Vänersborg at the southern tip of Lake Vänern: Swimming spots, trails and culture

Vänersborg lies at the southern tip of Lake Vänern. Water shapes many of the experiences that make a stay here special: the municipality has five larger public swimming spots on the lake, as well as lakeside trails and paddling opportunities. The museum, market tradition and historic sites also give a trip a variety of highlights.

Swimming spots and lakeside trails on Lake Vänern

Ursand is a shallow beach with grassy, rocky and sandy areas. It also has a toilet, playground, kiosk, food and drink options, and a swimming pool. At Skräcklan, sandy beach, rocky swimming spots and steps come together; you’ll also find playgrounds, toilets, benches and the services of Skräcklestugan. Gaddesanna on Vänersnäs has a long, child-friendly sandy beach, as well as a kiosk, parking and toilets.

The shape of the shoreline and the facilities listed are the main things to consider when choosing a swimming spot: Ursand combines grass, rocks and sand, Gaddesanna has a long sandy beach, and rocky swimming spots and steps are part of the shoreline at Skräcklan.

The Dalbobergen Nature Reserve follows the shore of Lake Vänern for more than three kilometres between Dalbobron and Ursand. The Dalbostigen trail runs through the reserve, often high above the water, offering impressive views. Trails run along both sides of the Karls Grav canal for walking or cycling; the route is about 8.5 kilometres long in total.

Routes and trails on the water

Longer routes are also worth considering. The tenth and final stage of the Pilgrimsleden Göta älv runs from the church in Trollhättan to Dalbobron in Vänersborg. The Vänerleden is a national cycling route of about 640 kilometres that circles Lake Vänern in four stages. The Vänersborg–Åmål and Vänersborg–Mariestad stages each begin or end in Vänersborg. The cycling routes Linnéleden, Sverigeleden, Västgötaleden and Dalslandsleden also pass through the area.

For an activity on the water, you can rent kayaks through KAYAKOMAT at Skräcklan. Paddles, life jackets and spray decks are included. Check current availability with KAYAKOMAT in advance.

Museum, market and history

Vänersborgs museum is Sweden’s oldest museum institution. It displays Egyptian mummy cases, African birds, Nordic animals, art and changing exhibitions. The collections of Vänersborgs museum and Kulturlagret together comprise about 350,000 objects, 1,500,000 photographs, about 60,000 books and around 120 individual archives.

The October Market has been held in the centre of Vänersborg for over 200 years and is a recurring market event. Among other things, you can buy handicrafts, sweets and reindeer sausage there. Brätte is also part of the city’s history: in the 16th century, it developed from a marketplace into a town with royal privileges. After the older market town was replaced by a new town farther north, Vänersborg was granted town rights in 1644.

Architecture, art and other points of interest

Vassända-Naglums kyrka is a Gustavian-style church built between 1797 and 1799. The 50-hectare park at Restad Gård has a different historical connection: it occupies the site of a former psychiatric hospital and is being developed and enhanced. Artscape Vänersborg now comprises 16 murals that can be viewed around the municipality; a map shows their locations.

At the summit of Hallesnipen, the Predikstolen viewpoint offers expansive views and a panorama of Sweden’s largest lake. The municipality of Vänersborg is also home to the Brinkebergskulle lock, the uppermost of six locks that regulate the waterway between Lake Vänern and Sweden’s west coast.

Discover more destinations: Vänersborg, Brålanda, Frändefors, Vargön, Ekenäs, Västra Tunhem, Lerum, Vårgårda.

For the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.