Mariestad Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with ducks, a church with a tall spire, and red-roofed buildings.
A wooden dock with a lifebuoy, boats, and a church in the background.
A harbor with boats, a prominent church tower, and residential buildings.
A harbor with boats, a church, and buildings.
A town with a prominent church tower, a red building labeled 'Servicehus', and a calm waterfront.

This town along Gota Canal attracts boating enthusiasts from far and wide. Relax by the tranquil Lake Vanern.

Mariestad sits on the banks of Lake Vanern and is the perfect destination if you want to experience Sweden's best outdoor swimming, near Gota Canal. North of Mariestad, the canal connects with Lake Vanern in an area that makes for an idyllic daytrip. Nature enthusiasts, history buffs and culture lovers flock to the picturesque towns along the canal.

Mariestad gives a striking first impression, particularly the many historic building in the charming Old Town. Amble around the popular cultural sites, next to little houses, cafés and shops. Overlooking the Old Town is Mariestads Domkyrka, one of the area's most iconic structures. Explore the shopping area with many restaurants and pubs along the main road Kungsgatan.

During your stay in Mariestad, going for an outdoor swim is mandatory. Some of the nicest options are Ekuddens Strandbad, Sandviken and Snapen. Why not book a weekend trip to Mariestad and swim in a lake surrounded by trees, light, wind and birds?

Learn more about the district's long industrial history at Lugnas Qvarnstensgruva. You can take a guided tour to find out more about working condition during the area's industrial heyday. At Vadsbro Museum there are exhibitions about Mariestad's development in the recent centuries.

Mariestad is situated 50 kilometres north of Lidkoping and is easy to get to by car. The journey from Lidkoping or Skovde takes about an hour. Alterantively, you can get the train from Skovde to one of the bigger cities, such as Stockholm or Gothenburg.

Spend some time admiring Lake Vanern and Gota Canal during your trip to Mariestad. Go for a weekend trip to Mariestad with your loved ones, or treat yourself to an even longer getaway.

Where to stay in Mariestad

Find the best Mariestad areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Mariestad
Learn more about Mariestad

Gamla Staden-Nya Staden

If you're spending some time in Gamla Staden-Nya Staden, Vänern and Vadsbo Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Vänerport Stadshotel

Vänerport Stadshotel

4 out of 5
Nygatan 10 Mariestad
The price is £70 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
£70
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Vadsbo Museum and Sandvikens badplats are ...
Vänerport Stadshotel
Vänerport Lakefront

Vänerport Lakefront

3.5 out of 5
32 Hamngatan Mariestad
The price is £71 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
£71
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Staff helpful, very good breakfast. Quiet"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Vänerport Lakefront
Hotell Aqva Restaurang & Bar – Ett Biosfärhotell med fokus på hållbarhet

Hotell Aqva Restaurang & Bar – Ett Biosfärhotell med fokus på hållbarhet

3 out of 5
Viktoriagatan 15 Mariestad
The price is £144 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
£144
17 Sept - 18 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very good! (657 reviews)
"Not bad"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Hotell Aqva Restaurang & Bar – Ett Biosfärhotell med fokus på hållbarhet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
First Camp Ekudden Mariestad

First Camp Ekudden Mariestad

2 out of 5
Ekudden Mariestad Vastra Gotaland County
Stay at this campsite in Mariestad. Enjoy free parking, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Vadsbo Museum and Sandvikens badplats are located ...
First Camp Ekudden Mariestad
Äppelgården

Äppelgården

3 out of 5
Käckestad, Karlsro 1 Mariestad
Stay at this cottage in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Vadsbo Museum and Sandvikens badplats are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (37 reviews)
"Sweet little B and B in a beautiful country setting. Owner was very lovely and the room was nice and very pretty. Only downside was that not all rooms have a private bath, which we did not realize from the advertisement. Otherwise, a wonderful little B and B."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2017

Äppelgården
Awesome home in Mariestad with WiFi

Awesome home in Mariestad with WiFi

Mariestad
Stay at this holiday home in Mariestad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Sandvik and Skräddaretorp are located ...
Awesome home in Mariestad with WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Mariestad attractions

Cities near Mariestad