Mariestad with its old, well-preserved town center and mighty cathedral.
In summer, there is a tourist information office in Lidköping's Old Town Hall.
Don't miss a hike on Hindens Rev in Lake Vänern.
This is a long bike that you can choose as an option.
Add-on: Take a day trip to the iconic Läckö Castle (not included in the price).
Vänersborg, also known as "Little Paris", has several great places to visit.
Welcome to an exciting cycling trip around Sweden's largest lake Vänern. You cycle on your own and follow the Vänerleden, a national cycle path with clear signs. Along the way you stay in comfortable, selected hotels with 3-4 stars and choose your own restaurant in the evening.
Your adventure starts in the charming town of Karlstad, perfectly located at the northern tip of Lake Vänern. Around Lake Vänern, you'll cycle on both asphalt and gravel roads, without steep uphills, on dedicated cycle paths and quiet roads with minimal traffic. Although the terrain itself is not overly challenging, the duration of the journey can be demanding. It is important that you are comfortable cycling longer distances and able to sit in the saddle for several days.
Get ready for an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, beaches, cultural experiences and nice places to eat. You can bring your own bike, but we recommend the organizer's rental bikes with electric assistance. They are of high quality, usually a Riese & Müller Multicharger. You can also rent high quality cargo bikes.
Tip! Book an extra night in Lidköping and take a day trip by bus to the iconic Läckö Castle. Take the opportunity to take a rest day from the bike and experience one of Sweden's most well-preserved baroque castles.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visit the Royal Hunting Museum Älgens Berg for lunch and explore the Peneplanet at Nordkroken, an almost completely flat bedrock surface. Here you will experience the oldest landscape found in Sweden - half a billion years old. In Vänersborg, also known as 'Little Paris', there are several great attractions, cafés and restaurants. Explore the cultural axis from the residence to the museum, famous for its collection of African birds. Enjoy the old cheese shop, the harbor canal and the marina. In the evening, a comfortable bed awaits you in your chosen hotel.
After breakfast, you cycle west out of Vänersborg. As you cross Dalbobron, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Vänern. The road winds through farmland and forest and eventually reaches Lake Vänern. In Sikhall there is a guest harbor where you can stay for a while.
The route then goes through Gestad church, Grindstad and Bodane. In the village of Dalbergså you can visit a cozy country store and in the guest harbor you can enjoy a scenic walk that takes you out to Lake Vänern, through the forest and eventually to the rock carvings that are right on the edge of Lake Vänern. A unique and fascinating piece of history. Today's destination is Mellerud. Here you will find the Dalsland Canal - one of Europe's most beautiful waterways. Overnight stay at a selected hotel in Mellerud.
From Mellerud you cycle on to Dals-Rostock, a picturesque community where you'll find a well-maintained herb garden, unique crafts and a local museum and café. For families with children, the miniature model of the old station house will be a hit. On the way to Dals-Rostock, you will cross a picturesque, car-free old railway embankment and we recommend stopping at the charming cultural reserve Åsnebyn.
In the forest area of Kroppefjäll you will enjoy nature and an outstanding view of Dalsland and Vänern. Do not miss the fascinating monuments built by Dr. Saedén, chief physician at Kroppefjäll's sanatorium, in the 20th century. In Fröskog, the atmospheric wooden church of Fröskog is a splendid example of genuine 18th century peasant baroque. Right next door is Fengersfors with Fengersfors Bruk. This area has been transformed into a vibrant hub of art, culture and entrepreneurship, with the annual food festival "Glupsk på Dalsland" being a major draw. As you approach Åmål, be sure to stop by the Tollebols Mill and Mill Café, which provides insight into old-time milling. If you are in Åmål during the summer, we recommend the town's famous blues festival. For panoramic views of Lake Vänern, take a walk up Kungsberget. An overnight stay awaits at a hotel in Åmål.
After leaving Åmål, you pass the fantastic Berga Bistro. A must visit is Duse Udde, known for its fantastic view of Lake Vänern and a charming restaurant. In Säffle, you can enjoy the atmosphere in the harbor, lunch at Stenmagasinet or Kanalcaféet and look at the public works of art that are scattered in the city center.
Borgvik, the destination for the day, is one of Värmland's best-preserved cultural environments. Ironworks have been operating here since the beginning of the 17th century. Don't miss the fascinating Hytruinen. You can also visit Borgvik's museum, enjoy art and photo exhibitions at Oscar Magnusson's Sliperiet, where delicious meals are also served. In summer, you can even take the bike on the boat bus to Vålberg or Hammarö. Accommodation is at a hotel in Borgvik.
After breakfast you cycle back to Karlstad. Stop by Kullens Bee Farm to taste their honey and buy honey products with you. In Hasseldalen, you can take a break and swim in Långsjön, where you will find a jumping tower, a summer kiosk and toilets.
When you cycle through Segerstad, you experience a charming rural atmosphere reminiscent of Astrid Lindgren's Bullerby. On the way you pass Edsbergs Gård with farm shop and Liljenäs gård with playground, ice cream and coffee. As you approach Karlstad, don't miss Skutberget, with swimming and playgrounds, nature trails, jogging tracks and a 4-star disc golf course. Nearby you will also find Högt & Lågt, an exciting high-altitude course suitable for the whole family. Skutberget is just 7 km from Karlstad city center. In the evening, your hotel room in Karlstad awaits.
Now this cycling adventure is over, and we hope you have many great memories with you back home!
It is fine to extend the cycle package with an extra night in Karlstad if you want to have time to discover the city's rich cultural life, many bathing spots and attractions at your own pace.
Confirmation and invoice are sent directly from the local tour operator. No payment is made to Sweden by Bike.
Payment terms for this package:
- Bike packages are paid in advance via invoice when booking.
Free cancellation is available up to 2 days before the start date, after which 50% of the total package price will be charged.
Thanks for the feedback. We are looking over the accommodation and will make an adjustment. We will take your comment regarding the roads to the principal for Vänerleden.
Yours sincerely, Heiko.