Security and safety

Traveling on the Dalsland Canal should be both safe and enjoyable. Here you will find the most important rules and regulations to know, along with information about places where extra attention is sometimes required.

Important to consider

Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable trip.

!Important information regarding mast height

If you are planning a trip by sailboat, it is important to know the clearance heights along the canal. From Lake Vänern to Håverud, the clearance height is 26 meters. From Håverud to Lennartsfors ( ), the clearance is 17. . North of Lennartsfors, it decreases to 15.5 meters (14.5 meters in some places). Always check the current information on the nautical chart for fairway 956. The maximum draft in the locks is 1.80 meters.

1Lifejacket during lockage

We require all children and all canoeists to wear life jackets. This is something we do not waive. But we do ask everyone to wear a life jacket when locking. If you fall into the water, there is a risk that you will be sucked down by flowing water in the lock.

2Open fire and smoking

Open fires and smoking in or near locks are strictly prohibited. For safety reasons, open fires are not allowed on board when locking. This means, among other things, that smoking is not allowed in the lock. You must also wait until you have completed the lockage before cooking.

3Do not swim at locks or bridges

Feel free to take a dip and enjoy the water, but never closer than 50 meters from locks and bridges. Strong currents can occur here when a lock is filling or emptying, and the moving bridges make the area particularly hazardous.

4Think about the speed limit

In the constructed sections of the canal, the maximum permitted speed is three knots. In the lakes and other parts of the canal, the speed limit shown on the chart for fairway 956 (Dalsland Canal) applies. Remember to always adjust your speed and show consideration for residents, other road users and wildlife.

5Thunderstorms and lockage

No lock operations will be carried out during thunderstorms. If you are in one of our locks, please wait for further information and instructions from staff.

Flowing water

For the most part, flowing water does not cause any problems, but in some places in the canal extra attention is required. This is particularly true at Håverud, Buterud, Lennartsfors and Töcksfors where water intakes and power stations can create stronger currents.

Always follow signs, bilges and lock keepers' instructions. Keep a steady speed in the fairway and be prepared to adapt your driving to the conditions.

In the event of an accident

All boats traveling on the Dalsland Canal must have valid liability insurance. Accidents are rare, but if one should occur, our lock keepers are close at hand. Contact the nearest lock keeper and they will help you.

General conditions

General terms and conditions regulate traffic on the Dalsland Canal and describe liability, service and safety. Please note that all recreational boats on the canal must have boat liability insurance.

Read more

Traffic regulations

The Swedish Maritime Administration's traffic regulations apply to travel on the Dalsland Canal. Here you will find the regulations in full.

Read more

More for your trip

The more you know before you set out on the Dalsland Canal, the more you can enjoy along the way. On the Boating Holidays page, you'll find inspiration and practical information to make your trip both smoother and more memorable.

Plan your boating vacation