Mariestad Travel Guide

Tourist 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
Waterside Mariestad

Waterside Mariestad

2.5 out of 5
5 Oxvägen, Mariestad
The price is ₹6,926 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹6,926
₹7,757 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Mariestad Cathedral and Sandvikens badplats are ...
7.8/10 Good! (472 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 Lakefront

Vänerport Lakefront

3.5 out of 5
32 Hamngatan, Mariestad
The price is ₹15,197 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹15,197
₹17,020 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (823 reviews)
"Very spacious."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2024

Vänerport Lakefront
Rasta Mariestad - Rattugglan

Rasta Mariestad - Rattugglan

3 out of 5
Suntorp /E20, Mariestad
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mariestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Mariestad Cathedral and Sandvikens ...
7.8/10 Good! (846 reviews)
"It was a good stay. Close to Mariestad. The included breakfast is also very good. There is also coffee shop in the premises."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Rasta Mariestad - Rattugglan
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
Stay at this eco-certified campsite in Mariestad. Enjoy free parking, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mariestad Cathedral and Sandvikens ...
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
4 Person Holiday Home in Mariestad-by Traum

4 Person Holiday Home in Mariestad-by Traum

2 out of 5
Mariestad, Västra Götaland County
Stay at this holiday home in Mariestad. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Sandvikens badplats and Mariestad Cathedral are located nearby.
4 Person Holiday Home in Mariestad-by Traum
Holiday Home in Mariestad

Holiday Home in Mariestad

2.5 out of 5
Mariestad, Västra Götaland County
Stay at this holiday home in Mariestad. Enjoy free parking, balconies and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Sandvikens badplats and Mariestad Cathedral ...
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.

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