Dalbergså – Dals Långed, Vänerleden
About 2 km from the Dalbergså turn-off, there’s a detour to the 14th-century Dalaborg fort ruins, which we recommend visiting with a picnic. Completed in the early 1300s, Dalaborg was central to the power struggles of Dukes Erik and Valdemar Magnusson against Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish royalty. The fort was destroyed during the Engelbrekt Rebellion in 1434. From here, the view of Vänern and Kinnekulle Hill is captivating.
On your way to Mellerud, consider a detour to Hjortens Udde, a peninsula part of a terminal moraine dating back over 10,000 years, also seen as Hindens Rev. According to legend, Hjorten, a giant, was in love with Hinden, after whom Hindens Rev is named. For swimming, the sandy beach at Näs is ideal. Near central Mellerud, you can stay at cabins in Sunnanå Hamn harbor or Vita Sandars Camping, which boasts a four-star rating, one of Vänern’s finest beaches, a restaurant, a pool, and canoe rental.
Stock up in Mellerud
In Mellerud, stock up on food, drink, and potentially spare parts. The route to Dals Rostock includes a motor-traffic-free asphalted railway trackbed, with the Åsnebyn culture reserve as a pleasant stop.
Dals Rostock: Herb Garden and Local Heritage Museum
In Dals Rostock, attractions include a well-tended herb garden, handicrafts, and a local heritage museum with a café. There’s a children’s model of the old station building, providing a small adventure. For an extended stay, Kroppefjäll bed & breakfast offers nature right at your doorstep. Nearby, visit Mörttjärn’s nature reserve and Kroppefjäll Hill for stunning views over Dalsland and Vänern. Kroppefjäll Hill features several hiking trails. For a shorter walk, explore Mörttjärn’s nature reserve and the Dr Saedéns Runda loop trail, where Dr Saedén, a sanatorium head physician, created monuments in the forest to encourage patient walks, including a wind harp, Lyckans Ö, and a lookout tower.
The Vänerleden route plans to extend to Håverud, but until then, it runs from Dals Rostock via Tegen, Tångebyn to Dals Långed.
After road 166, the route winds through the forest to Tegen. Heading north to Dals Långed, the landscape offers views of fields, meadows, and cottages. Passing Källhult, you’ll eventually ride alongside Lake Rännen before reaching Dals Långed.
In Dals Långed, there are stores for groceries.
After crossing two bridges over Dalsland’s canal, turn left onto Christian Aarsunds Väg, pass the railway, then left onto the cycle path along Stenebyvägen Road. Follow it to Baldersnäsvägen Road, passing the railway and Lake Laxsjön. We recommend staying at Baldersnäs Herrgård for quality accommodation and dining at Öjentorps Kök, one of Dalsland’s top restaurants. The manor, dating from the 1700s, reflects the English park culture interest of industrialist Carl Fredrik Waern, with nature reserves and walking trails.
In Dals Långed, Kanalvillan and Laxsjöns Friluftsgård och Camping also offer accommodation.
Vänerleden takes you from Dals Långed to Fengersfors, following the same route as Unionsleden, Sweden’s fourth national cycle route.
