Boating vacation

The Dalsland Canal offers tranquillity, beautiful nature and historic locks. Here you will find the most important information to plan your trip as easily as possible.

Opening hours

Prices & tickets

Lock stations

Security and safety

Maps & charts

Propellants

Boat ramps

Guest harbors

Land transportation

Frequently asked questions

Opening hours

Whether you're planning a day trip, a longer boating vacation or just curious about when you can see the boats locking up, the latest information is here.

  • Main season June 11 - August 16
To the opening hours of the locks

For smoother locking

Buy your canal card and lock ticket conveniently online before you set off on the canal. Pay easily with Swish or card and get your QR code directly on your phone, ready to show at the lock. Everything is done in a few simple steps, and you have the entire ticket with you in your pocket wherever you go.

To prices & tickets
  • The Grand Canal Map

    The Grand Canal Map

    All season, unlimited locks. The Grand Canal Card gives you the freedom to enjoy the Dalsland Canal time and time again.

    To the Grand Canal Card

  • The Little Channel Card

    The Little Channel Card

    Seven days, unlimited locks. The Little Canal Card gives you the freedom to explore the Dalsland Canal at your own pace.

    To the Little Canal Card

  • Bath from cliff

    Prices & tickets

    Not sure which card is right for you, or want to see more prices? Here you can find complete information on tickets and fees.

    To Fares & tickets

The Ship's Guide

Skepparguiden gives you all the practical information you need for a smooth boat trip on the Dalsland Canal. It is also available as a printed brochure at all locks during the sailing season and at tourist offices around Dalsland.

To the Ships Guide

Tour suggestions for a memorable vacation along the canal

Dalsland's canal is not a straight canal but rather a string of large and small lakes. There are therefore plenty of beautiful tours to choose from. This means that you can visit the canal again and again and constantly find new places and tours.

To tour suggestions & inspiration

How do you lock?

Navigating the locks is easy. Each lock has a lock keeper who will navigate you, answer questions and help you if needed. Follow the lock keeper's instructions and your lockage will go smoothly.

1Calling the lock keeper's attention

If the lock gate is closed or no signal is given, dock at the waiting bridge. Locking takes place in order of arrival, unless the lock keeper decides otherwise. If there is no waiting bridge, the order of arrival applies directly upon entry. Passenger boats with a timetable always have priority.

2Wait for signs and prepare fenders

When the lock gate is opened and several people are to lock at the same time, place fenders on both sides (particularly important when lowering wide boats). Do not enter the lock until you have received a signal from the lock keeper. Canoes always enter last.

3Lie down in the designated place

Follow the lock keeper's instructions. The order can be changed for reasons of boat type or safety.

NOTE! When closing the lock, position the boat so that it is clear of the lock threshold aft of the boat.

4Receive fixed lines and moor correctly

The lock attendant throws down fixed lines. You are assigned a bow and stern cleat. Anchor around the button - do not tie up. You must be able to haul or slacken in line with the change in level. Keep the bowsprit firmly stretched when launching. There should be two of you on board. Turn off the engine.

5Protect your boat from the lock edge

Deflectors on the lock walls protect the boat. If the rail is against the deflector, the passage is smooth. Keep a few centimeters away with e.g. boat shake.

6Closing the lock

When the lock is ready: throw up the lines. Exit the lock in the same order as you entered, unless the lock keeper indicates otherwise. Always wait for the signal before leaving.

Don't have your own boat?

Experience ultimate freedom on the water by renting a boat for a wonderful canal adventure. We arrange boat rentals through Netterlid Marina, which offers two motorboats of different sizes with berths. Unless otherwise agreed, the boats normally depart from Upperud and Håverud in the southern part of the Dalsland Canal.

Netterlid Marina always does its best to ensure you have a safe and comfortable start to your adventure along the Dalsland Canal.

To Netterlid Marina boat rental

Have you experienced this Swedish summer classic?

  • Passenger boat Dalslandia

    Bengtsfors - Håverud

    Passenger boat trip on the Dalsland Canal

    The Dalsland Canal is operated by Dalslands Kanaltrafik AB. Join M / S Storholmen and M / S Dalslandia, which runs the classic tour between Bengtsfors and Håverud. The passenger boats are run by an independent operator and all ticket bookings are made with the shipping company.

Treat yourself!

You know that we also have lock cafés along the canal. It's a great way to cool off in the heat and treat yourself at the same time.

To the lock cafés

Accommodation close to nature during the trip

The lock keeper's cottages on the Dalsland Canal are located right next to the water and provide you as a boat guest with comfortable accommodation near the locks. Here you can rest between stages, enjoy the proximity to nature and have a safe base for both boating holidays, fishing and excursions on land.

Book your cottage today

Stay in hotels along the canal

There are many nice hotels along the canal. Most are adjacent to the pier and marina. What is better after a long day on the lake than a good dinner and a warm bed. So why not travel comfortably and stay in a hotel during your trip on the Dalsland Canal?

Hotels along the Dalsland Canal

Don't forget your tickets

Please note that the canal with locks and cafés has been completely cash-free since 2025.

Buy a lock ticket

What happens along the canal?

Get tips on stops and places to visit along the way

To events