Welcome to the Mellerud archipelago and lake system
With Sweden’s largest lake Vänern as its closest neighbor and a vast lake system connected by the Dalsland Canal, there are plenty of opportunities for varied and interesting paddling in Mellerud.
Vänern Archipelago
The Mellerud archipelago offers not only islands, islets and skerries but also long, beautiful sandy beaches. In the summer, the ports of Köpmannebro, Sunnanå and Dalbergså entice you with ice cream and coffee. If you are adventurous, you can pass lighthouses, ancient castles and nature reserves on your journey along the Vänern coast. The views of the inland sea make it easy to stop, on clear days you can see Kinnekulle on the horizon. If you want to rent a kayak, there is a Kayakomat in Sunnanåhamn with selfservice 24h a day.
Dalsland Canal
Köpmannebro is Vänern’s entrance to a beautiful lake system connected by the locks of the Dalsland Canal. Here, nature experiences alternate with nature reserves, nice campsites and hiking trails. The surroundings of Dalsland Canal are characterized by the history of the mill and culture. It is worth making a stop at Dalsland Art Museum, which offers current exhibitions, a cozy café and its own guest pier in an old mill environment. If you pass the charming Upperud lock, you will soon reach Håverud with its famous aqueduct. In the summer, Håverud’s visitor center is bustling with life with restaurants, shops, a canal museum and cafes.
Kayaking tours in Mellerud archipelago
E -Easy
M-Moderate
K -Challenging
Please note that the tours
can be more challenging depending on the wind and weather conditions.
1.Hjortens Udde – Dalbergsån R/T | 4h, 16 km | K – Start at Hjortens Udde and paddle along the
coast down to Dalbergså for a waffle at Elmas Café. Dalaborg castle ruins and
the rock carvings just south of the river’s inlet are worth a visit.The tour is exposed to winds from all directions except northwest.
2.Sunnanå – Köpmannebro R/T | 5h, 20 km | E – Start in Sunnanå and paddle north, inside or
outside the skerries, up to Köpmannebro. Choose to turn around Musön or go past the lock
and around Vibergsön.Pay extra attention to boat traffic near the shipping channel. The route is particularly exposed to easterly winds.
3.Upperud R/T | 4h, 14 km | E – Paddle in sheltered waters along the Dalsland Canal. Start at the marina Spången in Upperud. Paddle south through Tyra
Canal. Choose to go south around Björkön or north to the campsite on Valön.Pay extra attention to boat traffic during summer season and to watercurrents forming in spring.
4.Yttre Bodane – Köpmannebro | 5h, 16 km | M – Here you start from the
parking lot at Yttre Bodane, 200 meters to the water on a nice path. Paddle
across Äskekärrsviken past Röde Ö and then south to Köpmannebro. If you want an
extra turn, paddle into the beautiful Tjärkilsälven.The route is particularly exposed to southerly winds. Avoid the route entirely when southerly winds exceed 6 m/s.
