Vanersborg is situated in the Swedish county of Vastergotland, not far from the second biggest city of Gothenburg. It is located south west of Lake Vanern, in a small inlet called Vassbotten. The vicinity to Lake Vanern gives the town a unique picturesque setting, and means that it has a lot of water activities.
Visit Vanersborg Marina and Harbour to see the boats or take a stroll along the promenade through the lush Strackleparken. This park has a popular swimming beach and you can stop for a bite to eat at Stracklestugan. You mustn't miss Vanersborgs Museum which is located within walking distance from the park. This gorgeous 19th century building contains collections of exotic and native animals, as well as objects from around the globe.
If the weather is not favourable to wild swimming, don't worry! Lake Vattern is notoriously cold, but the swimming pool Vattenpalatset is perfect for a family day out. It has pools with temperatures of 30degrees, water slides, caves and water cannons, as well as a relaxation area with a massage parlour and a sauna. If you're into golf you might enjoy a day at Onsjo Golfklubb, with 18 scenic holes, a shop and a restaurant right by Gota Alv.
If you want to watch a typical Swedish sport, you can try to catch a bandy match at Arena Vanersborg. As well as providing the home ground for a few different ice and ball sports teams, the arena is an event space where you can sometimes catch a concert or a fair, and afterwards enjoy a meal in the onsite restaurant or café.
Next to the gorgeous sparkling Vanern lake you can enjoy the nature park Halle-Hunneberg, which is named after the areas two mountains. Hike, mountain bike or ski in the unique environment where the Swedish king has done his yearly traditional elk hunt for hundreds of years. If you tread lightly, perhaps you can spot an elk yourself, or see a beaver swimming across the water. Learn more about the royal hunt and the area at Kungajaktmuseet Algens Berg or see art exhibitions at Sockenmagasinet and Rotkonstmuseum.
There is a domestic airport in Vanersborg, but international flights will take you on holiday to Vanersborg via the larger town Gothenburg. From here you can get the train or the bus the rest of the way, and when you arrive at Resecentrum you are also close to the tourist information centre. Spend a holiday or a weekend in Vanersborg, and enjoy all that this little town has to offer.