Things to do in Trollhättan - our 10 best tips

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated May 2026 | Looking for things to do in Trollhättan? We came here by camper and were immediately pleasantly surprised. Here are the best sights, tips and a complete itinerary for 2 days.

Trollhättan

We came here completely unprepared to explore the city. What we found was that there was much more to discover than we had expected.

10 things to do in Trollhättan

Trollhättan is like a wonderful adventure. Here are 10 things we can recommend in Trollhättan

1. Hanging in the lock area

The lock area is a pleasant area with both new and old locks, guest harbour, boats, lock café and ice cream kiosk. At this time of year, there is a great holiday atmosphere here, and you can easily spend a few hours looking at boats, having coffee and ice cream, or visiting the canal museum.

2. See the old sluiceways

In Trollhättan there is not just one lock route, but three. There are also two older locks, which are no longer in use. The oldest lock route was built in 1794-1800, and includes a total of 8 locks. In its day, it was considered the eighth wonder of the world.

After some time, the first lock channel became too small and it was realised that a new channel for larger boats needed to be built. Lockway number 2 was built between 1838 and 1844, using the same dimensions as the Göta Canal locks.

3. look at sluicing

After some time, the second sluiceway became too small and a third one had to be built. This one dates from 1916 and replaced the two older locks. Both leisure boats and large freighters lock here, and somehow your eyes are constantly drawn to the spectacle.

The lock in use today takes boats that are 90 metres long, 13.7 metres wide and 5.7 metres deep. It's really fascinating to see these big ships locking. Powerful!

READ MORE: Trollhätte canal by campervan - a journey along the Göta river

4. Take a boat trip on the Göta River

During the summer months, M/S Elfkungen makes trips along the Göta River. Our motorhome neighbours at the campsite booked themselves on a shrimp cruise, and we were keen to join in. Then we realised that we needed to work at the computers in the evening.

5. Discovering the city by bike

Trollhättan is great to discover by bike. We took our electric bikes around the lock area, to the Trollhätte Falls and to the city centre. Most of the time you cycle along water (there is really water everywhere through Trollhättan!) and it is nice to cycle.

Among other things, we cycled past Trollhättan's church, which is very beautiful surrounded by water.

6. Experiencing the drop and the drop zone

Trollhättan is renowned for the mighty Trollhätte Falls, which erupt at specific times when the water gates are opened for the falls. In the summer of 2020, the waterfall releases are cancelled, so unfortunately we could not see this. We have, with permission, borrowed a picture from Visit Trollhättan Vänersborg, which shows what it can look like.

However, we made it to the Oskars Bridge where there is a view of the falls area. Why Peter points to Christopher Polhem? The scientist Polhem (1661-1751) designed Brinkeberg Hill.

Right next to the falls is the King's Cave, which can be said to be Trollhättan's own guestbook for royal visits through the ages.

7. Admire the view from the Copper Cliff!

For a really cool view, head to Kopparklinten, which is just above the Trollhätte Falls, if you follow the motorway and then walk.

We still managed to take a decent picture of the view.

8. Visit the SAAB car museum

A perfect activity when it rains is to visit the Saab Museum. It doesn't really matter if you are interested in cars or not, this is Swedish history! At the museum you can see everything from the oldest models to the newest ones. You can also see models that were developed but never produced for sale, racing cars and various odd objects such as boats and postal cars.

9. Explore the Innovatum area

The Saab Car Museum is located in what is known as the Innovatum area. Here are the industrial buildings from the glory days of the engineering company NOHAB, but today the premises are filled with other things. In addition to the car museum, you will find Trollhättan's art gallery here, as well as a preserved smithy from the NOHAB era. Families with children may also appreciate the Innovatum Science Centre.

10. stroll along the Walk of Fame

You can't visit the film studio, but you can walk along the ”Walk of Fame” on Storgatan. Just like in Hollywood, there are big stars in the ground, showing film stars who have visited.

I (Helena) made sure to photograph myself together with my namesake Helena Bergström (yes, my surname is Bergström). Other famous names we noticed included

• Pernilla August
• Rolf Lassgård
• Mikael Persbrandt
• Stellan Skarsgård
• Lena Olin
• Nicole Kidman

More to do in Trollhättan

There is of course more to see and do in Trollhättan!

• The tourist office mentions, among other things, that you can hike in the Älvrummet nature area, which connects the falls area with the locks.
• You can fish in the Göta River.
• You can go on guided tours of the former Olidan hydroelectric station.
• Trollhättan as a ”playground city”, with various exciting playgrounds for children.

Where can you stay and park your camper?

Best areas to stay and explore

• Centre of Trollhättan - Perfect location close to restaurants, shopping and attractions.
• Lock area / falls - For proximity to nature and the city's greatest experiences.
• Innovatum area - For culture, museums and family-friendly activities.
• Areas close to rivers - Perfect for walking and a slower pace.

Pitches and campsites

There is a car park right next to the lock area, and here we were. We thought this was an excellent place with a nice view of the canal and good service in the form of electricity, the possibility of filling water and emptying grey and black water, as well as toilets. From here you have walking distance to the lock area and the Innovatum area, and cycling distance to the city centre.

If you do not need service, or if it is full, there is now also a simple and free car park with a few spaces within the lock area. The site is called "Gården Åker".

More city guides nearby

Are you planning to travel around western Sweden? Here you will find several guides.

• Things to do in Vänersborg
• Things to do in Smögen
• Things to do in King's Landing
• Things to do in Hunnebostrand
• Things to do in Lysekil
• Things to do in Uddevalla

FaQ - frequently asked questions about Trollhättan

WHAT IS TROLLHÄTTAN BEST KNOWN FOR?

Especially the Trollhätte Falls, the locks and its industrial history.

HOW TO GET TO TROLLHÄTTAN?

Trollhättan is easily reached by train or car and is close to Gothenburg.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TROLLHÄTTAN?

Summer is the most popular, especially when the falls come on, but the area is beautiful all year round.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN TROLLHÄTTAN?

1-2 days are enough to experience the main sights, but you can stay longer and explore the area around the Göta River.

READ MORE: Campsites and caravan parks in Västergötland

READ MORE: Things to do in Västergötland - sights and experiences