Håverud on the Dalsland Canal: Aqueduct, Culture and Nature
Accommodation in Håverud
Håverud connects the history of the Dalsland Canal with protected waterside landscapes. The aqueduct carries water and boats over the rapids in a long trough; locks, bridges and the canal museum tell other stories of this waterway. There are two clear focuses to consider when choosing a destination: technological and cultural history, or nature experiences by lakes and on walking trails. Those interested in both will find a range of themes in Håverud, each of which can be explored in its own way.
Aqueduct and locks in Håverud
The Håverud Aqueduct was completed in 1868. Its metal trough is made up of 33,000 rivets and carries water and boats over the river above the rapids. At Håverud, both a road bridge and a railway bridge cross the aqueduct. This creates an unusual spatial relationship between the waterway and the bridges at this location. The sequence along the canal is also notable: immediately after the sixth lock, the Dalsland Canal crosses the old river channel of the Upperudsälven on an aqueduct bridge, by the Håverud rapids.
Håverud’s lock station has four locks. A different scale can be found on the Stora Kanalrundan: this route passes through 16 locks and by the Håverud Aqueduct. These figures refer to different things—the lock station on the one hand and the route on the other. Those interested in the canal’s engineering can therefore take in both the local structure and a longer stretch of the canal.
Canal museum and canal history
The canal museum tells the story of life along the Dalsland Canal, from 19th-century farming to today’s tourist waterway. Its largest and oldest exhibition, “From River to Canal,” portrays the lives of people along the Upperudsälven before and after the canal was created. This brings the river’s way of life into focus alongside the structure itself.
The exhibition “The Dream of a Canal” traces the canal’s development from the 17th century to the present day and illustrates it with drawings. As exhibitions may change, check whether it is currently on display before visiting. At the Visit Dalsland Center in Håverud, visitors can get information and assistance. The Center also offers experiences that can be booked on site and has a grocery store selling locally produced goods.
Walking trails and waterside views
The Ramslökedalen Nature Reserve is in Håverud, by the Dalsland Canal and Lake Åklången. The area has walking trails and well-maintained wooden steps. Those who want to explore nature as well as the canal structures can find a different perspective on the landscape around Håverud in the Ramslökedalen Nature Reserve.
From the aqueduct, you can walk towards the Buterud Nature Reserve. The trail passes through deciduous forests scented with wild garlic and over ridges covered with pines and oaks. From the Buterud Nature Reserve, there are views of Lake Åklången and the Dalsland Canal. Buterud is best reached via a trail from Håverud or by canoe along the canal.
Kanalrundan and train ride
All versions of the Kanalrundan include a scenic boat trip and a ride on a rail bus. The Stora Kanalrundan adds a section that passes through 16 locks and by the Håverud Aqueduct. As route offerings may change, check which version is available for your travel dates before planning.
A seasonal DVVJ train ride passes the Håverud Aqueduct; along the way, you can enjoy views of Nils Ericsson’s boat chutes and the locks. If you plan to take this ride, check the current operating dates in advance. Together with the walking trails, the canal museum and the locks, this offers a choice of landscapes, history and different perspectives on the waterway.
Discover more destinations: Åsensbruk, Dalskog, Köpmannebro, Mellerud
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