Dalsland Canal
Västra Götalands län
Dalsland Canal is a remarkable Swedish canal system spanning approximately 253 kilometers, connecting Lake Vänern with the inland lakes of Dalsland and southwestern Värmland. Constructed primarily between 1864 and 1868 under the leadership of engineer Nils Ericson, the canal cleverly utilizes a network of natural lakes linked by about 12 kilometers of man-made channels. Its most iconic feature is the Håverud aqueduct, a unique iron trough bridge completed in 1868, which carries boats over a ravine and rapids, a rare engineering marvel in Sweden. The canal comprises 31 locks that manage a total elevation difference of 66 meters, allowing vessels including yachts, motorboats, and canoes to navigate the waterway. The canal supports a maximum boat length of 22.75 meters, width of 4.05 meters, and draft of 1.8 meters, with a speed limit of 2.5 knots to preserve the tranquil environment. Besides its functional role in connecting waterways, Dalsland Canal is a cherished tourist attraction, especially active during summer months, offering boat tours, fishing, and canoeing competitions such as the Dalsland Kanotmaraton. The canal also features guest harbors at multiple locations, facilitating exploration of the beautiful natural surroundings, including lakes, forests, and nature reserves. The canal's historical industrial roots are visible in the Håverud area, where old ironworks and paper mills once operated. Today, the canal is managed by Dalslands Kanal AB and remains a testament to 19th-century Swedish engineering and scenic waterway recreation.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Dalsland Canal during the summer season from June to August when boat traffic and tourist services are fully operational. Purchase lock tickets or canal passes in advance online to enjoy unlimited lock passages and avoid queues. Note the canal’s speed limit of 2.5 knots and vessel size restrictions (max length 22.75 m, width 4.05 m, draft 1.8 m). Plan your route with guest harbors available for overnight stays. Bringing a canoe or kayak offers a unique way to explore quieter sections. Check local schedules for passenger boat cruises and the annual Dalsland Kanotmaraton canoe competition if interested in events.
Interesting facts
- •The Håverud aqueduct is a unique iron trough bridge 33.5 meters long, assembled with 33,000 rivets, and is the only one of its kind in Sweden.
- •The canal system includes 31 locks to manage a 66-meter elevation difference between Lake Vänern and the northern lakes.
- •Only about 12 kilometers of the 253-kilometer canal system were artificially dug or blasted; the rest follows natural lakes.
- •A boat lift at Strandviken on Stora Le allows vessels to be transported by lorry to Norway, connecting to the Idefjord and Skagerrak sea route.
- •The canal permits sailboats due to a 17-meter clearance, which is uncommon for Swedish canals.
History
The Dalsland Canal was constructed between 1864 and 1868, led by engineer Nils Ericson with assistance from his son Werner Ericson.
The project strategically utilized existing lakes, requiring only about 12 kilometers of canal digging or blasting to connect the waterways.
The canal was inaugurated by King Karl XV in 1868.
Historically, the canal served to facilitate transport of industrial products from the Dalsland ironworks and paper mills to Lake Vänern and onward to the sea.
The Håverud aqueduct, built in 1868, was an innovative solution to navigate a challenging ravine and rapids, and remains a unique iron structure in Sweden.
Over time, industrial activities in the Håverud area ceased during the mid-20th century, and the canal transitioned into a popular recreational and tourist destination.
In 2013, parts of the canal were declared protected as cultural heritage sites, and in 2018 it was awarded the title of "Year's Industrial Monument."
Place Guide
Håverud Aqueduct1868
An engineering marvel from 1868, this iron trough aqueduct carries boats over a ravine and rapids. It includes a lock at Åklång's outlet and three locks at Upperudshöljen, showcasing 19th-century canal technology inspired by English engineering.
Locks and Lock Stations1864-1868
The canal features 31 locks distributed over 17 lock stations that manage the 66-meter elevation difference. These locks enable smooth navigation through the varying lake levels along the canal.
Guest Harbors
Several guest harbors are located along the canal route, including Upperud, Håverud, Dals Långed, Laxsjön, Bengtsfors, and Nössemark, offering mooring and amenities for boaters exploring the canal.
Contact
Phone: 0530-447 50
