New Cycling Trail in Western Sweden: Lelångenleden Offers an Epic Ride Through Forests and Lakes
The 180-kilometer Lelångenleden cycling route in western Sweden takes riders from the coast through lakes and forests, with stops at charming towns and eco-friendly campsites.
Western Sweden has a new long-distance cycling trail: the Lelångenleden, a 180-kilometer route that runs from the Bohuslän coast, north of Gothenburg, through the lakes of Dalsland and into the coniferous forests of Värmland. The trail mostly follows gravel roads and the embankment of the former Lelången railway line.
While the recommended itinerary is four days, one traveler and a friend split the route into three sections of about 65 kilometers each, cycling up to five hours daily. They stayed at quiet hotels and a campsite where food was as important as the lake views.
The journey started in Uddevalla, a village overlooking the Byfjorden, along a seaside boardwalk once named Sweden's most beautiful road. A short detour led to Gustafsberg, the country's oldest seaside resort.
The first night was spent at the Ragnerud Lake eco-campsite in Färgelanda, where the cabin, canoe rental, and sauna were available. The campsite owners, Linus Bergström and Marielle Örtengren, emphasized the simplicity of forest life. The on-site restaurant Ragnerud Kök served locally foraged ingredients like mushrooms, lingonberries, and dill flowers.
The next day followed the Dalsland Canal, a system of natural lakes and locks connecting 252 kilometers of waterways. Along the canal, old lock houses now serve as summer cafes, and former lock keepers' cabins can be rented for overnight stays. Prince Eugen of Sweden, a noted landscape painter, once called Dalsland a microcosm of his homeland.
The travelers stopped for the night in Bengtsfors, a former lumber town, at First Hotel Bengtsfors, dining at Storgatan 19, a cocktail bar with a seasonal menu.
The final day took them through dense coniferous forests to the mill town of Gustavsfors, but being Sunday, all cafes were closed for fika. The ride ended in Årjäng. The author expressed a desire to return to western Sweden, likely by bike.
The trip was arranged by West Sweden tourist board, with bike rental and gear from Dalsland Experience. Route planning information is available at Lelångenleden.
