Mariestad: Old Town and Waterways

The Göta Canal and Lake Vänern meet in Mariestad. The city has a 14 Swedish-mile-long coastline, with tens of thousands of skerries offshore. The historic parts of the city and several walking and cycling routes are also among the features that shape a stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Mariestad, you can plan your trip around whether you’re especially interested in the city’s history, walks or waterways.

Gamla Stan and Mariestad’s architectural history

Gamla Stan in Mariestad is considered one of Sweden’s ten best-preserved town centres. Most of the buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the northern part, known as Näset, architectural elements from before the great city fire of 1693 have been preserved. Gamla Stan therefore reveals different historical layers: the older surviving architectural elements in Näset and the buildings that mostly date from the following two centuries.

Mariestad Cathedral also offers a distinct point of reference in time. It was built between 1593 and 1625. During the restoration from 1903 to 1905, its spire was raised to its present height of 82 metres. The building period and the later alteration to the same structure can thus be clearly distinguished.

Walks and guided city tours

The Four Bridges Walk is a 1.8-kilometre circular route through urban and park areas. It follows paved and gravel walking and cycling paths and can be used at any time of year. Its length and circular route provide a clear guide for anyone wanting to include a walk in their stay.

The Vandra över fyra broar walk runs through central Mariestad, along and across the River Tidan. The route includes historic surroundings and nature experiences. Guided walks in Gamla Stan are offered on several dates a week in summer; groups can book walks year-round. Check the seasonal dates before travelling.

The Göta Canal, Lake Vänern and cycling routes

The Göta kanalleden is 220 kilometres long in total, divided into seven stages, and includes 87 kilometres of car-free towpath. It is designated as Sweden’s national cycling route number 7. The Göta Canal Trail connects Söderköping/Mem on the Baltic Sea with Sjötorp/Mariestad on Lake Vänern. These distance figures put a short circular route through the town on a different scale from a multi-stage cycling route: the Four Bridges Walk is 1.8 kilometres long, while the Göta kanalleden is 220 kilometres in total.

Mariestad’s coastline stretches for 14 Swedish miles, with tens of thousands of skerries offshore. Visitors arriving by boat can explore warm rocks, sandy beaches, fishing opportunities and sunsets. Alongside walks and cycling routes, the coast and experiences on the water are also options to consider when planning a trip.

Getting there by train

The Kinnekulletåget provides a direct train connection from Gothenburg or Örebro to Mariestad. Gothenburg and Örebro are the train’s termini. If you plan to travel on this service, check the operator’s timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Ekby, Torsö, Sjötorp, Lugnås, Lyrestad.

Go to the main travel overview: Mariestad.