DANO - the Dalsland-Nordmarken lake system

In the borderland between Dalsland, southern Värmland and Norway’s eastern border, you’ll find the Dalsland Nordmarken lake system - also known as the DANO area. The area is perfect for canoeing and has long been one of the most popular canoeing areas in Europe. The forests here are wild and beautiful, the water is often drinkable, and there are very few people.

The area is known for its very hilly scenery with a lot of deep-lying, long and slender, clear water lakes. You can float along 100 metre deep lakes here, as well as paddling down the Dalsland Canal and making your way out to the inland sea, Lake Vänern. Or why not take a detour up one of the many streams that flow into the lake system? The really adventurous types can even go over into Norway and continue up the Halden canal.

Any of the many canoe hire companies can provide you with equipment as well as helping you with everything from canoeing technique to safety and transportation. If you’re unsure of where you want to go canoeing, they’ll help you to put together suggested tours and daily sections to suit you and/or your group.

The lake system currently has over 100 organised and well-equipped camping areas. In some areas, a large number of canoeists can pass by in just one day during the July high season. While, at the same time, other camping areas are so secluded that the only thing you’ll see in the course of a day is forests, water, and the fauna around you.

The camping areas are made possible by canoeists like yourself buying the Naturvårdskort (nature conservation card). With the nature conservation card, you’re not just contributing to the maintenance of the camping areas but also to sustainable nature tourism, and taking a conscious responsibility for our shared resources. The nature conservation card is on sale from canoe hire companies, tourist agencies in the area, and online.  The camping areas are there both in order to protect the sensitive natural environment and to give visitors like yourself as great an experience as possible. The locations are selected with the flora and fauna in mind, and by agreement with landowners. Most of the locations have wind protection nowadays, all of them have an organised, permanent fireplace and an ecological toilet. In the camping areas, there will usually be firewood which you can chop up and split for yourself.

Regardless of whether you are an old hand at canoeing or a beginner, the DANO area is a joy to explore by canoe. Since most of the lakes are long and narrow, there are almost no waves to speak of, and when you fancy a coffee break, you can just dip your coffee pot in the lake. The waters are crystal clear!

If you’re missing a proper bed to sleep in, there are several hotels and B&B’s in the area, offering good food and freshly-made beds. Why not mix up your nature experience with hiking and pedalling a track trolley? There’s lots to see and discover in the DANO area.