Discover Sweden’s Majestic Lake: 5‑Day Exclusive Cycling Tour Around Half of Vänern

Welcome to the start of your exhilarating bicycle journey around the magnificent Lake Vänern! Your adventure begins in the lively city of Karlstad, perfectly situated at the northern tip of the lake.

Upon arrival in Karlstad, make your way to your charming accommodations where you can settle in and freshen up after your travels.

In the afternoon, we invite you to join us for the handover of your high-quality electric bikes (e-bikes). Our team will be on-hand to ensure your e-bike is adjusted to your comfort and will provide you with a comprehensive overview of its features and operations. Our e-bikes are user-friendly and designed to make your journey around Lake Vänern as enjoyable and effortless as possible.

Once you’re familiar with your e-bike, the rest of the day is yours to explore Karlstad at your own pace. Take a leisurely ride around the city, visit local attractions, or simply relax and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

Get ready for an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and endless opportunities for exploration. Welcome to Lake Vänern!

Your journey today will take you from Karlstad to Kristinehamn, following the beautiful Vänernleden bike path. The route is a mix of tarmac and gravel paths that weave along the northern shores of Lake Vänern, providing stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Highlights:
- Experience the serene beauty of Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden and the third-largest lake in Europe.
- Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of the Swedish countryside, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and charming farms.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including a variety of bird species, as you pedal along the lake.

Once you arrive in Kristinehamn, take some time to explore this quaint town located on the northern shores of Lake Vänern. Highlights include the Picasso Sculpture, a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage, and the beautiful Kristinehamn church.

After a day of cycling and exploration, you'll retire to your accommodations for the evening, ready to rest up for the next stage of your adventure.

Kristinehamn to Sjötorp (80 km): Start at Kristinehamn's Guest Harbor or Herrgårdscamping. Head towards Värnerskärgården and the Picasso sculpture, where you should take time to enjoy the viewpoints. Cycle through a villa area and take a swim at Fyrudden or other nearby beaches. Follow Jutviksvägen to the pine forest-lined Possebergsvägen, stopping at Jutvikens beach.

Continue south to Värnanäs and King's resting place, and then to Revsand family camping for a night's stay or a swim. Further south, consider detours to Hult's summer home, Vike undivided village, and Sörgården farm shop for local organic meats.

South of Hult, head to Baggerud or Edskorset, passing Medhamn and Hamnudden. Optional detours include Dyrön's and Nötön Åråsviken nature reserves, and Visnum kil's church with its medieval inventory. After Visnum kil, spot deer enclosures and visit the farm shop at Hygns vilt. Cycle to Sund and turn off towards Bengtsgårds bathing place. Children can enjoy Värmland Säby farm's park labyrinth.

Cross road 26 cautiously, and continue through the forest on a gravel road over the dressage track. At the three-way intersection, choose to head towards Käbberud or continue towards Grunnebacka, Rudskoga church, and Gottbol's bathing place. Follow the gravel cycle path parallel to road 204, turning off towards Södra Råda and keeping an eye out for flea market signs. Consider a visit to Kronkärr's paint farm for wool crafts and a potential overnight stay to fully experience the countryside.

A 40 km ride to Mariestad with time to explore. Start at Sjötorp, the beginning of the Göta Canal. Spend the day biking along the canal. At Sjötorp, enjoy the locks, cafes, and smoked fish.

Bike along the Göta Canal for 10 km. Attractions include the Hamnmagasinet museum in Lyrestad and the Norrqvarn lock area with its hotel and unique accommodations. Further along, Hajstorp offers a cafe, hostel, and museum.

Once in Mariestad, explore the charming Old Town, museums, and take a boat tour in the Vänern Archipelago. Accommodations and restaurants abound, with options like Sill & Dynamit and Restaurant Bojjen.

Mariestad's old town is one of the country's best-preserved city centers with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the middle of wooden houses and cobblestone streets, the mighty cathedral, which began to be built in the 16th century, also rises.

Travel through varied landscapes featuring beautiful vistas, deep forests, and interesting nature reserves. The route includes low-traffic roads, gravel paths, and car-free sections, passing train stations where bikes are allowed.

A must-see is Aranäs Castle Ruins, once a royal castle, perched beautifully by Lake Vänern. In Hällekis, explore open studios in Falkängen's Craft Village and take short detours to Utsiktens coffee cottage or the lookout tower on Kinnekulle for stunning lake views.

The large quarry on 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 pastures. Stop at the café at the monastery for delicious soup or homemade treats.

In Lidköping, explore the lively city center with its Old Town Hall and market trade at Nya stadens torg. Visit the Rörstrand Center museum and outlet store, and don't miss the Vänern Museum, where you can learn about Sweden's largest lake and its 38 fish species.

On this stretch, make sure to take a detour to Hindens Rev for a 5 km hike on the narrow ridge extending into Lake Vänern.

In Söne, stop by Söne Dairy for a snack or lunch. Continue through Örslösa, along country roads and gravel paths through a fertile farming landscape. In Särestad, visit the local rural museum, before continuing to Salstad and Flo.

Upon reaching Flo, turn right at the junction, passing the bus stop at Bragnum sign. After about 400 meters, pass through a farm, then take a left at the end of the grass road onto Hunneberg Plateau. The climb may be tough, but the Flo-view at the top is worth it, offering a panoramic view of Dättern, Vänersnäs, and Lake Vänern.

Halfway to Bergagården, visit Erdalen, where a charcoal kiln is built annually. Before reaching Bergagården, pass Eldmörjan Lake, perfect for paddling. Visit Kungajaktsmuseet Älgens Berg for lunch and information on local hiking trails and guided tours, including beaver safaris.

Explore the sub-cambrian Peneplane at Nordkroken, a half-billion-year-old flat landscape.

Vänersborg, also known as "Little Paris," offers a variety of activities and attractions. Explore the cultural axis from the Residency to the museum, known for its collection of African birds. Visit the Tourist Office for more information. Enjoy the old cheese shop, harbor canal, and guest harbor.