Mariestad

Travel Guide

Mariestad
Mariestad

This town along Gota Canal attracts boating enthusiasts from far and wide. Relax by the tranquil Lake Vanern.

Mariestad sits on the banks of Lake Vanern and is the perfect destination if you want to experience Sweden's best outdoor swimming, near Gota Canal. North of Mariestad, the canal connects with Lake Vanern in an area that makes for an idyllic daytrip. Nature enthusiasts, history buffs and culture lovers flock to the picturesque towns along the canal.

Mariestad gives a striking first impression, particularly the many historic building in the charming Old Town. Amble around the popular cultural sites, next to little houses, cafés and shops. Overlooking the Old Town is Mariestads Domkyrka, one of the area's most iconic structures. Explore the shopping area with many restaurants and pubs along the main road Kungsgatan.

During your stay in Mariestad, going for an outdoor swim is mandatory. Some of the nicest options are Ekuddens Strandbad, Sandviken and Snapen. Why not book a weekend trip to Mariestad and swim in a lake surrounded by trees, light, wind and birds?

Learn more about the district's long industrial history at Lugnas Qvarnstensgruva. You can take a guided tour to find out more about working condition during the area's industrial heyday. At Vadsbro Museum there are exhibitions about Mariestad's development in the recent centuries.

Mariestad is situated 50 kilometres north of Lidkoping and is easy to get to by car. The journey from Lidkoping or Skovde takes about an hour. Alterantively, you can get the train from Skovde to one of the bigger cities, such as Stockholm or Gothenburg.

Spend some time admiring Lake Vanern and Gota Canal during your trip to Mariestad. Go for a weekend trip to Mariestad with your loved ones, or treat yourself to an even longer getaway.

Where to stay in Mariestad

Default Image

Gamla Staden-Nya Staden

If you're spending some time in Gamla Staden-Nya Staden, Vänern and Vadsbo Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Gamla Staden-Nya Staden
Vänerport Lakefront

Vänerport Lakefront

3.5 out of 5
32 Hamngatan, Mariestad
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$162 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
S$162
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (865 reviews)
"No elevator. Quite warm, so kept room windows open and then it was fine. Very good breakfast"

Reviewed on 5 Sept, 2025

Vänerport Lakefront
Waterside Mariestad

Waterside Mariestad

2.5 out of 5
5 Oxvägen, Mariestad
The price is S$116 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
S$116
2 Oct - 3 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Vadsbo Museum and Sandvikens badplats are ...
7.8/10 Good! (525 reviews)
"It is a prison! You can feel it, however it is cool to experience it for a night. We got to check-in right when the Front Desk was closing for the day. A but eerie inside when no-one is around and you have. Bathroom could have been cleaner. Okay-ish breakfast. Overall great for a night!"

Reviewed on 1 Jun, 2025

Waterside Mariestad
Vänerport Stadshotel

Vänerport Stadshotel

3.5 out of 5
Nygatan 10, Mariestad
Fully refundable
The price is S$156 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
S$156
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Vadsbo Museum and Sandvikens badplats ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (824 reviews)
Best value for money!
"Excellent Hotel, Big rooms, Good Smart TV, Excellent Internet. Excellent Beds, Silent, Flexible Staff. Restaurant could be better, only offers cold meals during the day."

Reviewed on 8 Nov, 2024

Vänerport Stadshotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
First Camp Ekudden Mariestad

First Camp Ekudden Mariestad

2 out of 5
Ekudden, Mariestad, Vastra Gotaland County
Book a stay at this eco-certified campground in Mariestad. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Vadsbo Museum and Sandvikens ...
7.6/10 Good! (37 reviews)
"Boendet var enkelt men rent. Sängarna var bra och personalen vänlig och tillmötesgående. Det var vad man behövde för en natt. Omgivningen superfin."

Reviewed on 29 May, 2025

First Camp Ekudden Mariestad
Brodderud Apartments

Brodderud Apartments

3 out of 5
Hamngatan 16, Mariestad, Västra Götalands län
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Vadsbo Museum and Sandvikens badplats are ...
"Nice and clean walking distance from main hotel, you can hear traffic but we were on first floor"

Reviewed on 3 Feb, 2024

Brodderud Apartments
Holiday Home in Mariestad

Holiday Home in Mariestad

2.5 out of 5
Mariestad
Stay at this vacation home in Mariestad. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Sandvikens badplats and Vadsbo Museum ...
Holiday Home in Mariestad
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit