Must-see sights and attractions in Dalsland
Dalsland is known as ‘Sweden in miniature’. It’s not hard to like Dalsland; the hard part is choosing what you like best. Not sure what you want to see and experience? Here are 10 of our most popular attractions to visit, in no particular order.
Håverud & Upperud
Mellerud
Aqueduct, culture & good food
A spectacular convergence of road, rail and waterways. The aqueduct and lock staircase in Håverud are among Dalsland’s most popular attractions. Visit the Dalsland Canal Museum, a beautiful exhibition that tells the story of the canal. Pop into the Visit Dalsland centre and enjoy a delicious meal at Håverud’s Rökeri & Brasseri.
Tip!
- Just 2 km along a beautiful country road from Håverud, you’ll find Dalsland Art Museum. It features current exhibitions, a permanent exhibition on Dalsland and a cosy café.
- Stay the night! Håveruds Hotell offers beautiful rooms with lake views and truly delicious food.
- There are several scenic walking trails in the area. Maps are available at the Tourist Office.
Not Quite
Fengersfors, Åmål
Cultural Centre with a twist
A venue and a network for artists, craftspeople and designers. Featuring exhibition spaces, a bistro and a shop right in the heart of Dalsland. On the industrial estate, you’ll also find the artisan bakers at Brukets godaste, who supply both the bistro and the rest of Dalsland with freshly baked delicacies.
Tip!
- Fröbacken’s cut-flower nursery, farm shop and café – pick your own bouquets and relax in the beautiful garden.
- Hiking in Ronjaland – Four beautiful hiking trails in a rolling landscape.
Several lovely B&Bs for those wishing to stay overnight. - Fröskogs Church with authentic peasant Baroque style – open with an audio guide in the summer.
Dalslands Aktiviteter
Steneby, Bengtsfors
Adrenaline, competitions & nature experiences
Dalsland Activities – one of Northern Europe’s largest centres for outdoor experiences and adventures in the countryside. Conquer your fear of heights on an obstacle course 18 metres above the ground, or dare to take the plunge on one of the Nordic region’s longest ziplines. Go for a horse ride or pan for gold. You can also stay right in the heart of nature. Either in cottages, teepees or right under the stars in a glass cabin from The 72 Hour Cabin.
Travel on the canal with Dalslands kanaltrafik
Dalsland & south of Värmland
One of Europe’s most beautiful waterways
Enjoy 253 kilometres of navigable waterways through the vast, scenic lake system stretching from Köpmannebro in the south to Östervallsskog in the north. Only 12 kilometres consist of dug or blasted canal; the rest is a natural lake system where you can travel freely by canoe or pleasure boat, far from the crowds.
Tip!
- The Dalsland Canal is served by two lovely turn-of-the-century boats that take passengers through the beautiful surroundings along the canal. They run from both Bengtsfors and Håverud. You take the passenger boat one way and then take the DVVJ railbus back to where you started. The trips run daily from mid-June to the end of August.
Tresticklan National Park
Dals-Ed
Lovely hikes & cosy accommodation
One of Sweden’s thirty national parks is located in Dalsland, between Lake Stora Le and the Norwegian border. Covering an area of 30 km², it is southern Sweden’s largest roadless and undeveloped forest area. The landscape is characterised by narrow, high ridges, a peaceful environment where you can hike through unspoilt wilderness for several days.
Tip!
- Vita Huset vid Stora Le B&B offers comfortable rooms with lake views. Nössemarks Camping is a colourful and inspiring place full of warmth and events.
- If you want to make the most of your visit to Tresticklan – book a nature guide.
Dals Rostock
Mellerud
A charming summer gem
Dals Rostock is an old spa town with an interesting history that can still be experienced today. In Brunnsparken, Kerstin Ljungqvist, an expert in medicinal plants, has her studio and a large herb garden. Visit the museum, café, second-hand bookshop and vintage shop in the park. The old senate building is now Kroppefjäll B&B, and on the hill you can walk the Doctor Saedén Trail, a path over 100 years old featuring 22 monuments in the Old Norse spirit, designed to draw the sick out into nature for beneficial exercise and fresh air.
Tip!
- Another popular attraction is the little station house, which is a replica half the size of the original building.
- Dals Rostock is known for its many events. Everything from music festivals to lectures and courses.
- Kroppefjäll Park is Dalsland’s most dog-friendly area, with a large dog park.
Majberget
Bengtsfors
Straw history, Dalsland Cottages & Unparalleled Views
Visit Halmens Hus, the Nordic region’s only straw museum, with beautiful exhibitions that tell the story of straw’s significance to Dalsland. There is also a large, well-stocked craft shop here. On the hill, you’ll also find Gammelgården Open-Air Museum, with over 20 buildings that bear witness to a bygone era and have interesting stories to tell. In summer, you can take a guided tour of the buildings. Take a break with a summer coffee and Bengtsfors’ best views in the café.
Tip!
- Below Majberget you’ll find Dals Konfektyr – Dalsland’s sweet factory with a shop.
- Bengtsfors is full of restaurants. Some favourites include Storgatan 19 Kök & Bar, known for its excellent menu and lovely cocktail bar, and Rosellmagasinet with its waterside location.
Åmål City
Åmål
Dalsland’s only town
This charming summer town where Lake Vänern flows right into the centre. Stroll through the marina with an ice cream in hand. Feel the breath of history in the Old Town. Shop and enjoy delicious food amongst the small shops and restaurants. Åmål is a town full of events, offering everything from a Blues Festival to Bokdagar i Dalsland and town festivals.
Tip!
- Don’t miss the art exhibitions at Åmål Art Gallery by the Library.
- Dalslands Skafferi offers everything from lunch, coffee and cake, and dinner to concerts and a nightclub.
Hiking - a pleasure in Dalsland
Dalsland
Dalsland is a fantastic hiking destination, and with nature ever-present, you’re never far from the nearest hiking trail. Many of our visitors come here to enjoy a leisurely hike. Beautiful trails and magnificent scenery by day, a delicious dinner and a comfortable bed by night. Let our accommodation providers spoil you with homemade packed lunches and snacks for your rucksack, as well as great tips on the best walks. So that you can simply enjoy nature and have a wonderful time.
Dalsland – Sweden’s gravel destination
Dalsland
Dalsland and our nature is made for adventures on two wheels. You can bike for hours without meeting any cars, and there are plenty of nice stops for a coffee or lunch. We have no less than 17 route suggestions for gravelbike with more than 800 km of gravel roads to discover. For those who want to bike on well-marked and maintained trails through the area, Dalsland has no less than 3 fine trails to choose from - Vänerleden, Unionsleden & Lelångenleden.
The best canoeing lakes in Europe
Dalsland Nordmarken
The lake system in northern Dalsland, which is called the DANO area, is made for kayaking. Mile after mile, lake after lake in beautiful nature with hilly landscapes and elongated lakes. There are plenty of canoe rentals in the area who are happy to give you tips on tours and good advice. When you get a craving for coffee, just put the coffee pot in the lake.
More to see and do
There is a lot to experience in Dalsland. The beautiful nature, creative culture and good and locally produced food. The people are friendly and will make sure you have a lovely holiday in Dalsland.