Lilla Edet offers a range of things to explore, from lock history and traces of the 1888 fire to cultural attractions and trails of varying lengths. You can tailor your stay to suit your interests in culture, outdoor activity or a mix of both.
Locks, Churches and Local History
The first lock in Lilla Edet was completed in 1607, and the original lock has been preserved. At Ströms sluss, pleasure boats and canal boats pass through the locks on the Göta älv. The difference in water levels is six metres. This offers a way to explore the history of the locks through their present-day use by different types of boat.
The present-day Fuxerna kyrka was built in 1769. The Ollonbergska gravkoret has been preserved in its cemetery and is now used as a viewing room. Regular services are held at the church, including Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. A Finnish-language service is held once a month on Sundays at 12 p.m. If you would like to plan your visit around a service, check the current times in advance.
The workers’ houses also tell the story of the effects of the 1888 fire, which destroyed large parts of Lilla Edet. Fridhemsstugan is one of two workers’ houses from that period to have been preserved. To arrange a visit, call Ann-Britt Johansson on 076-017 24 32 to make an appointment. The houses of Fridhemshusen on Storgatan have also been preserved. They were built for people who were badly affected by the fire and had lost their homes.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Storgatan was a busy shopping street. It runs from the banks of the Göta älv through the whole of Lilla Edet. The Edet pappersbruk is part of the town’s industrial history, dating back to the 1880s. Before that, Lilla Edet had a large sawmill industry for at least three centuries; this later gave way to the paper industry.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
For a walk with scenic views, try the Prässebergsleden: it is 2.9 kilometres long and has viewpoints overlooking the Göta Älv valley. The Götaleden is longer, at about 5 kilometres, and runs along the elevated mountain areas east of Lilla Edet. These are two options of different lengths to compare when choosing a route. The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv also passes through Lilla Edet.
Högstorp has lit circular trails that are 2,200 and 1,000 metres long. Lighting times vary by season. For a different range of activities, visit Ströms slottspark: it is near the Göta älv and borders Lilla Edet vänthamn. The park has a varied disc golf course, two outdoor gyms, and the activity circuits “Bollkul” and “Puls och styrka”.
There are cycling options too: Lilla Edet and Ström have a well-developed cycle path network that could be expanded further. A route between Lödöse Södra railway station and Lilla Edet runs mostly along a cycle path, with the exception of a 1.3-kilometre section on a smaller road. Check the current route and conditions before setting out.
Culture and Planning Your Visit
Kulturhuset Eden hosts cultural events in the centre of Lilla Edet. The building houses a library, a cultural school and a cinema run by Folkets Hus. Tickets can be bought at the entrance. Check event dates when planning your visit.
Beer tastings are offered at Lilla Edet Bryggeri. Visitors learn about the brewing process and can sample the beers. If you would like to plan a tasting, check in advance what is currently on offer.
Getting Around Locally
Västtrafik’s demand-responsive local transport serves the bus station and centre of Lilla Edet. Check the current travel options when planning your trip. North of the lock is an unstaffed waiting harbour where boats can moor around the clock. Check the harbour’s facilities before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Lödöse, Nygård, Prässebo, Göta.
Back to the main travel overview: Lilla Edet.
