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Nature, Life at the Locks, & Family Adventures

Bike Ride Along the Norrqvarn Locks and the Göta Canal

NORRQVARN LOCK AREA

Get a closer look at
the Göta Canal.

Watch the boats pass through the locks up close, stop for an ice cream, and let the day unfold at its own pace. During the summer season, enjoy lunch, dinner, and coffee by the water. Here, lock life, nature, and adventure come together for families and couples alike.

Children are playing by the Mini Canal in Norrqvarn

The Mini Channel for Little Explorers

The miniature Göta Canal is an adventure for the kids. Play by the water and then head over to the ice cream stand. Toy boats are available for rent during the season.

One of the whimsical cottages in Stubbyn

A Magical Night in Stubbyn

Sleep in a tree stump or a mushroom among the trees. The whimsical cabins give your stay a character all its own, with the canal and activities nearby.

Summer Flowers at Norrqvarn

A small garden shop

Stop by our mini garden shop for gardening supplies and inspiration. It’s a nice break between lock passages, a walk, and something tasty to eat.

A DAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Mini Canal, the locks
, and an ice cream in the sun.

Watch the big boats pass through the lock and let the kids play by the miniature Göta Canal. Rent a toy boat during the season, explore Stubbyn, and stop by our mini garden shop. Finish off with a snack or a meal on the pier when the restaurant is open.

ACTIVE DAYS · TIME TOGETHER

Make the most of your trip
along the Göta Canal.

Cycle between the locks, paddle through the summer greenery, or gather the family for meals and an overnight stay. Choose a package and send us a request—we’ll help you plan your stay.

Two cyclists on a lush trail

Biking Package Along the Göta Canal

Stay at Norrqvarn and explore the canal’s towpath, locks, and scenery on two wheels. Ask about bike rentals and an optional picnic for your outing.

Paddling in Lush Natural Surroundings

Canoe and Kayak Packages

Combine your overnight stay with a kayaking excursion during the summer season. We’ll help you arrange equipment rentals, a suitable route, and times for your visit.

A family is eating together on the Norrqvarn pier

Family Gathering at the Göta Canal

Bring the whole family together, eat together, and enjoy a good night’s sleep after a day by the canal. Combine shared meals with accommodations and activities that suit your group.

Activities and rentals are available during the season. Accommodations, meals, equipment, availability, and price will be confirmed in the reservation or quote.

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.

EXPERIENCE NORRQVARN

Off on an adventure. Back to the dock.

Ride your bike along the Göta Canal, discover the Mini Canal, and take a break where the boats glide by. This is where your next summer day together begins.

VIDEO FROM VÄNERPORT

Discover the place in motion.

A look back at the summer and the experiences that await along the Göta Canal.

Watch the video on YouTube ↗

Places of interest

The area around Norrqvarn offers a wonderful mix of history, nature, and culture. Here you can get close to the beauty of nature with hiking trails and viewpoints along the Göta Canal. Whether you want to enjoy the tranquility of nature or discover local gems, there are plenty of experiences to look forward to. 

The Göta Canal with boats and the lush lock area at Norrqvarn, seen from the air

YOUR DAY AT NORRQVARN · SUMMER ON THE GÖTA CANAL

A summer day
worth staying for.

After a good night's sleep, a leisurely breakfast, boating, and little adventures await—at your own pace, right outside your room.

  1. Wake up feeling refreshed. Take your time at breakfast.

    Step out of your room after a good night's sleep and take a seat at the breakfast buffet. Go back for seconds, refill your coffee cup, and linger for a while as the summer day awakens.

  2. A morning walk—with ice cream as the goal.

    When the ice cream stand opens, it’s a great time for a short walk. Pick your favorite ice cream and find a spot by the canal. Watch the boats pass through the locks, sink into a lounge chair, and take a selfie with your friends.

  3. Lunch by the water.

    It'll soon be time for lunch at the restaurant. Take a look at the daily special, choose a table, and let the boat life continue to be your view while you eat.

  4. Exercise, rest, or a little of both.

    Rent a bike or a canoe during the season, take a walk along the Göta Canal, or find another comfortable lounge chair. When you want to freshen up, your hotel room is nearby for a shower and a break.

  5. Flowers and little discoveries.

    On the way back down, the mini garden shop awaits. Take a look at all the flowers, wonder what they’re called, and let your curiosity guide you through the garden accessories.

  6. Let the day turn into evening.

    Slow down a bit before dinner and gather again in the restaurant. On select Wednesdays and Saturdays, the evening can continue with live music on the pier. Check the event calendar for confirmed dates before your visit. See Live Music & Events.

A suggestion for the summer season. The restaurant, ice cream stand, rental services, and live music follow the current opening hours and schedule. See the restaurant's opening hours and menus.

Let your next summer day
begin here.
Book your room now

Activities

Mariestad and the surrounding area offer a wonderful blend of history, nature, and culture. Here you will find everything from charming urban environments and beautiful churches to scenic hiking trails and viewpoints on the shores of Lake Vänern. Whether you want to explore the city's historic neighborhoods, enjoy the tranquility of nature, or discover local gems, there are plenty of experiences to look forward to. 

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The treatment room at Min Vän Wellness in Mariestad
A moment of quiet, just for you.

Activities · Massage & Recovery

My Friend Wellness

Add a moment of tranquility to your hotel stay. Discover massages, relaxation, and attentive care at Min Vän Wellness in Mariestad. Choose the treatment that’s right for you and book your own moment of rejuvenation.

The treatments are performed at Stockholmsvägen 2, Mariestad.

News from Min Vän Wellness ↗
Package solutions

Make it an experience!

Combine your hotel stay with an activity and make it a memorable experience.