09 Åmål - Säffle, Vänerleden

The north-west stage starts in Åmål

It’s a good idea to start cycling this stage from the guest marina in Åmål, where both parking and toilets are available at the tourist information office (turistbyrån). The bustling boat life and the town’s old district create a picturesque backdrop for the start of your cycling trip. Take the opportunity to go up to the new lookout point on Kungsberget Hill if you want to see a view of magnificent Lake Vänern before you set off on your bike. Åmål offers several forms of accommodation if you want to stay the night there; the town hotel Åmåls Stadshotell and Örnäs Camping are in central locations.

Towards Säffle

The route heads north through Åmål along scenic cycling paths. As you leave the town you’ll pass Berga Bistro, an ideal stop if you’re craving traditional Swedish home-style cooking. The route then follows a bike path that runs parallel to the route E45, heading toward the county border to Värmland.

In Värmland, the route winds into the forest. In Tveta you will pass Linhagen B&B, a charming stop offering homemade fika and a farm shop with locally produced goods and fresh vegetables grown on site. You can also stay overnight in a cosy timber cottage.

Once in Säffle, you will pass Guttane shopping area where you can stock up on supplies, before turning south toward Duse udde.

Cliffs and views of lake Vänern at Duse udde

Duse udde offers camping, cabins, a restaurant in the old lighthouse and a lovely, sandy beach. But perhaps the best part of all is the breathtaking panoramic view over lake Vänern.

The route then continues back toward Säffle guest harbour and the town center. At the harbour, you can take a break to watch the boats passing through the locks, enjoy an ice cream or maybe a round of mini golf. Next to the Säffle canal, you can enjoy a good fika at Kanalcaféet. For more treats, visit nearby favourites like Galna Tuppen and Holgers Konditori, both located not far from the canal area.