Dalsland

Back to the great outdoors

Fancy taking life at a slower pace, sitting back, and enjoying the view? Then a trip to Dalsland is just the answer. Located in Southern Sweden, this province is populated with dense forests and lakes giving Dalsland the name of ‘Sweden’s lake province’.

Perfect for nature lovers or for those who just want to escape the hustle of life, travel to Dalsland and discover this peaceful environment that is packed with hiking trails and lakes. Explore the Tresticklan National Park and venture along miles of wilderness, lakes and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of an area bordering on Norway.

Dependent on the type of hiking you enjoy, whether it’s along forest paths or a little bit more challenging with hilly parts, then a trip to the Pilgrim Trail Dalsland is an absolute must. This trail is a varied hiking trail that takes you across the entire province of Dalsland and at over 100km long you will see flat farmland in the South and wild forests, and mountains in the North.

Or why not hop on board a canoe and explore Dalsland by water. Sail along Dano – Dalsland Nordmarken, which is Dalsland’s lake system and is one of the most popular canoe areas in Europe. Glide along the 100-metre-deep lake or paddle down The Dalsland Canal and when you get thirsty, you can even drink the pristine water! So, sit back, and enjoy the sights of wild forests and the sounds of water and wildlife in sync. And when you get tired, there are hundreds of campsites available, so you’ll never be without a place to lay your head!

Every year, thousands of visitors, travel to the Dalsland Canal to see the Aqueduct in Håverud which is an awesome intersection of road, rail, and waterway. The aqueduct in Håverud is unique as unlike other aqueducts in the world it is made from riveted sheets of steel and both a rail and road bridge pass over the aqueduct. 

If you fancy taking a break from camping, then treat yourself to a stay in the picturesque manor Baldersnäs Herrgård. Stay in the main manor building, one of its wings, the annex or retire to the recently added cottages and wake up to the sounds of nature floating in through your open windows. Enjoy a walk around the luscious park, relax in the Spa, sink yourself into a warm Jacuzzi or the wood-fired hot tub and take in the views over the meadows. When you get hungry after a busy day, treat yourself to a delicious meal in the hotel restaurant made with sustainable, genuine Swedish products. 

Not only does Dalsland have breath-taking nature to offer, but it has a wealth of museums to explore like the Halmens Hus which is a straw museum, and Dalslands Kontsmuseum which showcases contemporary art. 

One absolute must-do when you visit Dalsland is a trip to the Moose Ranch. Known as ‘The King of the Forest’ meeting a moose is a bit of a grand affair in Dalsland and when you pop along to the Moose Ranch, you get to make contact with these fascinating creatures and see them in their natural habitat. 

At Stena Line, we say Lagom which is Swedish for just right, and when you travel to Dalsland everything is just right. For the explorer, the adventurer, or for someone who just wants to enjoy life at a slower pace surrounded by serenity and beauty, a trip to the province of Dalsland is a must!