Things to do in Dalsland – 15 tips, attractions and experiences

Writer: Peter Bergström

Updated May 2026 | What to do in Dalsland? Dalsland is one of Sweden's most scenic landscapes, known for the Dalsland Canal and for deep forests and sparkling lakes. Whether you're planning a road trip, camping holiday or a relaxing weekend, there are plenty of attractions and experiences to discover in Dalsland all year round.

Dalsland

Dalsland is very untouched and very beautiful. We followed the canal and the locks and found idyllic places. If you are looking for peace and quiet, Dalsland is a good place for you.

1. Be fascinated by the Aqueduct in Håverud

The boats travel on a bridge while the train travels above on its bridge and at the top is the car bridge! The aqueduct in Håverud you should just enjoy and preferably start your canal boat trip or rent a canoe and just enjoy being in life. Have an ice cream and hear the lock gates slam shut or open, and follow the sheet metal bridge with its 33,000 rivets that have never been replaced since 1868.

2. Experience Dalsland Canal

Dalsland Canal is one of Sweden's most scenic waterways and one of the region's greatest attractions. The canal stretches through lakes, locks and beautiful cultural environments and offers experiences for both boaters, paddlers and visitors on land.

Along the way, charming villages, historic locks and stunning views await, making the journey something truly special. Whether you choose to take a canal boat, canoe or follow the canal by car, this is one of the best ways to experience Dalsland.

3. Visit Köpmannebro and Upperud – the start of the Dalsland Canal

The lock at Köpmannebro is the first in the Dalsland Canal. The canal leads from Lake Vänern into Lake Svanefjorden and further all the way to Östervallsskog in Värmland. Here in Upperud in the manor lived, among others, Arvid Posse and his wife, Princess Christine Egypta Bonaparte, Napoleon's niece. 

4. Relax in Dals Långed

This is sooo cozy to ride along the beautiful canal and Dals Långed. Here is Mustadfors lock station, also called Katrineholmshöljen which is the ninth lock in the Dalsland Canal. Långbrons lock has one lock chamber and leads from the lake Långbrohöljen to Laxsjön. Långeds locks consist of a lock system of four lock chambers, with a level difference of 13.1 m, and there is also a small, pleasant ice cream café here.

5. Visit Bengtsfors in Dalsland

It is beautiful in Bengtsfors in Dalsland. Here you can see how the people of Dalsland lived and worked in the past at Gammelgården, which is western Sweden's largest open-air museum.

At Gammelgården on Majberget is also Halmens hus, which is the only museum about straw in the Nordic countries. Höljerudsforsarna and the Höljerudsforsarna nature reserve are just to the 18th lock, which is located just north of Billingsfors and is very popular.

6. Visit Åmål – Dalsland's largest town on Lake Vänern

Åmål is Dalsland's largest town and a popular tourist destination on the shores of Lake Vänern. Here you will find a charming town centre, marina, promenades and beautiful surroundings along the water. During the summer, the town is filled with visitors who want to enjoy city life, boating and the proximity to Lake Vänern. For many, Åmål is the natural starting point for discovering both northern Dalsland and the lake landscape around Sweden's largest lake.

7. Discover Dalsland's wilderness

Dalsland is often called ”a miniature Sweden” and is known for its deep forests, lakes and quiet nature. Here there are fantastic opportunities for hiking, canoeing, fishing and nature experiences far from the pace of the big cities. For many, the wilderness feeling is the biggest reason to travel to Dalsland.

8. Visit Baldersnäs Manor and Park

Baldersnäs Manor is one of Dalsland's most well-known cultural environments. Here you will find beautiful walking paths, large trees, historic buildings and a park that is often considered one of the finest in the landscape. A perfect excursion destination for those who want to combine history and nature.

9. Hike in Tresticklan National Park

Tresticklan National Park is southern Sweden's largest roadless forest. Here you will encounter untouched nature, lakes, old forests and hiking trails that take you far away from the stress of everyday life. For nature lovers, this is one of Dalsland's absolute highlights.

10. Discover Dals Rostock

Dals Rostock is one of Dalsland's most charming communities. The town is known for its gardens, its leisurely pace and the beautiful surroundings of Kroppefjäll. There are also great hiking opportunities and nice cafes.

11. Enjoy Kroppefjäll

Kroppefjäll is one of the most appreciated natural areas in the region. Here you will find hiking trails, viewpoints and large forest areas that are perfect for those who want to experience the genuine Dalsland.

12. Visit Not Quite in Fengersfors

Not Quite has become one of Dalsland's most exciting destinations for art, design and culture. The old mill area is now bustling with creativity with studios, exhibitions, a café and events.

13. Take a ride on the trolleybus in Bengtsfors

The trolleybus on Dal-Västra Värmlands Järnväg is one of Dalsland's most popular activities. Riding the trolleybus through forests, over bridges and along lakes is both different and appreciated by the whole family.

14. Visit Ed and the lake systems in northern Dalsland

Ed is the gateway to northern Dalsland's large lake areas. Here you can enjoy paddling, fishing, hiking and a tranquility that few other places can offer.

15. Discover Lake Stora Le

Stora Le is one of the most spectacular lakes in the region. The narrow bays, forested shores and clear water make the area a paradise for paddlers and nature lovers.

READ MORE: Here you will find all our reports about Dalsland.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Dalsland

What is Dalsland known for?

Dalsland is known for its beautiful nature, its lakes, the Dalsland Canal and the sense of peace and wilderness. The landscape is sometimes called “Sweden in miniature”.

What shouldn't be missed in Dalsland?

Some of the most popular sights are the aqueduct in Håverud, Dalsland Canal, Tresticklan National Park and Åmål.

When is the best time to travel to Dalsland?

Summer is perfect for canoeing, boat trips and road trips, while autumn is great for hiking and nature experiences.

How many days do you need in Dalsland?

Two to three days is enough to experience the biggest sights and enjoy nature at a leisurely pace.

More landscape guides nearby

Want to discover more of Sweden? Here are more guides to nearby landscapes that we have visited and that are perfect for more excursions, road trips and holidays at home.

• Things to do in Bohuslan
• Things to do in Varmland
• Things to do in Västergötland
• Things to do in Halland
• Holidays in Sweden