Dalsland gravel sightseeing - 71 km
Do you want a gravel ride between some of Dalsland’s most popular sights, alongside glittering forest lakes, with a stop for a tasty lunch along the way? Then this is the perfect day out for you, on a mixture of gravel and little country roads.
Start by the aqueduct in Håverud
The route starts in the town of Håverud, right where Dalsland’s most iconic destination, Akvedukten i Håverud lies, an absolute must see when you’re in Dalsland.
After a few kilometres cycling you’ll pass the next attraction, namely the unique design hotel Upperud 9:9. Just next door you’ll also find Dalslands Konstmuseum with Café Bonaparte.
Top tip! Upperud 9:9 is a cycle friendly hotel where you can rinse off and lock up your bike overnight. You’ll eat well here and can enjoy a sauna with a dip in the lake. A perfect starting point for a cycling holiday.
Enjoy lunch at Not Quite
Your next chance for a fika comes about 14 kilometres down the road in Köpmannebro where there’s a lockside cafe open in the summer, with nice ice creams. But for a proper lunch stop we recommend that you pedal further alongside Lake Ånimmen, past the locks at Strömmens Sluss to Fengersfors.
In Fengersfors you can eat lunch at Brukets Godaste and check out the Not Quite artists collective which are both situated in a former mill, with rust red brick buildings. When you cycle out of Fengersfors you’ll be met by a sharp climb, so that food and rest stop will give you the recharge you need.
Cycle in the land of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter
Like we said, there’s a lot to see along this cycle route. Did you know for instance that several iconic scenes from the 1984 film of Astrid Lindgren’s classic Ronja the Robber’s Daughter were filmed in the area? Sörknattens nature reserve is home to both Helvetesgapet (Hell’s Gap) and Björngrottan (Bear’s Cave) from the film, and in Fröskog you’ll cycle past the inner courtyard of Ronja’s father Matti’s fortress.
In Högsbyn you can stop and have a look at the remarkable stone carvings and have a cooling dip in the lake. Back in Håverud you can treat yourself to dinner at Håfveruds Rökeri & Brasseri. Håveruds Hotell, Nordic Refuge and Villa Weidling also offer bike friendly accommodation for cyclists.
See the route on Ride with GPS
Pictures from the area
Upperud 9:9.
Upperud 9:9.
The aqueduct in Håverud.
Gravel cycling in Dalsland
You’ll find all you need to know here about gravel cycling in Dalsland, everything from great route suggestions to cycle friendly accommodation.
