Things to do in Mariestad - 10 tips for the pearl of Lake Vänern

What to do in Mariestad? The gem of Lake Vänern offers a truly picturesque little town with charming alleys, a stately church, delicious ice cream and wonderful nature experiences. Here are our top tips on what to see and do in Mariestad.

Mariestad

Mariestad is perhaps above all a summer town, with its proximity to Lake Vänern and its islands, the boat trips and the ice cream. However, coming here in April was also very nice.

Mariestad is a historic town, once founded by Gustav Vasa's son Duke Charles (later King Charles IX). There is a legend that visitors to the duke saw a bull rising from the river Tidan, and today it is that bull that can be seen on the town's coat of arms and elsewhere.

Mariestad is located on the eastern shore of Lake Vänern, just over 30 kilometres northeast of Lidköping, in Västra Götaland County.

What can you do in Mariestad?

So what can you do in Mariestad? Above all, you can enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the town and the harbour, but there is also more to discover. Here are our top tips.

1. Hang out in the harbour

Mariestad's harbour is a charming area, which especially blooms during the summer. But even now, on a sunny day in mid-April, it was nice to stroll around here. In addition to boat spotting, there are several nice food and ice cream parlours here. In a bunch of stalls, placed around an area with tables and chairs, you can buy things like seafood dishes, pizza, salads, churros and ice cream.

2. try Kling glass

Kling Glass is a local ice cream made in Mariestad. Its history goes back to the 1950s when Harry Kling started making ice cream. Today, the ice cream is popular among locals and visitors alike. We can agree that it is good, and not least it is very cosy to sit in the harbour and enjoy it.

3. Strolling in the Old Town

When you are in Mariestad, you will naturally want to discover the old neighbourhoods. The buildings are from the 18th and 19th centuries and in the northernmost part there are also parts that have been preserved from the time before the great city fire in 1693.

The old alleys are incredibly charming, with cobbled streets and pretty little wooden houses. Many of the houses have signs telling the story, and in summer there are also guided city walks organised a few times a week.

Other buildings and sites to check out include the Old Square, the Station House and the Mariestad City Hotel.

4. Check out Mariestad cathedral

Mariestad Cathedral was built between 1593 and 1625, following religious differences between Duke Charles (later King Charles IX) and his brother Johan III. Värmland and the northernmost part of Västergötland had broken away from the Diocese of Skara and formed their own 'superintendency' based in Mariestad.

In the 17th century superintendency and the church of Mariestad returned to the Diocese of Skara. Although the church today is neither linked to a diocese nor has a bishop, it has, like the cathedral in squid, kept the name "cathedral".

The church, which is a late Gothic-style cross church, was built mainly to the designs of St Clare's Church in Stockholm. It is open to visitors during the day and is well worth seeing inside. We were also lucky enough to be invited for church coffee when we were here.

5. Discovering Marieholm and Vadsbo Museum

Marieholm, located on an islet in the river Tidan, was originally called 'Tunaholm' and was owned by the noble family Tre Rosor. In 1558 the estate came into the possession of Gustav Vasa and became a royal estate. Later, Gustav Vasa's son, Duke Karl, took over the estate.

It was Duke Karl who, in 1583, founded the town of Mariestad next to the royal estate. He named the town after his wife Maria of Pfalz, and the farm was also renamed Marieholm.

In 1660, Marieholm became the residence of the governors, and Mariestad became the capital of Skaraborg County. Today you will find the Vadsbo Museum here, which tells the history of the area from ancient times to modern times. Every summer there is also a temporary summer exhibition. 

6. See the sunset at First Camp Ekudden

If you want to enjoy fine nature and beautiful sunsets, you can stay at First Camp Ekudden - Mariestad. Right next to the campsite is the beautiful nature reserve Ekudden. The campsite has sandy beaches and miniature golf, and right next door you'll find a temperate pool. In summer there is also a bistro and various activities for children and adults.

7. Experience Torsö, Brommö and Djurö.

There are several islands in Lake Vänern, just outside Mariestad. Torso is Vänern's largest island, accessible via the beautiful Torsö Bridge across the Baltic Sea. The island offers beautiful nature, family-friendly beaches and ancient monuments as well as a church, campsite and pub. However, the rune stone in the picture below is more recent - it was erected at the opening of the Torsö Bridge in 1994.

The next island, Brommö, is a car-free island with nature reserves, sandy beaches and hiking and cycling trails. You can get here by ferry from Torsö, and if you want to cycle, you can bring your own bike or rent one at the ferry terminal.

Last but not least, there are Djurö with its archipelago. These islands are a national park with rich bird, animal and plant life. You can only get here by your own boat, or by taxi boat.

In addition to camping on Torsö, there is a car park just before the Torsö Bridge. Really nice view from this place!

8. Hiking in beautiful nature

Around Mariestad there is plenty of beautiful nature and many fine hiking trails. For example, you can hike the 14-kilometre-long Brommöleden or Pilgrimsled Skaraborg, which consists of various partial trails. You can also discover Surö beech forest or Platåbergens Geopark.

9. Visit the Qvarnstensgruvan in Lugnås

Lugnåsberget is Västergötland's smallest plateau mountain and is located about one kilometre southwest of Mariestad. Here you are greeted by wonderfully lush nature, and if you climb the mountain you can also get a magnificent view of Kinnekulle and Lake Vänern.

There is also an interesting attraction in the form of the Qvarnstensgruvan mine. From the 12th century until the beginning of the 20th century, millstones were quarried here, in the mines and opencasts of Lugnåsberget. It was first monks who came here to build monasteries. They discovered that the stone was not at all good for building, but was excellent for millstones.

One of the 55 mines is shown to the public during guided tours. We came here too early in the season, so it was not open yet, but it was still interesting to stroll around among the huge millstones and the many information signs. In summer, in addition to the guided tours underground, there is also a café and small museum.

10. Take a trip to the Göta Canal

From Mariestad, the Göta Canal is not far away. This fantastic construction work was completed in 1832 and consists of a total of 87.3 kilometres of dug or blasted canal. In total, the canal has 58 locks and two aqueducts and is considered Sweden's largest construction project of all time. From Mariestad, you can visit Sjötorp, which is the canal's outlet into Lake Vänern, as well as Hajstorp and Töreboda.

More to see and do in Mariestad for nature lovers

There is of course even more to see and do in Mariestad, in addition to our suggestions. Here are some more tips for nature lovers.

• Boat trips There are various options, such as on Lake Vänern with M/S Marianne or on the Göta Canal with M/S Bellevue.
• Cycling can be done in many places, such as along the Göta Canal, the Brommö cycle path or along Blomstervägen in Sjötorp.
• Fishing you can do, for example in Tidan, Vänern or Lake Vristulven.
• Kayaking or canoeing you can do in the Vänern archipelago, the Göta Canal or the Vristulven.
• Ankle Wolf Adventure Centre runs an eco-orientated business with wilderness adventures, glamping and more.

More things to do in Mariestad for culture and food lovers

Here are also some more tips on things to do in Mariestad for those who like culture, food and history.

• The brewery offers locally produced beer and beer tastings. Moreover, Mariestad's beer can give the right feeling, even though it is currently brewed by Spendrups.
• Café Bäcken located just outside Mariestad, with summery treats and miniature golf (Ekuddenvägen 27).
• Canal Museum in Sjötorp is a canal and maritime museum (Sjötorp).
• Herring & Dynamite is a very popular restaurant in the harbour (Gästhamnen).

More to do in Mariestad for those travelling with children

Travelling with children? Then you can find some more tips on things to do in Mariestad here.

• Ekudden outdoor swimming pool offers temperate pools.
• Golfparken Mariestad offers adventure golf.
• Mariestad bathhouse is open all year round except in the summer.

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

There are of course plenty of hotels in Mariestad. If you're travelling by motorhome, there's also a wide range of places to choose from:

• Berth in the harbour with all the services you need. Price with electricity: 220 SEK/day, without electricity 190 SEK/day (2022).
• Parking on Strandvägen with a rubbish bin, but no other services. Free of charge.
• Ställplats Sundsörn is beautifully located by the bridge to Torsö. (Restaurant Brygghuset, Sundsörn)
• First Camp Ekudden - Mariestad (for prices see the campsite's website)

More to see and do near Mariestad

Not far from Mariestad are Forsvik Mill and Karlsborg Fortress, both of which offer interesting sights. It's also not too far to the fantastic Tiveden National Park.

Even more to see and do in Mariestad?

We have really enjoyed our days in Mariestad and can highly recommend a visit here. Have you been to Mariestad? How was your experience? Do you have any other good tips?

Facts about Mariestad

• Municipality: Mariestad
• County: Västra Götaland County
• Landscape: Västergötland
• Population: More than 24 000 (2021)
• Nickname: Pearl of Lake Vänern
• Slogan: The seaside town of Mariestad
• Read more: You can find more information at West Sweden

History of Mariestad

16th century

• 1583: Mariestad was founded by Gustav Vasa's son Duke Charles (later King Charles IX) who named the town after his wife Maria of the Palatinate. The aim was to create a strategically located trading town.
• 1593-1625: The cathedral in Mariestad was built.

17th to 18th century

• 1605: A new diocese was officially established, with its seat in Mariestad.
• 1647: The duchy was split and Mariestad ceased to be a superintendency. Valle and Vadsbo returned to the Diocese of Skara.
• 1660: The royal estate of Marieholm became the seat of the governor of Skaraborg County.
• 1693: The city was completely destroyed in a fierce fire. Only the church and some buildings at the northern end of the city survived. The city was rebuilt according to an urban plan with a grid-like street system.
• 1765: The Katrinefors mill has been producing paper since this year.

19th century to present

• 1895: Mariestad was again hit by a fire, but fared slightly better this time.
• 1967: The town's brewery was bought by Spendrups, but then closed down. However, beer continued to be produced under the name Mariestad.
• 1997: Mariestad ceased to be the county town of Skaraborg and became part of the county of Västra Götaland.
• 2017: Elekrolux, a major employer in the city, closed the factory and moved production abroad.