
Height: 659m
Direction: Anti-clockwise
Percentage: 70% Gravel 30% Road
Style: Car Gravel
Route designer: Dominic Kröper @dommetysk

Remote gravel riding in remote country

Whenever I think of Värmland I think of remote gravel roads and this route by Dominic Kröper definitely proves it.
Although this 52km loop has long sections of remoteness, it also passes by some beautiful parts of Värmland which one should stop to admire.

Dominic, who is originally German, was based in Värmland only for a few years but made good use of his time by exploring the region.
By combining both Strava and Ride with GPS he mapped out some great routes, one of which we have here to show you.

Starting in the village of Glava ( one hours drive from Karlstad ), this car gravel grade route takes you west towards your first stop, the look out at Halvardsnäs Berg.
Leave your bike at the bottom and walk the 200m meter on the marked leden to admire the views over Stora Gla lake.

Next it’s on to the centre of the Glaskogens naturreservat.
Here there’s a campsite and more importantly for graveliers, the cafe of Cafe Carl.
This cafe was newly built from an existing building which unfortunately burnt down in 2015.
The cafe itself is not directly on the trail but only 100 meters off the track just passed the village of Lenungshammar.

The Glaskogens naturreservat is a centre for lots of outdoor activities.
There’s hiking, boating and fishing al located within the reservat.
Visit www.glaskogen.se for more.

Following on south, the route will take you along the shoreline of Stora Gla for more epic and picturesque views.
Although there are no major climbs on this route, expect rolling hills with lots of ups and downs.
629km in just over 50kms is quite a bit of climbing.
Värmland is quite a remote county so please bring tools, food and extra clothes as there may not be phone coverage on the entire loop.

This route could also be made into a great overnight adventure as there are plenty of shelters to be found on and near the loop.
Here’s a good website to figure out the best one to stay at. https://map.campwild.org/places/3785