Gustavsfors by the Dalsland Canal

Waterways and location

Gustavsfors lies on the Dalsland Canal, on the border between Dalsland and Värmland. Route 172 runs through the town. The Gustavsfors lock station is a single-chamber lock that leads from Lake Lelången into Lake Västra Silen; it is lock number 23 on the Dalsland Canal. Boaters arriving via Lakes Västra Silen and Lelången can moor at the Gustavsfors guest jetty. The guest harbour has 16 berths, a slipway and six parking spaces for harbour guests.

The Gustavsfors bathing area is on Lake Lelång. The lake is one of the largest in the area and is part of the Dalsland Canal lake system. For orientation on the water, it is helpful to distinguish between them: Lelång is both the lake with the bathing area and the lake from which the lock begins; Västra Silen lies on the other side of the lock connection.

Canoeing, fishing and trails

Gustavsfors has a canoe rental and opportunities for fishing. The Dalsland-Nordmarken canoe fishing permit is sold at ICA Optimisten. This gives you two different ways to plan activities in the town: renting equipment and fishing.

The hiking trails also offer different ways to plan your trip. The second stage of the Lelånge Trail runs from Gustavsfors to Dals Långed. The Vammerviksleden, on the other hand, can be started in Gustavsfors or Vammerviken. One trail is described by a stage and its destination, while the other lists two starting points. Check the Lelånge Trail route description before setting out.

Another activity is rail biking: in Gustavsfors, you can rent rail bikes for the disused railway line between Bengtsfors and Kyrkerud (Årjäng). This route offers a different experience from the hiking trails and water-based activities.

Industrial history and culture

Gustavsfors’s industrial character has roots in the 18th century. The Gustavsfors Bruksmuseum covers the history of the mill, the local school and boat traffic on the canal. Together, these topics reflect different aspects of the town’s history: work, education and transport on the water. The Norra Kulturkanalen begins in the old industrial town of Gustavsfors, at its Bruksmuseum.

Gustavsfors Chapel is also part of the town’s history. In 1891, the Kyrkans vänner, a local association of the Evangeliska fosterlandsstiftelsen, and the Missionsförsamlingen jointly built the chapel. It reflects important aspects of Christian work in the former industrial community. The chapel houses the Steinton triptych “Vision i smedjan,” created by Olga Aue-Birkfeldt in 1978.

Folk på Vänna

Just outside Gustavsfors, at Mossviken on the shore of Västra Silen, the Folk på Vänna festival is held annually at Vänna Gård. It brings the American South and the Appalachians to northern Dalsland. The festival grounds offer a food truck, a bar, homemade Southern cuisine, a country DJ, cornhole lanes and camping. Vänna Gård also hosts other folk music events. Check the dates and arrangements before travelling.

Getting your bearings

ICA Optimistens Lanthandel is a staffed tourist information point offering basic tourist information, brochures and personal service. Together with the sales point for the Dalsland-Nordmarken canoe fishing permit, it provides a practical place to start when planning activities in Gustavsfors.

Discover more destinations: Dals Långed, Ödskölt, Bengtsfors, Billingsfors, Bäckefors.

Back to the main travel guide: Bengtsfors.