Cycle along the car-free towpath along the entire Göta canal. You pass 58 locks and experience this 200-year-old building.
Cycle the Göta Canal from West to East
16 650 SEK/pers (4 nights)
Summary
Trip overview
Type
Self-guided
Difficulty
Beginner
Accommodation
5 nights
Cycling
68 km
Bike
A rental bike is included in the price. If you bring your own bike, the price will be reduced. E-bikes are available.
This is a self-guided beginner-friendly cycling holiday. The cycling takes place on both asphalt and gravel in a very safe traffic environment. Bike is included. Luggage transfer is available.
Book with Sweden by Bike
Why book with us
- No extra fees - you pay the organizer's price
- Accident insurance for everyone registered in the booking
- Free 1-year membership (value 299 kr)
- 20% discount in our webshop (single-use coupon)
- Personal support throughout your booking
Do you have questions about this cycling holiday? Email us.
Photos
Photos from the trip
Practical Info
Before you book
Accommodation
- Hotel
- Pensionat Kajutan, Sjötorp
- Hotell Vänerport, Mariestad
- Stadshotellet, Lidköping
- Stadshotellet, Lidköping
- Pensionat Prästgården, Töreboda
Season
May 1 – September 30, 2027Type of cycling
Leisure Surface
Asphalt and Gravel
Cycling takes place in a stress-free and very safe traffic environment.
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CultureExplore art, historical sites and local traditions - a perfect mix of cycling and cultural experiences.
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RomanticEscape the daily grind and make memories together - romantic cycling packages with cozy accommodation and beautiful surroundings.
We speak
English and Swedish
Discover the Göta Canal, Lake Vänern, and Kinnekulle on a varied cycling vacation where bikes and trains take you through some of Västergötland’s most beautiful landscapes. With the Kinnekulle Train as part of your journey, you can experience more without having to cycle long distances every day—a relaxing and charming way to travel.
Along the way, you’ll encounter historic lock areas along the Göta Canal, small towns on the shores of Lake Vänern, the lush Kinnekulle, and the stately Läckö Castle. You’ll cycle through a diverse natural and cultural landscape with plenty of time for coffee breaks, swimming, gardens, and other stops along the way. The trip begins and ends in Töreboda, which is easily accessible by train.
Bicycle and luggage transport between accommodations is included, so you can ride light and focus on the experiences along the way. You can easily purchase train tickets yourself through the Västtrafik To Go app; they cost about 38 kronor per person per trip.
”One of the most remarkable places in the kingdom,” wrote the Swedish botanist Carl von Linné about Kinnekulle. ”This place is more delightful than any other.”.
Included
- 5 nights (part of double room)
- 5 x breakfast buffet
- 2 x three-course dinner (Day 3 and Day 4) excl. drinks
- 1 x dinner package for grilling yourself, or a cold cut platter (Day 5), drinks not included
- Luggage transport
- Rental bike with 7 gears and a bike basket (feel free to bring your own bike helmet for maximum comfort)
- Bicycle Repair Kit
- Map and route description
Add-on Extras
- Extra night at Pensionat Prästgården, Töreboda: 1,850 SEK per person (shared double room)
- Extra night at Pensionat Prästgården, Töreboda: 1,550 SEK (single room)
- Electric bike rental: 4,000 SEK (feel free to bring your own bike helmet for maximum comfort)
- Cancellation protection: SEK 250 per person
- You can easily buy train tickets through Västtrafik's To Go app: about 38 SEK per person per trip.
- Bus ticket T/R Lidköping-Läckö castle
Day 1 - Along the Göta Canal to Sjötorp
Pensionat Kajutan, Sjötorp
20 km
The cycling vacation begins in charming Pensionat Prästgården in Töreboda, where you’ll pick up your bike and set off along the Göta Canal. Today’s ride takes you along quiet, car-free gravel roads with the canal as your constant companion. After a few kilometers, you’ll reach Hajstorp, one of the canal’s beautiful lock areas. Feel free to stop for a while, watch the boats go by, and take the opportunity to enjoy a coffee break.
The journey continues toward Norrqvarn, beautifully situated right next to the canal. Here, you can sit down by the dock and enjoy a tasty treat while the boats glide slowly by. From there, you’ll cycle on toward Sjötorp, passing several of the Göta Canal’s historic locks. In total, you’ll pass through 19 locks on the stretch between Töreboda and Sjötorp.
Upon arrival in Sjötorp, the following awaits Pensionat Kajutan, in a cozy location right next to the Göta Canal and the locks. Here you can relax after your day’s bike ride and enjoy the wonderful canal atmosphere. In the meantime, your luggage has been transported to your accommodations, so you can ride with a light pack during the day.
Day 2 - By Bike and Train to Mariestad
Hotell Vänerport, Mariestad
Breakfast
18 km (45 min train ride)
After a hearty breakfast you cycle to Lyrestad, only 8 km away. From here you travel with the Kinnekullet train, which has been named Sweden's most beautiful train route. The train takes you to Mariestad, also known as the "Pearl of Lake Vänern". It may be useful to know how things work on the Kinnekullebanan. At the stations there is a round sign that you turn towards the train when you want to get on. When the train has stopped, you turn the sign back to a neutral position. When you want to get off, you press a button, just like on a bus.
You live at Hotell Vänerport with a view of Lake Vänern. The hotel is located in the old town, with its picturesque wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. This is one of Sweden’s best-preserved historic city centers, with the tall cathedral dominating the cityscape.
Day 3 - Kinnekulle and Sweden's most beautiful train line
Stadshotellet, Lidköping
Breakfast and dinner
18 km (25 min train ride)
Kick off your day with a mesmerizing train journey along Sweden's most enchanting railway route, stretching between Mariestad and Lidköping. As you marvel at the breathtaking scenery through the train window, you'll pass a series of quaint train stations. The single-track railway seamlessly connects charming villages, cultural landmarks, the glistening waters of Lake Vänern, and various nature reserves.
A nice stop along the way is Hellekis Säteri, beautifully situated on the slopes of Kinnekulle with a view of Lake Vänern. Feel free to take a stroll through the famous garden and stop for coffee and pastries or lunch before continuing through the countryside toward Källby. This is where today’s bike ride ends, and you’ll take the train on to Lidköping.
A relaxing evening awaits you in Lidköping after today’s bike ride. Take a seat on the Stadshotellet’s outdoor terrace and enjoy a three-course dinner before calling it a day. In the meantime, your luggage has been delivered to your accommodations.
Day 4 - A Day at the Enchanting Läckö Castle and Lake Vänern
Stadshotellet, Lidköping
Breakfast and dinner
Bus trip to/from Läckö castle
Today, a bus excursion awaits you to Läckö Castle, situated on a peninsula in Lake Vänern. As one of Sweden's most picturesque castles, Läckö boasts a rich medieval history. Your visit will immerse you in the captivating legacy of the De la Gardie family, while still offering glimpses of its medieval past. During the summer months, the castle hosts a variety of exhibitions spread across the fortified section, the second floor, and the fourth floor.
The Little Castle Garden is an oasis to experience during your visit to the castle. The garden is enchanting with its different levels, colors, shapes and flowers framed by high white stone walls. Here you can walk around for a long time and enjoy the lush and fairytale-like surroundings. When you are satisfied with the day, the bus goes back to the hotel in Lidköping. Here you will spend the night and have dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 - Train trip through Kinnekulle and biking along the Göta Canal
Pensionat Prästgården, Töreboda
Breakfast and dinner
12 km (70 min train ride)
After breakfast, you’ll leave Lidköping and board the train with your bike. The journey takes you through the beautiful countryside of Kinnekulle, and along the way you can get off at places like Forshem or Hällekis to explore historic sites, small shops, and antique stores.
The train ride continues to Lyrestad, where it’s time to hop back on the bike. From here, there are about 12.5 kilometers left along the Göta Canal on the quiet, car-free canal path back to Töreboda. A lovely final cycling leg with the canal as your companion.
Back in Töreboda, the circle is complete, and you check in once again at Pensionat Prästgården. Here you can relax after five eventful days of biking, train rides, the Göta Canal, Lake Vänern, and Kinnekulle. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your lodging, and in the evening you can choose between a ready-made barbecue package in Pensionat The cozy garden at the rectory or one of the other dinner options.
Day 6 - Breakfast and the Trip Home
Breakfast
After a good breakfast at Pensionat Prästgården It's time to wrap up the cycling vacation. The trip ends where it began, in Töreboda, right next to the Göta Canal.
After days filled with biking, train rides, canal scenery, and adventures around Lake Vänern, it’s time to say goodbye for now. We hope you’ll head home with many wonderful memories of the Göta Canal, Kinnekulle, and Lake Vänern.
Travel
Getting Here
There are good transport connections to and from Töreboda, where the Western Main Line crosses the Göta Canal. You can easily take the train from both Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Booking Information
Payment & Cancellation
Payment
Confirmation and invoice are sent directly from the local tour operator. No payment is made to Sweden by Bike.
Payment terms for this package:
- 30% of the price of the bike package must be paid within 7 days after the booking is confirmed.
- The remaining amount is payable at least 30 days before departure.
- More detailed information will be sent out with the confirmed booking
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation up to 40 days prior to the start date is subject to a fee (SEK 500/person if the price of the trip is up to SEK 4,000/person, SEK 1,000/person if the price of the trip is more than SEK 4,001/person)
40-31 days before the start date - 60% Refund
30-15 days before the start date - 40% Refund
14 days before start date - no refund
Changes to booked dates can be made subject to availability, at no extra cost.
