Lelångenleden links the forests of Värmland with the coast at Uddevalla, travelling through Dalsland’s lake country along the way. West Sweden Trails presents the 180 km route in four sections; parts use the former Lelången railway embankment, while others follow gravel roads through forest and countryside.
From Årjäng towards Lake Lelång
The first section begins in central Årjäng and heads towards Gustavsfors through a hilly landscape of villages, woodland and lakes. Before leaving town, riders can explore the sculpture walk or see Årjängstrollet, the large troll sculpture used as the section’s starting point.
The route passes Lake Blomma and continues beside Lake Lelång towards Gustavsfors. Visit Årjäng suggests Blomma’s bathing area as a stop and identifies possible detours from Torkelsbyn to Blomskog church or Borgåsgubben. Allow extra distance if including either diversion.
Gustavsfors, Bengtsfors and the canal
Gustavsfors has a harbour on the Dalsland Canal, with places to eat and stay. From here the route winds south through forest and countryside towards Bengtsfors. West Sweden Trails describes gravel cycle paths as well as gravel and asphalt in mixed traffic; the approach from Kråkviken follows road 172.
Bengtsfors is a useful stop for cafés, accommodation and bicycle service. Its attractions include the Gammelgården open-air museum and Halmens Hus, a museum devoted to straw crafts. Between Bengtsfors and Dals Långed, Lelångenleden shares its course with Unionsleden and follows an old railway embankment beside the canal.
The approach to Uddevalla
At the southern end, the Högsäter–Uddevalla section reaches smaller gravel roads and the Bjursjön recreation area before continuing towards the coast. Bjursjön has a swimming area, toilets and exercise facilities, offering a place to pause before the town.
From Bjursjön the route follows the old Lelången railway embankment into central Uddevalla. The town provides grocery shops, restaurants and accommodation for a stop at this end of the journey.
Planning the ride
The four published sections make it possible to focus on a shorter part of the route or combine them into a longer trip. Expect a mixture of gravel and asphalt, including stretches shared with motor traffic, and plan food and drink around the settlements on your chosen section.
West Sweden Trails provides section descriptions and a planning tool for finding places and services along the route. Visit Årjäng names Västkuststiftelsen as the route’s organizer. Check the route information and the services you intend to use before setting out.