Cycling along the Eastern Shore of Lake Vänern

Embark on a cycling trip along the scenic eastern side of Vänerleden and experience the magnificent views of Sweden's largest lake. The tour takes you through charming villages, beautiful landscapes and historic small towns where you get to enjoy a perfect mix of nature and culture.

You'll stay in cozy local hotels where you can relax and enjoy the hospitality after the day's cycling. With the option of premium electric bikes, complete with spacious panniers and helmet, the journey will be smooth and comfortable - perfect for beginners and experienced cyclists alike.

Along the way, you will pass interesting sights and historical sites that provide a deeper insight into the rich cultural heritage of Lake Vänern. The route follows the Vänerleden, a national cycle route of about 650 km. In this package we have selected the highlights on the eastern side of Lake Vänern - with 5 cycling days and 6 overnight stays. Don't miss this unique opportunity for an unforgettable cycling experience.

It is just as well to start the bike trip in Vänersborg and end in Karlstad. Enter your wishes when booking.

Photographer: Roger Borgelid.

Day 1 - Arrival Karlstad

Hotels, Karlstad

When you arrive in Karlstad, you go to your hotel and check in. In the afternoon, you will pick up your rental bike, which will be adjusted to your needs while you get a thorough briefing on the bike's various functions.

The rest of the day you can explore Karlstad at your own pace. Take a leisurely bike ride around the city, visit local attractions or maybe take a ride on the city's boat buses?

Day 2 - Experience the archipelago atmosphere in Kristinehamn

Hotels, Kristinehamn

Breakfast

60 km

342 m

349 m

Today you cycle from Karlstad to Kristinehamn, along the beautiful Vänernleden cycling trail. You cycle along the northern shore of Lake Vänern with fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

When you arrive in Kristinehamn, you can explore the city park and the picturesque city center with its shops, cafes and restaurants. Don't miss the Picasso sculpture, a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage, and the beautiful Kristinehamn Church. After a day of cycling and experiences, a nice hotel awaits you for the evening.

Day 3 - The summer idyll of Sjötorp by the Göta Canal

Guest house, Sjötorp

Breakfast

80 km

376 m

375 m

After breakfast, cycle towards Värnerskärgården and the Picasso sculpture, where you can stop and enjoy the view. There are many great swimming opportunities along the way. Along the way you can consider detours to Hult's summer house, Vike village and Sörgården's farm shop. Some more tips are the nature reserves Dyrön and Nötön-Åråsviken and Visnum-Kil church with several medieval objects. In the park at Värmlands Säby Gård there is a labyrinth that children love.

In the afternoon you will arrive in the summer idyll of Sjötorp, where the Göta Canal meets Lake Vänern. There are several cozy restaurants to choose from. An overnight stay awaits in a nice guesthouse in Sjötorp.

Day 4 - Mariestad with its impressive cathedral and picturesque town center

Hotels, Mariestad

Breakfast

40 km

158 m

157 m

Today you cycle along the Göta Canal. Some attractions along the way are Hamnmagasinet in Lyrestad and Norrqvarn's lock area. Feel free to stop at the nice Hajstorp Café. Once in Mariestad, you can explore the charming Old Town, museums or take a boat trip in the Lake Vänern archipelago. There are many fine restaurants here.

Mariestad's old town center is one of the country's best-preserved city centers with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Amidst the wooden houses and cobblestone streets also stands the mighty cathedral, which was built in the 16th century. You spend the night in a centrally located hotel.

Day 5 - Charming Lidköping on Lake Vänern

Hotels, Lidköping

fructose

65 km

262 m

264 m

You cycle through varied landscapes with beautiful views, deep forests and unique nature reserves. Don't miss the ruins of Aranäs Castle, once a royal palace, beautifully situated by Lake Vänern. In Hällekis you can visit the studios at Falkängens Hantverksby and take a short detour to Utsiktens kaffestuga and the viewing tower on Kinnekulle for outstanding lake views. The large quarry on Mount Kinnekulle, known as 'Little Grand Canyon', is a local attraction with a fishing lake at its center. The 40 meter deep quarry was once used for limestone extraction. Visit Västerplana storäng, a nature reserve next to Lake Vänern, with its deciduous forests and oak groves. Stop by the café at the monastery for some delicious soup or other goodies.

Once in Lidköping, you can explore the lively city center on your own, with the Old Town Hall and the market square at the New Town Square. Visit the Rörstrand Center museum with outlet store and the Vänermuseet, where you can learn about Sweden's largest lake and its 38 fish species.

Want to experience the iconic Läckö Castle? You can easily book an extra night in Lidköping with a day trip to the castle.

Day 6 - Hiking on Hinden's Reef and "Little Paris"

Hotels, Vänersborg

Breakfast

85 km

285 m

284 m

Don't miss a hike on Hindens Rev in Lake Vänern.

Today's destination is Vänersborg but first you take a detour to Hindens Rev for a 5 km peaceful hike on the narrow ridge that extends into Lake Vänern. A fantastic nature experience! You continue cycling and can buy something to eat at the cozy Mejeriet in Söne. You make your way on country roads and gravel paths through a fertile agricultural landscape. When you reach Flo, you can choose to do a short but challenging climb up the mountain. The reward is a panoramic view of Vättern, Vänersnäs and Lake Vänern.

If you wish, you can choose to stay another day and book an overnight stay in Vänersborg at a cozy hotel in the city center.

Day 7 - Time to go home

Breakfast

Now this cycling adventure is over, and we hope you have many great memories with you back home!

It is possible to extend the cycling package with an extra night in Vänersborg if you want to have a good dinner before the return journey and have time to discover the city's sights at your own pace.