The company manages and operates the Dalsland Canal, the Snäcke Canal and the Töcksfors Canal with associated facilities, properties, land and waterways.
The Dalsland Canal is more than just a waterway. It is a continuous landscape of stories, work, and movement, stretching from the deep forests of Dalsland up into Värmland.
Our work straddles the boundary between the past and the future. It combines technical expertise, careful management, and a desire to keep something alive. Every lock, every path along the water, and every encounter with a visitor is part of a larger context where history continues to be written. Together with people and businesses along the canal, we work to make the place accessible, welcoming, and meaningful—not just during the summer, but all year round. The Dalsland Canal is a cultural heritage in motion, and our mission is to ensure that it continues to live on.
Ownership
The company is owned to 85.7% by the Foundation for the Future Stock of the Dalsland Canal. The founders of this foundation are Årjäng municipality, all municipalities in Dalsland, Vänersborg municipality, Region Värmland and Region Västra Götaland. The remainder is owned by private individuals and companies.
Our marketing department
Making the canal visible is also part of our responsibility. Through stories, images, and encounters, we convey what happens along the water, from quiet everyday life to great experiences. This is how more people become aware of the place, and how life along the canal can continue to thrive. We are happy to collaborate with actors who share our desire to strengthen and develop the area. Whether it concerns events, content, entrepreneurship, or joint initiatives, dialogue is an important part of our work.
Since 1868
The Dalsland Canal was opened in 1868 as a link between the lakes in Värmland and Dalsland to transport goods, especially from the ironworks and sawmills, down to Lake Vänern. Nils Ericsson from Värmland was commissioned to build the canal and sensationally solved the most difficult challenge, to overcome the difficult rapids at Håverud. Today, the aqueduct at Håverud is Dalsland's biggest tourist attraction.
From transport route to boaters' paradise
The canal's history as a transport route for goods was cut short when the railroad took over after a few decades. Today, the canal is a boater's paradise with fantastic scenery, small, cozy lock stations and well-stocked with guest harbors, barbecue areas and other services. For those who do not have their own boat, there are the genuine canal boats that both according to the tour list and on charter go with passengers through the beautiful landscape.
Our history
On the other side of the lock, the world is waiting.
