The Håverud Aqueduct carries water and boats across the rapids in a long trough; it was completed in 1868. A road bridge and a railway bridge also cross the aqueduct at Håverud. The route of the Dalsland Canal can be traced through a specific sequence: immediately after the sixth lock, it crosses the old river channel of the Upperudsälven at the Håverud rapids via an aqueduct bridge. This means the aqueduct can be understood both as a waterway and as part of the canal route.

Canal Museum and the history of the waterway

The Kanalmuseet in Håverud tells the story of life along the Dalsland Canal, from 19th-century agriculture to today’s tourist waterway. It is not just about the construction of the canal, but also about the lives of the people along its route. The largest and oldest exhibition at the Kanalmuseet, “Från älv till kanal,” depicts life on the Upperudsälven before and after the canal was created.

A second perspective is offered by “Drömmen om en kanal”: the exhibition traces the canal’s development from the 17th century to the present day and illustrates it with drawings. The exhibitions thus bring together the history of the people who lived along the river and the long development of the waterway. Exhibition details may change.

Hiking trails and views along the canal

Outdoors, too, the waterway and the landscape remain closely connected. The Ramslökedalen Nature Reserve is in Håverud, beside the Dalsland Canal and Lake Åklången. It has hiking trails and well-maintained wooden stairs. The Buterud Nature Reserve offers views of the lake and canal. The two protected areas highlight different aspects of the landscape: trails and wooden stairs in Ramslökedalen, and views of the water and canal in Buterud.

From the Håverud Aqueduct, you can hike toward Buterud. The trail passes through deciduous forests scented with wild garlic and over ridges where pine and oak trees grow. The best way to reach Buterud is via a trail from Håverud or by canoe on the Dalsland Canal. For this trip, you can choose between a route through the forests and travelling by water.

Kanalrundan, railbus and getting around

All versions of the Kanalrundan include a scenic boat trip and a ride on the railbus. The Stora Kanalrundan passes through 16 locks and by the Håverud Aqueduct. This gives the longer version a distinctive feature within the range of options. As the routes on offer may change, check which version is currently available before your trip.

The seasonal DVVJ train also passes the Håverud Aqueduct. You can enjoy views of Nils Ericsson’s boat chutes and the locks along the way. Check the current operating dates before your trip. For directions and assistance on site, there is also the Visit Dalsland Center in Håverud. It offers experiences that can be booked there and has a food shop selling locally produced products.

Plan your stay around your interests

The Kanalrundan offerings may change, and the DVVJ train runs seasonally. Take these different conditions into account when planning your accommodation if you want to coordinate your stay with specific outings.

Discover more destinations: Köpmannebro, Dalskog, Åsensbruk, Mellerud

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