Mariestad – Lidköping, Vänerleden

This section of the Vänerleden cycle route follows the existing Biosfär cycle path. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse natural and cultural landscapes with stunning views, inviting beaches, deep forests, fascinating sights, and intriguing nature reserves. The path mainly runs on low-traffic roads and sometimes on gravel tracks, with some stretches completely free from motor traffic.

Starting in central Mariestad by the guest marina, where additional information about the cycle route is available, is recommended. Before heading towards Lidköping, take some time to explore all that Mariestad has to offer. Wander through the charming old town district, Gamla Stan, visit museums or art exhibitions, rent a kayak to explore the coastline, or join a boat tour to the Vänern archipelago. You’re also near several excellent spots for swimming and fishing. Gamla Stan, the historic town center, is one of Sweden’s best-preserved urban areas, featuring buildings from the 1700s and 1800s. The cathedral, begun in the 1500s, is a prominent feature among wooden buildings and cobblestone streets. Mariestad’s tourism website provides an informational brochure for self-guided tours. In summer, guided walks are available.

Detours to Bathing Spots and a Campsite
About 1 km into the ride, there’s an opportunity to detour for a swim at Ekudden’s heated outdoor pools or First Camp Ekudden’s beach. A few kilometers further south, Sandvikens Badplats beach beckons. Continuing south, the route initially takes you through lush mixed forests, opening up to fertile farmland with views of Vänern in the distance. This section includes the delightful organic plant nursery, Lisas Trädgård, a short detour from the route and a must-visit for gardening enthusiasts. The nursery is about 7 km from the town center and open in spring and early summer when the roadside sign is displayed.

After about 7 km, near Björsäters Kyrka church, turn right onto Årnäs Kinnekullevägen Road. Approximately 5.5 km later, turn right again onto a gravel path leading closer to Vänern, with an optional detour to Jutevikens for a swim.

The Aranäs Borgruin fort ruins, beautifully situated by Vänern’s shore, offer views over the lake. Aranäs was once one of Sweden’s oldest and most prominent royal residences. The fixed keep, constructed at the end of the 1100s, features a granite foundation on the cliff with substantial walls and finely hewn sandstone squares, enhanced by a beautiful plinth. The surrounding curtain wall, about 30 m in length, was added later. The fort’s construction spanned from 1150 to 1304.

Hällekis: Handicrafts, Quarry, and View
After about 4 km, turn off Kinnekullevägen Road towards Klingetorp, Björstorp, and later Hällekis. Near the guest marina, you’ll find a covered barbecue area with tables and benches. In Hällekis, explore the artisans’ open workshops in Falkängen Hantverksby handicraft village. For overnight stays, Kinnekulle Vandarhem youth hostel or Marias Logi are options.

Hällekis offers several interesting detours, like Utsiktens Kaffestuga café or the lookout tower on Kinnekulle Hill with panoramic views of Lake Vänern. Hellekis Kök & Trädgårdscafé is another detour option, offering lunch and coffee in the garden and orangery. Continuing for another kilometer or so brings you to Kinnekulle quarry.

Stora stenbrottet on Kinnekulle, a former quarry, is a key attraction, nicknamed “the little Grand Canyon.” Besides the impressive view and environment, there’s a small fishing lake in the quarry center. This former limestone quarry is 40 m deep, with the lower layers dating back 400 million years.

The route continues through scenic landscapes with accommodation available at Trolmens Bed & Breakfast. South of Trolmen, Hjelmsäter farm, dating back to the 1300s, is owned by the Hamilton family for 200 years, with parts of the house from the 1500s.

Västerplana Storäng, a nature reserve by Vänern’s shore on Kinnekulle Hill, is a worthwhile detour. Once extensive meadowland on the hill’s west side, described by Carl von Linné in 1746, it’s now dominated by broadleaf forest and oak pastures. The area features small streams forming waterfalls towards Vänern. In spring, the ground is covered in wood anemones, yellow anemones, and Corydalis, with wild garlic flowering in early summer. When continuing towards Blomberg, a stop at Caféet på Klostret is recommended for home-baked delicacies in a beautiful, rustic setting.

The cycle route passes several railway stations along the Kinnekullebanan line, allowing bicycles on trains. It goes through Hällekis station, Blombergs station, and Källby station.

After passing the long barn in Blomberg, turn right. About 5.7 km later, you’ll reach Källby Badplats bathing area and Källby Småbåtshamn marina, ideal for enjoying the boating scene. The route winds through holiday cottage areas with plenty to see. On the way to Lidköping, consider detours to Truve Badplats or Filsbäcksbadet for a cool down. It’s about 12 km from Källby Badplats to Nya Stadens Torg square in Lidköping.

Discover Lidköping: Vänermuséet and Rörstrands
Lidköping, one of Sweden’s finest towns, offers several attractions. The vibrant town center features the old town hall, Gamla Rådhuset, on Nya Stadens Torg, and Limtorget Square with preserved wooden buildings. At Rörstrand Center, visit the porcelain museum and shop at outlet prices. The route continues towards Vänern, following the shoreline past the guest marina. Soon you’ll reach Vänermuseet, a museum well worth a visit. It offers insights into Sweden’s largest lake with exhibits, artworks, and photographs. The aquarium, showcasing 38 species of Vänern fish, is a highlight. Watch for feeding times for an extra treat.

Outside the museum, Framnäsbadet’s heated outdoor pool offers a swimming opportunity, and further on is Kronocamping for accommodation in cabins and tent pitches by Vänern. If you’re not ready for the night, the site also includes a restaurant.