Trollhättan and Vänersborg – get to know ‘The Big 5’ on Sweden’s west coast

Combining enchanting nature with a rich history and heaps of adventure, the neighbouring cities Trollhättan and Vänersborg really pack a punch. Just 45 minutes’ travel from bustling, yet charming Gothenburg, this area is an all-year destination with an abundance of experiences, ticking all the boxes for keen explorers.

Accurately described as welcoming with a genuine atmosphere, Trollhättan and Vänersborg give visitors that little something extra. “That’s the beauty of small towns, we can offer a personal touch you won’t get anywhere else. We really pride ourselves on that small-scale approach, which sits nicely with everything there is to see and do here,” explains Maria Engström Weber, CEO of Visit Trollhättan-Vänersborg.

Indeed, this west-coast province is marketed around ‘The Big 5’ which rounds up unmissable sights and experiences to frame your visit. From stunning waterways to cultural treasures, let’s take a closer look at what the five musts are.

Sweden’s rocky mountains

Just east of Vänersborg, the enchanting twin mountains Halleberg and Hunneberg rise 155 metres above sea level. These tableau-style mountains are separated by a valley and along the dramatic hillsides, gnarled oaks flourish, and in the deep ravines, the ground is adorned with carpets of ramskins. Both mountains carry a long history, and almost everywhere, you can find traces of the West Goths through the millennia. Both Swedish and international visitors come to Halleberg and Hunneberg to experience nature, exercise, fish, climb, try downhill cycling or enjoy a truly wonderful glamping weekend.

The Pacific Ocean of Sweden

Beautiful Lake Vänern offers bare cliffs and skerries, sandy beaches and shallow bays, a true mecca for those who like swimming and fishing. There are also 22,000 islands, species-rich meadows, deciduous forests and large bird and wetlands to explore. And with an area of 5,450 square kilometres, Lake Vänern is not only Europe’s third-largest lake but also a mighty inland sea. Why not head to one of its many beaches for a day in the sun, or rent a boat to explore the region from the water?

Sweden’s Mississippi River

The nation’s largest river, the Göta river, meanders majestically from Vänern to the Kattegat sea, through a valley of outstanding beauty. Across its 93 kilometres, this historically significant lifeline offers a wealth of nature and culture that both fascinates and inspires visitors, such as impressive locks and mighty falls.

The cradle of creativity

For generations, Trollhättan and Vänersborg have attracted visionaries and pioneers, who together have contributed to a web of innovation and technological progress that put this region on the map. In the heart of Trollhättan, the power of innovation pulses, driven by the deep conviction: without play, no learning. Indeed, play is the breeding ground for ground-breaking ideas. That is why these playgrounds are created as sanctuaries for creativity where the imagination can flow freely. Even in Vänersborg, there are several beautifully situated playgrounds, which attract both young and old to enjoy the magical power of playfulness.

Two cities, one heart

“Trollhättan and Vänersborg are two completely different cities, united by the people who live here. Vänersborg, at the southern tip of Vänern, is a welcoming small-town idyll surrounded by water and boating and miles of beaches. And just like in Trollhättan, nature is our closest neighbour,” says Engström Weber. “In Trollhättan, you are treated to pulse and big-city vibes in a small-town costume. Our two cities form a melting pot of expressions and impressions that we are happy to share.”

…and that’s not all

Aside from ‘The Big 5’, there’s more to enjoy. Top picks include the Trollhätte Channel Park in Trollhättan, which offers a wide range of attractions and activities suitable for all ages, from leisurely walks to sweaty runs, fun-themed playgrounds to grand views. Then, of course, there is the famous west-coast food with its natural ingredients that are as rustic as they are exclusive – think salmon, roe, spring onions and goat’s cheese. You will find restaurants, cafés and local food artisans who, with pride and professional skill, create culinary experiences beyond the ordinary. And for the outdoors fans, there’s more to discover, including curious limestone caves, the picturesque Brudslöjan waterfall and a remarkable rock formation known as Predikstolen – an almost miraculous vantage point over Lake Vänern.

And if you’re feeling peckish? Opt for homemade waffles. Yes, at the foot of Hunneberg is a small self-service shop where you can rent a waffle iron to make waffles over an open fire. It doesn’t get more delicious than that.

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