Turistgården in Töcksfors

Turistgården in Töcksfors is on the Dalsland Canal, one of the most beautiful waterways in Sweden, and right next to the new Unionsleden cycle trail. Here, you can decide to stay in a cottage, youth hostel, hotel or suite with Jacuzzi, the choice is yours. And don’t forget to start the day with a swim from their own jetty.

Idyllic location close to the border between Sweden and Norway.

Tiny Töcksfors is only 5 km from the Norwegian border, and Turistgården has a strategic and idyllic location along the new Unionsleden. The cycle path winds right past the red painted main building here, that was once the village school and parish meeting place. Very close to Turistgården is a narrow inlet on Lake Töck and the Dalsland Canal, the perfect place for a swim once you have checked in. On the opposite side of the water is Töcksmark’s beautiful white wooden church with a slate roof.

“What especially pleases me is that our guests can choose between many different types of accommodation, depending on their budget and comfort requirements. You can stay in your own small red cottage, a youth hostel, bed & breakfast, hotel or your own suite with ensuite Jacuzzi and a large veranda,” says Jörgen Strömberg, who opened Turistgården some 20 years ago.

Cottages and youth hostel

Turistgården has 56 rooms in five different buildings, including several small red cottages, all with views over the gardens or canal. All rooms have TV and WiFi. The hotel part, with ensuite WC and shower, plus kitchen in the rooms, has large windows and when you open the blinds in the morning, you are greeted by the gorgeous garden and sun dappled water. The youth hostel rooms have shared WC and showers in the corridor plus a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, and you can choose between preparing your own breakfast or eating at the breakfast buffet. A good tip is to order a packed lunch from the breakfast buffet for your outing, with or without bike.

Cycle storage

Guests with bikes can wash their bikes and lock them in safe storage overnight. There is also a washing machine and dryer to launder sweaty cycling clothes. However, Strömberg advises guests not to head off immediately in the morning, and recommends a morning swim in the canal instead. Because there is also a great many things to discover in Töcksfors. One popular day out is to hire a canoe at Turistgården and head north along the uppermost part of the Dalsland Canal to Östervallskog.

“The canal narrows there and you will be paddling through a deep and enchanting forest. You can also make a campfire before the minivan comes to collect you and bring you back here,” he explains.

Shopping at the border

Guests who fancy a bit of shopping or a restaurant meal are in luck thanks to the trading centres at the Norwegian border. Töcksfors is flanked by two large shopping centres (one is on the opposite side of the hill from Turistgården), and there are around ten restaurants to choose from in this tiny community. The most famous is Waterside, idyllically situated by the Dalsland Canal, which has been recommended in the White Guide for several years. Perhaps a perfect food experience ahead of your bike adventure, or to round off a long day in the saddle.