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

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Gamla Staden-Nya Staden

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

Gamla Staden-Nya Staden
Vänerport Lakefront
Vänerport Lakefront
3.5 out of 5
32 Hamngatan, Mariestad
The price is S$224 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
S$224
16 Jun - 17 Jun
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! (807 reviews)
"Very spacious."

Reviewed on 12 Aug, 2024

Vänerport Lakefront
Waterside Mariestad
Waterside Mariestad
2.5 out of 5
5 Oxvägen, Mariestad
The price is S$115 per night from 13 Jun to 14 Jun
S$115
13 Jun - 14 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mariestad Cathedral and Sandvikens badplats ...
7.8/10 Good! (427 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
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Mariestad Cathedral and Sandvikens badplats ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (739 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 Mariestad Cathedral and ...
7.8/10 Good! (34 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
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 Mariestad ...
Holiday Home in Mariestad
4 Person Holiday Home in Mariestad-by Traum
4 Person Holiday Home in Mariestad-by Traum
2 out of 5
Mariestad
Stay at this vacation home in Mariestad. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Sandvikens badplats and Mariestad Cathedral are located nearby.
4 Person Holiday Home in Mariestad-by Traum
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.

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