Cycling & Interrail along Sweden's National Trail

Cycling and Train Tour along Lake Vänern and the Göta Canal – 6 Days
Experience a wonderful cycling holiday around Lake Vänern and the Göta Canal, combining cycling, train travel and luggage transfer. Cycle along the Göta Canal, discover Mariestad, Kinnekulle and Lidköping, visit Läckö Castle and enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Lake Vänern.
During the journey, you combine cycling on quiet roads with the Kinnekulle train

Day 1: Töreboda – Sjötorp 20 km
Cycling Holiday & Train Tour along the Göta Canal, Lake Vänern & Kinnekulle
Your cycling holiday begins at the charming Pensionat Prästgården in Töreboda, where you collect your bicycle and set off along the Göta Canal. Today’s cycling takes you along quiet, car-free gravel paths with the canal as your companion.
After a few kilometres, you reach Hajstorp, one of the Göta Canal’s finest canal and lock areas. Here you can stop for a while, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, watch the boats and experience the activity around the locks. There is also an opportunity to enjoy a coffee or something tasty to eat.
The route then continues towards Norrqvarn, a popular spot right beside the Göta Canal. Here you can sit down by the jetty, enjoy a coffee or something delicious to eat while the boats slowly pass along the canal.
You then continue cycling along the Göta Canal towards Sjötorp. Along the way, you pass the canal’s historic locks and can experience the boating activity up close. In total, you pass 19 locks on the route between Töreboda and Sjötorp.
When you arrive in Sjötorp, Pensionat Kajutan awaits, beautifully located right beside the Göta Canal and the locks. Here you can relax after the day’s cycling and enjoy the wonderful canal atmosphere.
Highlight of the day: Cycling along the Göta Canal, Hajstorp, Norrqvarn and the historic locks.
Tip of the day: Take your time to stop in Hajstorp and Norrqvarn and enjoy coffee, boating and the beautiful canal surroundings.
Terrain: Easy cycling on car-free gravel paths.
Luggage transfer: Your luggage is transported to the accommodation for the day.
 
Day 2: Sjötorp – Lyrestad – Mariestad 18 km + train
Cycle to Lyrestad and take the train to Mariestad!
After breakfast, you leave Sjötorp and cycle along the Göta Canal towards Lyrestad, a distance of approximately 8 km. Here you board the Kinnekulle train for a pleasant train journey to Mariestad. Of course, your bicycle travels with you on the train.
When you arrive in Mariestad, a charming small town on the shores of Lake Vänern awaits. Take some time to explore the old town with its well-preserved wooden houses and charming streets before continuing by bicycle.
Today’s cycling continues along the shores of Lake Vänern towards Snapen outdoor recreation area. Here you can take a refreshing swim in Lake Vänern and enjoy a Swedish summer day with the lake right beside you.
Back in Mariestad, you can end the day with a walk around the cosy guest harbour and enjoy the boating atmosphere before relaxing after the day’s cycling holiday.
Highlight of the day: The Kinnekulle train to Mariestad and the town’s charming surroundings by Lake Vänern.
Tip of the day: Try an ice cream from Klings – a local favourite that is perfect on a summer day by Lake Vänern.
Terrain: Easy cycling on quiet roads, along Lake Vänern and through Mariestad’s charming town centre.
Transport: Train Lyrestad – Mariestad. Tickets can easily be purchased through the Västtrafik To Go app, approximately SEK 38 per person.
Luggage transfer: Your luggage is transported to the accommodation for the day.
 
Day 3: Mariestad – Hällekis – Källby – Lidköping 18 km + train
Cycle through beautiful Kinnekulle!
After breakfast, it is time to take the train from Mariestad to Hällekis. Your bicycle travels with you, and after approximately 25 minutes you arrive at the foot of Kinnekulle.
Here today’s cycling begins through one of Västergötland’s most beautiful landscapes. You cycle through the green and scenic surroundings of Kinnekulle, with parts of the Vänerleden cycling route accompanying you. Along the way, you will encounter small villages, historic sites, medieval churches, manor houses and beautiful nature reserves.
One of today’s pleasant stops is Hellekis Säteri, beautifully situated on the slopes of Kinnekulle with views over Lake Vänern. Here you can stroll through the well-known gardens, enjoy the surroundings and have a coffee or lunch.
The cycling continues through the beautiful countryside towards Källby, where you finish today’s cycling and take the train onwards to Lidköping.
A wonderful evening awaits in Lidköping. Here you can relax after the day’s cycling and enjoy a three-course dinner on the Stadshotellet’s outdoor terrace.
Highlight of the day: The beautiful landscape of Kinnekulle and a visit to Hellekis Säteri.
Tip of the day: Take some time to stroll through the rose garden at Hellekis Säteri – a particularly lovely experience during the summer.
Terrain: Easy to moderate cycling on paved and gravel roads through countryside and small villages.
Transport: Train Mariestad – Lidköping. Tickets can easily be purchased through the Västtrafik To Go app, approximately SEK 38 per person/trip. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes.
Luggage transfer: Your luggage is transported to the accommodation for the day.
 
Day 4: Lidköping – Läckö Castle – Lidköping
A day by Lake Vänern and the magnificent Läckö Castle!
After breakfast, it is time to leave the bicycle behind for a while and discover Läckö Castle, beautifully situated on Kållandsö by the shores of Lake Vänern. From Lidköping, you take the bus to Läckö. Tickets can easily be purchased through the Västtrafik To Go app and cost approximately SEK 76 return per person.
At Läckö Castle, a day filled with history, beautiful surroundings and magnificent views over Lake Vänern awaits. Take a walk through the castle’s impressive Baroque halls and discover the beautiful Little Castle Garden.
There is also an opportunity to enjoy a coffee or lunch and take in the beautiful castle surroundings. Make sure to visit Naturum Vänern – Victoriahuset, where you can learn more about the nature and archipelago of Lake Vänern.
During the day, there is plenty of time to walk around, explore the area and enjoy the beautiful landscape around Lake Vänern before the bus takes you back to Lidköping.
Highlight of the day: Läckö Castle and the magnificent views over Lake Vänern.
Tip of the day: Take some time to walk through the Little Castle Garden and enjoy the views over Lake Vänern.
Terrain: Easy sightseeing and walking.
Transport: Bus Lidköping–Läckö return. Tickets can easily be purchased through the Västtrafik To Go app, approximately SEK 76 return per person.
 
Day 5: Lidköping – Kinnekulle – Lyrestad – Töreboda
Travel by train through Kinnekulle and finish with cycling along the Göta Canal!
After breakfast, it is time for the final day of the journey. You board the train from Lidköping and let the train take you through the beautiful landscape of Kinnekulle. Of course, your bicycle travels with you during the train journey.
Along the way, there is an opportunity to get off at Forshem and Hällekis to discover some of Kinnekulle’s charming surroundings. There are historic sights, small shops and antique stores to explore.
You then continue by train to Lyrestad, where you cycle the final part of the journey. From here, you cycle approximately 12.5 km along the Göta Canal on the quiet, car-free canal path back to Töreboda.
When you arrive, your cycling holiday has returned to where it began – at Pensionat Prästgården in Töreboda. Here you check in for the final night of the journey and can relax after five days filled with cycling, train journeys, the Göta Canal, Lake Vänern and Kinnekulle.
It is a wonderful way to end your cycling holiday – and the next morning you wake up at Pensionat Prästgården, the same place where your journey began.
Highlight of the day: Kinnekulle’s picturesque railway stations and the final cycling section along the Göta Canal.
Tip of the day: Stop in Hällekis and discover the local surroundings and attractions around Hellekis Säteri.
Terrain: Train journey through beautiful landscapes followed by easy cycling on a car-free canal path.
Transport: Train Lidköping – Lyrestad. Tickets can easily be purchased through the Västtrafik To Go app, approximately SEK 38 per person.
Luggage transfer: Your luggage is transported back to Töreboda.
Accommodation: Pensionat Prästgården, Töreboda.
 
Day 6 – Breakfast and departure
After a good breakfast at Pensionat Prästgården, it is time to end your cycling holiday.
Your journey ends at the same place where it began – in Töreboda, right beside the Göta Canal.
 
Book your summer cycling holiday along the Göta Canal and Lake Vänern!
Experience cycling, sunshine, swimming, history, beautiful landscapes and charming villages and small towns on a five-day cycling holiday filled with wonderful experiences.
Cycle along the Göta Canal, discover the beautiful surroundings of Lake Vänern and experience Kinnekulle by both bicycle and train. A complete cycling holiday for couples, friends and groups who want to experience Sweden in an active and comfortable way.
 
Train tickets
Train tickets can easily be purchased by each traveller through the Västtrafik To Go app. You purchase and pay for the ticket directly in the app, and the cost is approximately SEK 38 per person per trip. This makes train travel during your cycling holiday simple and convenient.
 
Included
Luggage transfer
Accommodation at Pensionat Kajutan, shared double room, Sjötorp
Accommodation at Hotell Vänerport, shared double room, Mariestad
Accommodation at Stadshotellet, shared double room, Lidköping
Accommodation at Pensionat Prästgården, shared double room, Töreboda
2 × three-course dinners, drinks not included, Lidköping
1 × dinner package of your choice: barbecue package / cold cuts, drinks not included, Töreboda
5 × breakfast buffet
7-speed bicycle including bicycle basket
1 × bicycle repair kit
1 × map
1 × route description

Optional extras
Cancellation protection: SEK 250 per person
Extra night at Pensionat Prästgården, double room: SEK 1,850
Extra night at Pensionat Prästgården, Töreboda, single room: SEK 1,550
E-bike: SEK 4,000 per person

When booking this offer you stay at “ Pensionat Prästgården ”.