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Celebrations & Family Gatherings Along the Göta Canal

CELEBRATIONS ALONG THE GÖTA CANAL

Summer Traditions.
Community by the Water.

National Day, Midsummer, a day with the family, Mother’s Day, or a crayfish party with friends—Norrqvarn is the perfect place to gather. We recommend planning your stay early and contacting us for next season’s dates and arrangements.

View of the lush lock area at Norrqvarn on the Göta Canal
The Norrqvarn lock area on the Göta Canal

JUNE 6 · SWEDEN'S NATIONAL DAY

Celebrate National Day
at Norrqvarn.

Gather your family and friends for a summer day by the Göta Canal. Enjoy the greenery, boating, and time together—and turn your celebration into a mini-vacation by staying the night with us.

Contact us for information about the upcoming National Day celebration, dining options, and accommodations. The program and schedule will be published once they are confirmed.

Question about National Day Book a room now
Midsummer pole and celebrating guests amid the greenery at Norrqvarn

Popular Midsummer Celebrations

Every Midsummer weekend, we welcome about 1,000 visitors to Norrqvarn. Experience the sense of community and summer traditions along the Göta Canal, and combine your celebration with an overnight stay. The upcoming program and dining options will be confirmed before the season begins.

See photos of the Midsummer celebrations ↗
Question about
Playtime at the Mini Canal in Norrqvarn

Family Days

Treat the kids to a day of Minikanalen and outdoor adventures. Combine your family day with a night in a Stubby or a glamping tent. Contact us for upcoming events.

Plan a family
A gathering at Norrqvarn's outdoor dining area next to the canal

Mother's Day by the Canal

Gather the family and celebrate Mom by spending time together in a beautiful setting. Ask us about the upcoming Mother’s Day, reservations, and accommodations. The menu and times will be confirmed prior to the celebration.

Question about Mother's
Guests gathered around long tables during a crayfish party at Norrqvarn

Crayfish Party & Overnight Stay

Plan a crayfish party for friends, family, or colleagues along the Göta Canal. Send us your preferred date and the number of guests, and we’ll get back to you with suggestions for food, venue, and accommodations.

See photos from our crayfish party ↗
Plan a

PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS CELEBRATIONS

Crayfish Party & Overnight Stay.

Long tables, crayfish, and time spent together in the great outdoors. The photos show a previous crayfish party at Norrqvarn. Send us the date and number of guests, and we’ll put together a proposal tailored to your group, including food, venue, and accommodations.

Crayfish and accompaniments on a set table at Norrqvarn
Crayfish, side dishes, and a summer evening
Guests gathered around long tables during a crayfish party at Norrqvarn
An evening to share with the whole group
Musicians on Norrqvarn's outdoor stage during the crayfish party
Music from a previous crayfish party
A group of people eating crayfish together at a long table at Norrqvarn
Crayfish Party at the Long Table
Crayfish and bread served to guests at the Norrqvarn crayfish party
Food and Fellowship in the Great Outdoors
Close-up of crayfish and accompaniments at the Norrqvarn crayfish party
Summer Flavors on the Table

MIDSUMMER & SUMMER LIFE BY THE CANAL

Midsummer at Norrqvarn.

Flower wreaths, the Midsummer pole, and joyful gatherings from our past celebrations. Here you’ll also find more summer moments from Norrqvarn—featuring our team, life on the pier, bike rides, and the Minikanalen. Click on a photo to view a larger version.

Guests and flowers at Norrqvarn's outdoor dining area during Midsummer
Long periods of time on the outdoor patio
Midsummer pole and celebrating guests amid the greenery at Norrqvarn
The Midsummer pole brings together young and old
Three guests wearing flower wreaths at a table at Norrqvarn
Flower wreaths and time together
Midsummer revelers at the outdoor dining area in front of Norrqvarn's mill house
Summer at the Old Mill House
Guests and a colorful bouncy castle at Norrqvarn’s Midsummer celebration
A Summer Day for Several Generations
Summer cakes, flowers, and Swedish flags inside Norrqvarn
Cakes and Swedish Summer Traditions
Staff wearing flower wreaths greet a guest at Norrqvarn
A Midsummer atmosphere from the very first meeting
Two happy guests enjoying the summer weather at Norrqvarn
A Summer Memory Together
An adult and a child at Norrqvarn's summer outdoor dining area
Family Time by the Canal
Two employees are carrying plates out to Norrqvarn's outdoor dining area
Summer Dining at Norrqvarn
Children are biking along the Göta Canal near Norrqvarn
Summer outing along the canal
Employees holding green and yellow balloons outside Norrqvarn
Summer greetings from our team
Guests are sitting on Norrqvarn's wooden dock next to a boat on the Göta Canal
A moment on the pier by the canal
A child is playing by the Mini Canal in Norrqvarn
Little Adventures at the Mini Canal
Musicians and guests at Norrqvarn's outdoor dining area by the Göta Canal
Live Music on the Summer Pier

Our summer traditions return year after year. Start planning your next visit now. Dates, performers, and menus are announced before each season—contact us, and we’ll help you plan your celebration or stay.

VIDEO FROM VÄNERPORT

Midsummer at Norrqvarn

Get a feel for the place and the festivities in our video from a previous Midsummer celebration.

Watch the video on

Summer traditions to look forward to—year after year

Let Norrqvarn become a summer tradition you’ll look forward to. Midsummer, live music, and time spent together by the Göta Canal give you new reasons to get together, year after year. Start planning your next visit now and book your accommodations well in advance.

Before each summer season, we announce the dates, artists, and program. Contact us now to plan your celebration, family gathering, or summer weekend at Norrqvarn.

Plan your next summer with us ↗Book a room now ↗

Wednesdays at Norrqvarn

Make a summer evening on the pier part of your stay. Enjoy live music on select Wednesdays, great food, and boating right next to the Göta Canal.

Dates, artists, and times are announced before each summer season. Feel free to ask us about next summer right now.

Saturdays at Norrqvarn

Gather your friends or family for a summer weekend by the canal. Enjoy dinner with live music on select Saturdays and stay overnight at Norrqvarn.

The dates and schedule for next season will be published once they are finalized. Plan your stay well in advance to secure the dates you want.

LOOKING BACK · 2026

Midsummer Buffet at Norrqvarn

Ahead of Midsummer 2026, we published a buffet menu featuring classic summer favorites, grilled dishes, and strawberry cake. This menu is from a past celebration and is not available as an offer for the upcoming season.

See the previous

Christmas Party at the Stadshotellet

Celebrate Christmas at Vänerport Stadshotell in the heart of Mariestad. We welcome individual guests, businesses, and groups to festive Christmas evenings featuring traditional Christmas fare, entertainment, and special experiences in the hotel’s charming setting.
  • Friday,November 27
  • Friday,December 4
  • Friday,December 11
  • An additional date onDecember 18maybe added if there is sufficient demand
The evening begins with a welcome drink in the Lobby Bar and continues with a classic Christmas buffet, Christmas canapés, snacks, hot dishes, and dessert served throughout the evening. Guests can also enjoy a mulled wine station, a 360° photo booth, a quiz, a Christmas raffle, a Christmas gift, and the evening’s performer.

Visit the link for more information:
https://stadshotellet.vanerport.se/event/
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Book a Christmas party at Stadshotellet

Networking event

50–250 people
Create a relaxed and social atmosphere with our networking event! The event includes welcome drinks, a flavorful buffet with finger foods, and the option of professional signage to make your event stand out. Make the evening extra memorable with optional extras like live entertainment, a photo wall featuring your logo and balloons, or a photographer to capture the moments at our photo wall.
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The event includes:

  • Welcome drink
  • Mingling buffet with canapés
  • Pick-and-mix food
  • Signage for the event
  • Advertising on social media

Possible options:

  • Photo wall with logo and balloons
  • Photographer with photo wall
  • Beverage package
  • Live music
Book a networking event

Family Celebration at the Göta Canal

Maximum 250 people

Gather the family for a birthday, a christening, a family reunion, or an anniversary along the Göta Canal. We’ll help you plan your meals and accommodations so you’ll have time to spend together. Combine your celebration with lock-gate experiences, the Mini Canal, and seasonal nature activities.

Check out our family package deal that includes lodging.

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Information

  • Capacity: Up to 250 people
  • Time: Until 11 p.m.
  • Welcome drink upon arrival
  • Select 3 main courses from the menu.
  • The meal is served with a non-alcoholic beverage of your choice.
  • Option to print photos on site for decoration and memories.
  • The price includes staff and cleaning.

Possible options:

  • Beverage package
  • Live music
Book a family event

After-work

Treat yourself to a break after work in our bar. Enjoy the dish of the day and a glass of beer or wine, perfect for unwinding. A place for colleagues, friends, or a moment to yourself. For larger groups, please book in advance.
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Information

  • Monday to Friday from 4 p.m.
  • Today's special with beer or wine to accompany your meal
  • Please book in advance for larger groups.
Book for larger groups
Private and Corporate Events

Create your party!

Are you planning a celebration? We can help you with bookings, preparations, and more.
Send an inquiry

PHOTO GALLERY

A place to discover together.

Life at the lock, recreation, nature, and accommodations with their own unique character. Click on an image to view a larger version.

The Göta Canal and the Norrqvarn Lock Area from the Air
The Göta Canal and the Norrqvarn Lock Area from the Air
Near the boats and locks
Near the boats and locks
The Mini Channel for Little Explorers
The Mini Channel for Little Explorers
Imaginative Accommodations in Stubbyn
Imaginative Accommodations in Stubbyn
Family Glamping Close to Nature
Family Glamping Close to Nature
Summer Days on the Dock
Summer Days on the Dock

Event booking