Dalsland Canal

From Köpmannebro by Lake Vänern to the most northerly point of Östervallskog

Length: 250 km

Number of locks: 31 locks, 17 lock stations

Inaugurated: 1869

The Dalsland Canal is regarded as one of the most beautiful waterways in Europe. The canal is like a pearl necklace made up of small lakes, bays, fjords, and bi-links which are connected by around 12 km of canal which have been dug out or dynamited. This combines to give a canal-based nature experience that’s in a class of its own.

The total length of the lake system is about 250 km and it extends from the west side of Lake Vänern, taking you through Dalsland, further on into Värmland and finally into Norway. In the lake system there are 31 locks divided between 17 lock stations where lock keepers will meet you at each station. The canal splits at various points, so you can discover new parts of the lake system every time you visit.   

Most people choose to experience the Dalsland canal from the water by motorboat, yacht or canoe. If you don’t have a boat, you can always jump on one of the charming touring boats from the turn of the 20th century that make their way up and down the canal.  The Dalslands Kanaltrafik shipping company, led by the Holmedal family, has daily departures throughout the summer from both Håverud and Bengtsfors. Join a day trip with good food and a pleasant journey through the locks from lake to lake, surrounded by beautiful nature. A DVVJ railcar will then take you back to your starting point.

There are plenty of sights to see and pleasant places to stop along the Dalsland Canal. In Upperud, there’s Upperud 9:9, a cool boutique hotel housed in an old silo, which is well worth a night’s stay. And the fact that it neighbours Dalslands Konstmuseum art gallery makes Upperud even more worth a visit. The short distance between Upperud and Håverud makes for an enjoyable walk. 

The aqueduct in Håverud is Dalsland’s most popular attraction. Due to the condition of the land in Håverud, it wasn’t possible to build a regular lock facility there. The canal builder, Nils Ericsson, came up with the genius idea of building an aqueduct instead, a suspension bridge, where the water flows into a 33.5 metre long steel trench above the rapids. In the area around the aqueduct - Dalsland Center - there are museums, restaurants, shops and handicrafts.

Once you’ve passed by the lovely locks at Buterud, you’ll soon be at Lake Råvarpen. At Högsbyn, on the east side of the lake, you’ll find an amazing area with rock carvings, featuring carvings from the bronze age.

Once you’ve passed by Dals Långed, you’re at Laxsjön. On this protruding peninsula, you’ll find Baldernäs Herrgård, surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve and a park with wonderful hiking trails. First class mansion accommodation with a restaurant recommended by the White Guide, and its own guest harbour. 

When you reach Bengtsfors, it could be time to really get your body moving. After a walk up Majberget, you can enjoy a tasty cup of coffee at Café Kaffestugan, with a mesmerising view over Bengtsfors and the Dalsland Canal. At the top of Majberget, you’ll find Halmens Hus with exhibitions and a handicrafts store as well as a beautiful open-air museum.  Take the chance to pedal a track trolley, hike, go on a bike tour or go canoeing. Or combine them all with a stay at Silverlake. You can hire bikes and canoes there. Dalsland Canal is part of the Dano-Dalsland Nordmarken lake system, which is a real mecca for canoeists, with over 100 camping sites. Of course, you can pass through the locks, even on a canoe, and anyone who is a bit unsure of themselves will be helped by the friendly lock keepers.

When you leave Bengtsfors, it’s time decide if you’ll head west towards Dals Ed, or north towards Värmland. If you choose to keep going northwards, you’ll soon reach Gustavsfors, which is a perfect place to stop and pick up supplies. A cosy little village with a general store, a german bakery, restaurants and a cosy guest harbour. A lovely hiking path will take you to Vammervikens Camping, directly north of Gustavsfors, where several of the charming cottages have thatched roofs and there’s also a beautiful spot for swimming.

Then it’s time to make another choice. Onward to Årjäng or towards Töcksfors? If you’re carrying on to Årjäng, go along Västra Silen, where you’ll continue your journey north into Värmland. On the western side of the lake, you can stop off at Blomskog shortly. While you’re there you can take the chance to have a coffee break at Ekebyns camping and take a walk up to Bårgåsgubben, a statue that was erected during the wartime of the 1600-1700’s to scare off enemies, according to local tradition.

Once you reach Årjäng guest harbour, it’s time to explore the city’s shops and restaurants. Why not have a go on the slide in the unusual Årjäng troll statue? Outside the centre of Årjäng, there’s the five star Sommarvikens Camping, which attracts guests from all over Europe. You can also visit one of Sweden’s most beautiful race tracks - Årjängstravet - which has race days almost every week during the summer.

Most of the attractions along the canal can be reached by car and there are several caravan parking spots and campsites along the canal. So, regardless of whether you choose to experience the Dalsland Canal by land or by water, you’ll easily see why the Dalsland Canal is one of the most beautiful in Europe.