Trollhättan valley of Gamle Dal, spring 2021.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & JE Nilsson 2021

The Trollhättan Fall and Locks area is about an hour’s drive from the city of Gothenburg. We had warm spring/summer weather over the weekend, so we decided to take a drive to visit the city and take in some of the dramatic landscape. I have never visited the city of Trollhättan before, so this was pretty exciting for me. I was looking forward to exploring the city as well as the surrounding nature in the valley of Gamle Dal (Old valley).

Trollhättan is a charming and compact city. Its history goes back at least to the Viking age due to its importance for the old inland waterways and trade routes. Most of its activities are distinctly influenced by its early industrial history, of which the Olidan hydro power station still lends towards its identity. The beautiful waterfalls and Locks are magnificent tourist attraction, so you’ll find plenty of maps and signs that help you navigate the area on foot or bicycle.

After this weekend’s drive to Trollhättan and experiencing the gorgeous landscape, I expect this area will see quite some tourist activities this upcoming spring/summer season.

In the background, a historic housing estate area near the waterfall landscape of Trollhättan Fall and Locks area.

The church of Trollhättan. Most attractions can be easily visited as nature intended. By car.

The park in the valley of Gamle Dan.

The Olidan Hydro Power Station. This power station began to supply industry and railways with power in 1910. Built in distinct red granite, it is located along the beautiful river, Göta Alv, and it is one of Sweden´s oldest industrial building that is still in use. It is owned by the Swedish state via Vattenfall.

Exploring the Locks in the valley, Gamle Dal. The Locks were constructed in the late 1700s as a means to moderate the flow of water to allow ships to safely pass through the canal, bypassing the fantastic Trollhättan waterfalls. They continue to be in use today by cargo ships, as well as leisure boats.