The Trollhätte Falls are located on the Göta älv in Trollhättan and historically obstructed ship traffic between Lake Vänern and the North Sea. This context offers a special perspective on the destination: the history of canals and locks sits alongside protected river landscapes, technology and industrial history. When planning your trip, you can prioritise these themes according to your own interests.
Canal and Lock History
In the Trollhättan lock area, three generations of lock systems lie in the natural surroundings of Gamle Dal. Trollhätte Canal Park connects seven special places along the Trollhätte Canal, giving the canal a unifying role. The canal and lock area in Trollhättan has been designated by the Swedish National Heritage Board as one of Sweden’s 12 most important industrial environments.
The Kanalmuseet presents the history of the Trollhätte Canal and its lock system. Here, the history of the waterway offers a distinct perspective alongside the lock systems. This makes it possible to explore the canal not only as a landscape feature, but also for its historical and technical significance.
Technology and Industry
The Saab Car Museum showcases Saab’s entire history—from the first prototypes to the last vehicle to roll off the production line. The museum displays its collections and offers visitors the chance to meet experienced Saab veterans.
NOHAB:s Smedja preserves a historic industrial environment with hammers, furnaces and tools. These offer different perspectives side by side: the development of a vehicle brand and a preserved smithy setting with its work equipment.
The Innovatum Science Center offers 4,200 m² of interactive stations, creative play areas and fascinating experiments. The centre is for the whole family: it invites visitors to play and try things out, as well as to discover information and history. This playful, interactive approach complements the themes of vehicle history and industrial environments.
Nature, Views and Trails
The Älvrummet Nature Reserve encompasses the Göta älv within its valley landscape. Walking trails in the area can lead from the Trollhätte Falls to the lock area. The Kopparklinten viewpoint is about 77 metres above sea level; from there, the view extends across large parts of Trollhätte Canal Park and over the city.
Edsvidsleden passes through varied natural landscapes and nature reserves, as well as along the Göta älv. The route offers beautiful views and cosy spots for a coffee break. Alongside the protected valley landscape, visitors can choose a named hiking route or a viewpoint as different ways to enjoy nature.
Trails and Trip Planning
The Nils Ericsons promenade takes 25 minutes and passes all three generations of lock systems, the lock keepers’ houses, the Old Canal Office and a memorial stone to Nils Ericson. Slussvarvet is a 6 km route along the canal that returns to the starting point via Kärlekens stig in Älvrummet. The difference is useful when choosing a route: the promenade combines a set time with historic stops, while Slussvarvet focuses on distance and the return route. You can choose based on the time available or the route you would like to take.
The train journey between Trollhättan and Gothenburg takes about 35 minutes; actual journey times may vary. If you include this connection in your trip plans, check the current timetable.
Discover more destinations: Sjuntorp, Upphärad.
Back to the main travel overview: Trollhättan.
