Håverud: Aqueduct, Canal and Nature

Håverud combines an exceptional structure with waterways, railway history, exhibitions and nature experiences. The Håverud Aqueduct was completed in 1868 and carries water and boats in a long trough over the rapids. Its construction is particularly impressive because of the 33.5-metre-long metal trough, which is assembled from 33,000 rivets. At Håverud, a road bridge and a railway bridge also cross the aqueduct.

Waterways and special travel experiences

The location on the Dalslands Kanal can be explored in different ways. Immediately after the sixth lock, the canal crosses the old river channel of the Upperudsälven on an aqueduct bridge at the Håverud rapids. The Håverud lock station has four locks. Those who want to experience a longer combination of a boat trip and a train journey can consider the Kanalrundan: all variants include a scenic boat trip and a journey on a railbus. The Stora Kanalrundan passes through 16 locks and by the Håverud Aqueduct.

The DVVJ train journey also has its own distinctive character. Along the way, you pass the famous Håverud Aqueduct and can enjoy views of Nils Ericson's boat troughs and the locks. This allows you to plan your trip according to your preferred pace: with a boat trip, a train journey or a combination of both experiences.

Kanalmuseet: History Along the Water

Kanalmuseet in Håverud tells the story of life along the Dalslands Kanal – from 19th-century agriculture to today's tourist waterway. The largest and oldest exhibition, “Från älv till kanal”, portrays the lives of the people along the Upperudsälven before and after the canal was created. The exhibition “Drömmen om en kanal” traces the development of the canal from the 17th century to the present day and illustrates it with drawings.

Håverud therefore offers not only a view of an impressive feat of engineering but also points of connection for anyone wishing to understand the historical transformation of a waterscape. The Visit Dalsland Center in Håverud provides visitors with information and assistance, offers experiences that can be booked locally and has a grocery market with locally produced products.

Nature Between Canals and Lakes

Protected landscapes are also part of Håverud's character. The Ramslökedalen nature reserve is located in Håverud along the Dalslands Kanal and Lake Åklången. There are hiking trails and well-developed wooden stairways. From the Buterud nature reserve, there are views of Lake Åklången and the Dalslands Kanal.

From the Håverud Aqueduct, you can hike through deciduous forests scented with wild garlic and over ridges covered with pine and oak trees towards the Buterud nature reserve. If you plan to visit Buterud, the area is best reached via a trail from Håverud or by canoe on the Dalslands Kanal. This allows the various landscape experiences to be combined with culture, waterways and quiet contemplation of nature.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Håverud, you can consider which experiences should be the focus of your trip. Those who want to focus on the aqueduct, Kanalmuseet and the historic waterways will plan differently from someone who primarily wants to include hikes through Ramslökedalen or towards Buterud. A trip combining a boat journey and a railbus also has a different focus from a stay with longer periods spent in nature. Håverud is therefore a sensible place to search for travellers who want to combine culture, canal history and landscape in a single travel concept.

More Travel Ideas

For further travel planning, you can also explore Mellerud, Åsensbruk, Dalskog and Köpmannebro.

To the higher-level travel overview: Mellerud.