Mariestad on Lake Vänern: Coast, Culture and Nature

Mariestad is situated on Lake Vänern and has a 14 Swedish miles-long coastline. At the same time, this is where the Göta Canal meets Lake Vänern. From Mariestad, the 22,000 islands and skerries of Lake Vänern can be reached by private boat.

The places Ekby, Torsö, Lugnås, Lyrestad, Mariestad and Sjötorp are included in the direct local overview. Other destinations at the same higher level are Alingsås and Bengtsfors.

Water and Trails

The Mariestad–Lidköping section of the Vänerleden trail can be started at the guest harbour in central Mariestad. The section follows the existing Biosfär cycling trail. For hikers, the Biosfärleden trail runs along the southern shore of Lake Vänern between Läckö Castle and Mariestad.

The Ekudden–Sandviken hiking trail runs for 6 km one way from central Mariestad along Lake Vänern through the Gamla Ekudden and Sandviken nature reserves. The trail is marked in orange. The hike is not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or walking frames.

Nature

The shallow shores of Gamla Ekudden at the mouth of the Tidan are an important resting place, especially for wading birds. There are old, gnarled oak trees with broad crowns, which are of very high natural value.

In the wider regional surroundings of Mariestad, there is no regular boat connection to Djurö National Park. Reaching it requires a private boat or a water taxi.

City History and Museums

Gamla Stan in Mariestad is considered one of the ten best-preserved town centres in Sweden. Most of the buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. A fold-out map with information boards is available for independent visits to notable buildings. In summer, Mariestad Kulturturism organises guided city walks through Gamla Stan on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Vadsbo Museum is centrally located on the island of Marieholm and occupies four wings of the former governor's residence; two of these are open to the public. Using historical objects, the permanent exhibition covers Mariestad's development from prehistory to the beginning of the 20th century. An industrial exhibition presents Mariestad's industrial development up to the present day.

Residenset Marieholm served for more than 350 years both as a royal estate and as the governor's residence. This use ended when Skaraborg County was incorporated into the newly formed Västra Götaland County in 1997.

Church and Theatre

Mariestad Cathedral was built between 1593 and 1625 and is open to visitors every day. Following its restoration from 1903 to 1905, its tower spire reaches a height of 82 metres. The carillon has 20 bells and plays different melodies four times a day at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00.

The theatre building of Mariestads Teater was built in 1842, opened in January 1843 and not fully completed until 1848. Mariestads Teater is one of Sweden's oldest and best-preserved provincial theatres and has been protected as a historic building since 1993. Its programme includes children's theatre productions and concerts. The Nyårsrevyn is an annual January performance at Mariestads Teater.

Further Activities

Ekudden open-air pool has three different pools.

To the higher-level travel overview: Västra Götaland.