5 must-dos in Mariestad

1. Qvarnstensgruvan - millstone mine in Lugnås

On the scenic Lugnåsberget just south of Mariestad, the 800-year history of millstone quarrying has left its mark. The mountain is dotted with old mines and quarries, and scattered around are abandoned millstones that were never put to use. One of the mines is open to visitors. Here, you can join a guided tour both above and below ground, listening to stories about life and work on Lugnåsberget in the past. The tours are available daily in summer time, and can be pre-booked other times of the year. At Qvarnstensgruvan, there's also a small café and museum, a barbecue area, and beautiful surroundings to simply enjoy. If you wish to stay longer and explore more of the area, you can book a room at Lugnåsbergets Ekohotell, located just a few kilometers from the mine.

2. See the locks in the Göta Canal

Observing boats being locked up and down in the Göta Canal is an activity that fascinates visitors of all ages. In Sjötorp, where the canal begins from Lake Vänern, there are no less than eight locks within walking distance. From the canal bank, you have a full view of the locks and can closely witness how the water level is regulated behind the lock gates, assisting boats in navigating through the canal. Rent a bike and take a ride on the old towpath, discovering more canal communities, or spend some time in Sjötorp, strolling around restaurants, cafes, and shops. Here is also a canal museum with a historic exhibition about the boat traffic on the Göta Canal, Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern. 

3. Hiking in the archipelago

Vänern's largest archipelago area is located in Mariestad and is dominated by the islands Torsö and Brommö. Here, you can get up close and enjoy archipelago life even if you don't have access to a boat. Both Torsö and Brommö have beautiful trails for hiking, allowing you to explore island life on foot at your own pace. The hiking trails take you through forests, open fields, over cliffs, and past sandy beaches. Don't forget your picnic and swimwear! End the day with a relaxing moment at Laxhall's spa by Lake Vänern, a dinner on the dock with a view of Brommösund, and a good night's sleep in a well-equipped cottage.

4. Explore the Old Town and the Cathedral

Mariestad has one of the country's best-preserved old town centers. The majority of the buildings date back to the 1700s and 1800s, but in the northern part, known as Näset, there are elements from the time before the major city fire of 1693. The magnificent cathedral with its 82-meter-high tower looms over the center on a hill in the Old Town. During the summer, guided city tours are offered a few times a week (in Swedish). If you prefer to explore on your own, there is a brochure to download from our website.

5. Kling ice cream

A summer visit to Mariestad is not complete without Kling ice cream – the local ice cream produced in the town since the 1950s. Delicious flavors in a cone or on a stick, choose for yourself or try several. Kling ice cream can be found in the guest harbor, in the ice cream kiosk at Nya torget, at cafes, and in grocery stores. Which flavor will be your favorite?