Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Walking tours
    • Eat & drink
    • Culture
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    Trollhättan

    Sweden

    Trollhättan

    CityNatureCultureFor Families

    Trollhättan on the Göta älv is an industrial city where hydropower and canal construction shape the cityscape.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. Vänern and Göta Canal
    9. Trollhättan
    Trollhättan on the Göta älv is an industrial city where hydropower and canal construction shape the cityscape. Here you'll find the Trollhätte Falls, the locks of the Trollhätte Canal, and evidence of an industrial history ranging from hydropower to car manufacturing at Saab.

    Sights in Trollhättan

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Trollhättefallen & Slussområdet

    The Trollhätte Falls usually carry little water, as Göta älv is used for electricity production. Vattenfall will open the dam gates for visitors in 2026 only during July's 'Fallens dagar' festival (July 17-19, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23). Then, around 300,000 litres of water per second rush through the gorge. Adjacent are the locks of the Trollhätte Canal.
    Open in Google Maps

    2Saab Car Museum

    The Saab Car Museum in Trollhättan tells the story of the Saab car brand, which built its vehicles here. On display are models from all phases of production. The museum is located on the Innovatum campus, directly next to the Innovatum Science Center.
    Open in Google Maps

    3Innovatum Science Center

    Right next to the Saab Car Museum, the Innovatum Science Center invites you to interactive exhibitions on technology, science, and innovation. It is particularly suitable for families.
    Open in Google Maps

    4Kanalmuseet

    Vertiefe dein Wissen über die beeindruckende Geschichte des Göta Älv und seiner Schleusen im Kanalmuseet. Anhand von Modellen, Werkzeugen und historischen Dokumenten verstehst du die enorme Bedeutung dieser Wasserstraße für Transport und Wirtschaft in der Region.
    Open in Google Maps

    City walks in Trollhättan

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Trollhättan: Locks, Power Station and Saab Museum

    You start at the Canal Museum by the locks of the Trollhätte Canal, its current generation operating since 1916. Passing the Kopparklinten viewpoint and the Olidan Hydropower Plant, proceed to Olidebron and end at the Saab Car Museum on the Innovatum grounds.

    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (5)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    Kanalrestaurangen & Cafe

    You'll find Kanalrestaurangen & Cafe directly by the lock area, which is perfect for a relaxing lunch break. Here you can enjoy traditional Swedish home cooking and coffee breaks with an unbeatable view of the passing ships and the impressive lock system.
    Show on Google Maps

    Restaurang Vattenfall - Älvrummet

    In the heart of the Vattenfall Visitor Center, Restaurang Vattenfall - Älvrummet presents an excellent option for a traditional Swedish lunch or a Fika. Indulge in fresh dishes within a modern ambiance and often a beautiful view of the surroundings.
    Show on Google Maps

    O'Learys Trollhättan

    For a relaxed and lively atmosphere, O'Learys in Trollhättan is a great choice. Here you can enjoy American-inspired pub classics like burgers, ribs, and wings, while catching sports events on numerous screens – ideal for a casual evening with friends or family.
    Show on Google Maps

    Culture, Art and History in Trollhättan

    Waterfalls and CanalTrollhättan is inextricably linked to the waterfalls of the Göta älv, which shaped its development over centuries. Attempts to bypass the rapids with locks began as early as the 18th century, and the first Trollhätte Canal was opened in 1800.Hydropower and IndustryThe use of hydropower made Trollhättan an industrial hub. The Olidan power plant and the historic lock systems are now technical monuments. When the dam gates are opened during a Fallpåsläpp, approximately 300,000 liters of water per second plunge down.FilmWith the film production company Film i Väst, Trollhättan has developed into a center for Scandinavian film production, earning it the nickname "Trollywood".

    Exploring locally

    On Foot and By BikeThe city centre is compact, many sights by the falls and locks are reachable on foot. Bike and walking paths follow the Göta älv.BusLocal transport is covered by Västtrafik's bus network. The easiest way to buy tickets is in the Västtrafik To Go app.TaxiTaxis are available in the city centre. Plan routes to the Innovatum area with the Västtrafik app.

    Accommodations in Trollhättan

    Find perfect stay in Trollhättan

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Campgrounds in Trollhättan

    Find perfect campground in Trollhättan

    Search via Google Maps
    Campgrounds nearby (15km)
    Camping.info
    Find Campgrounds
    Park4Night
    RV Parks & Camping

    Plan your trip to Trollhättan

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to Trollhättan

      Live
      • 1Trollhättefallen & Slussområdet3 days
      • 2Saab Car Museum4 days
      • 3Innovatum Science Center5 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Trollhättan
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Nearby

    Vänersborg

    Vänersborg

    Vänersborg is situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Vänern, where the Göta älv begins its journey to the West Coast. The nickname "Lilla Paris" was given to the town at the end of the 19th century by the poet Birger Sjöberg, who was born here. Today, the small town combines administrative history, an unusual museum, and lakeside paths.
    West Coast (Västkusten)

    West Coast (Västkusten)

    Sweden's west coast, Västkusten, stretches from Halland in the south, with sandy beaches like Tylösand, to Bohuslän's archipelago coast in the north. Characterized by smooth granite cliffs, thousands of islands, and fishing villages like Smögen and Fjällbacka. The region is known for seafood and water sports, with Gothenburg as its center.
    Bohuslän Skerries Coast

    Bohuslän Skerries Coast

    The Bohuslän archipelago coast north of Gothenburg is characterized by reddish, smoothly polished granite rocks and fishing villages. Far to the north lie the Koster Islands in Kosterhavet, which was established in 2009 as Sweden's first marine national park. Further south, Marstrand with Carlsten Fortress and Smögen with Smögenbryggan and its colourful boathouses are worthwhile. The region is known for seafood; a lobster or crab safari offers insight into fishing. Midsummer is suitable for island hopping, autumn for quieter days.
    Marstrand

    Marstrand

    Marstrand is a small island town north of Gothenburg, characterized by its maritime history and Carlsten Fortress. You reach the car-free island of Marstrandsön from Koön via a ferry that runs 24/7 and takes only about two minutes. The Carlsten Fortress, once a defensive fortification and prison, towers over the town and offers expansive views of the archipelago. Well-preserved wooden houses line the streets of the old town, and the harbour is a renowned sailing centre. In the 18th century, Marstrand was a free port, and in the 19th century, it became a popular seaside resort. Outside the peak season in July, it is significantly quieter. An approximately 5 km circular path leads around the island, past cliffs and swimming spots.
    Smögen

    Smögen

    Smögen, located in the municipality of Sotenäs, is one of the most famous and frequently visited fishing villages on Sweden's west coast. In summer, the approximately one-kilometre-long Smögenbryggan is bustling with activity; in the off-season and shoulder season, the place is quieter. Smoothly polished granite rocks, archipelago islands, and a long fishing tradition characterize the scenery.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI