Lilla Edet between canal history and the Göta älv

Lilla Edet combines the history of the Göta älv with varied trails, historic houses and cultural attractions. The history of its locks is particularly significant: Lilla Edet’s first lock was completed in 1607, and the original lock has been preserved to this day. At Ströms sluss, leisure boats and canal boats are raised and lowered on the Göta älv. The difference in height is six metres – a specific detail that vividly illustrates the technical character of this place.

Locks, churches and houses with a history

Those interested in the development of Lilla Edet will find several different points of interest in the locality. Today’s Fuxerna kyrka was built in 1769. Its cemetery preserves the Ollonbergska gravkoret, which is now used as a funeral chapel. Fridhemsstugan is one of the two preserved workers’ houses from the period after the fire of 1888, which destroyed large parts of Lilla Edet. Visits to Fridhemsstugan can be arranged by telephone with Ann-Britt Johansson at 076-017 24 32.

Storgatan also tells the story of the locality. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was a busy shopping street and runs from the banks of the Göta älv through the whole of Lilla Edet. The houses of Fridhemshusen on Storgatan were built for people who were severely affected by the fire of 1888 and had lost their accommodation; they are still preserved. The industrial heritage also includes Edet pappersbruk, whose history dates back to the 1880s. Lilla Edet had an extensive sawmill industry for at least three centuries, which was later converted into a paper industry.

Trails for short outings and longer tours

Various routes are available for planning your day. Prässebergsleden is 2.9 kilometres long and offers viewpoints over the Göta älv valley. Götaleden runs along the elevated mountain areas east of Lilla Edet and is approximately 5 kilometres long. Pilgrimsleden Göta älv also passes through Lilla Edet. In Högstorp, there are illuminated circular routes measuring 2,200 metres and 1,000 metres in length.

These differences help you choose the right holiday day: you can plan a shorter loop, visit viewpoints or include a longer route in your itinerary. Ströms slottspark offers several activities: a varied short disc golf course, two outdoor fitness areas, as well as the activity circuits “Bollkul” and “Puls och styrka”. The park is located near the Göta älv and borders Lilla Edet vänthamn.

Culture and practical information

Kulturhuset Eden in the centre of Lilla Edet hosts cultural events and houses a library, a cultural school and a cinema operated by Folkets Hus. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Regular church services are held at Fuxerna kyrka, including on Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m., as well as a Finnish service at noon on one Sunday each month. Another local experience is offered by Lilla Edet Bryggeri, with beer tastings where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample beers.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Lilla Edet, you can use your preferred mix of local history, walking trails, culture and activities as your starting point. Several options are described for arrival and getting around: Västtrafik’s demand-responsive local transport serves the bus station and the centre of Lilla Edet. Lilla Edet and Ström also have a well-developed network of cycle paths. A cycle path leads between Lödöse Södra railway station and Lilla Edet; the exception is a 1.3-kilometre section on a smaller road.

Other places to consider

If you would like to compare Lilla Edet with other destinations, you can also view Lödöse, Göta, Nygård and Prässebo.

To the overarching travel overview: Lilla Edet.