Cycle the Lelångenleden
Uddevalla - Dalsland - Årjäng

The scenic Lelångenleden got its name from the old Uddevalla-Lelången railway line and large parts of the trail follow the disused railway line.  What sets the Lelångenleden apart from many other cycle routes is that almost half of it is along easily cycled gravel roads with a hard packed surface, and very little traffic.

The trail winds alongside the Dalsland Canal, through dense forests and past charming country villages, with lots of places to stop for a fika. It’s a fun cycle trail for the whole family with plenty to do and see along the way, including several museums, lovely swimming spots, canoeing waters and cosy hotels and campsites to stay at.

8 great stops along the Lelångenleden

1. Uddevalla

The Lelångenleden starts in Uddevalla, or finishes there, depending on which direction you decide to cycle, of course. You can easily get the train to Uddevalla and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, accommodation and sights there. Some tips are:

• The Strandpromenaden coastal path. A really lovely walking trail along a wooden boardwalk hugging the steep cliff sides. A must when you’re in Uddevalla!
• Bohusläns museum. A popular museum with exciting exhibitions about the sea, ships and the history of Bohuslän.
• Quality Hotel Carlia. A central hotel with restaurant, relaxation area and sauna.  
• Bohusgården. A spa hotel with a beautiful view of Byfjorden and the Uddevalla bridge to the west.

2. Bjursjön swimming area

Is there anything better than a cooling dip after a day on the bike saddle? There are plenty of lakes to swim in along the Lelångenleden, and one of the best can be found just north of Uddevalla. At the Bjursjön swimming area there’s a sandy beach, jetty and toilet.

3. Ragnerud and Kroppefjäll

Directly east of Högsäter, about ten kilometres north of Färgelanda, you’ll find Ragnerud Vandringsdestination, a lovely family campsite with a swimming lake, where you can stay in variously sized cabins, relax in the sauna, fish, paddle SUP, play minigolf and lots more. The restaurant on site,  Ragnerud Kök, focuses on providing locally produced food experiences.  

Ragnerud is also the perfect place for anyone wanting to stretch their legs and explore Kroppefjäll's wilderness area  on foot. It’s one of the largest nature areas in southern Sweden, with many lovely hiking trails. 

4. Bäckefors Bruk

If you had visited Bäckefors in the middle of the 19th century you’d have been met by a lively industrial area, with fiery forges and noisy hammering. The machines here fell silent many years ago but you can see the remains of the ironworks on your cycle tour.  

On the outskirts of Bäckefors you’ll find the small scale brewery Brukskällan which makes artisan beer, soft drinks and tonics. If you’re in luck you’ll be there at the right time for one of their pub evenings during your bike tour.

5. Laxsjöns Camping & Friluftsgård

If you’re cycling the Lelångenleden with children then Laxsjöns Camping & Friluftsgård is the perfect place to spend the night. You can stay in a cabin and cool off in the lake, play mini golf, paddle canoes, eat dinner and practice your balance in the technical skills area.  

On the other side of lake Laxsjön you can almost see Baldersnäs Herrgård between the trees. It’s just a 15 minute ride from the Lelångenleden, if you want to make a short detour for a delicious manor house lunch.

6. Bengtsfors

Bengtsfors is one of the larger towns you’ll pass when cycling the Lelångenleden. There are plenty of places to fill up food stocks, have a bite to eat or rest up at a cosy hotel. Some tips are:

• First Hotel Bengtsfors. Nice hotel with an outdoor pool for refreshing dips in summer.
• Silverlake. Canoe hire and pretty accommodation in a red wooden building, with a lovely swimming area.
• The Dalsland Experience. Experienced cycle hire and guided cycle tours.
• Halmens Hus. Museum and craft shop focusing on traditional straw work.
• Gammelgården. Hostel and open air museum with stunning hilltop views of the whole of Bengtsfors.

7. Vårviks Church

Vårviks church could well be one of the prettiest situated churches in Sweden. It’s on an island in Västra Silen lake in northern Dalsland. The decision to build the church on an island back then was probably taken because it was easier to reach by boat than via the often inaccessible roads and bridle ways on land.

You can cycle out to the island and enjoy the beautiful view. A lamp is traditionally lit in the church tower every evening, probably to guide lost mariners.

8. The old mill town of Gustavsfors

The picturesque settlement of Gustavsfors is situated on the border between Dalsland and Värmland. When you turn into narrow Bruksvägen lane it’s like cycling through history. On your way down to the canal you’ll pass a number of old buildings including Brukshandeln, Sjömagasinet and the iron mill itself, which now houses one of the smallest industrial museums in the world.

Cycle over the bridge to Alcatraz Aktivitetscenter where you can have a fika, eat homemade pizza or stay at the hostel. Alcatraz is also the perfect place to hire canoes and paddle for a few hours along the Dalsland lake system.

Discover more cycle trails in West Sweden