The small locality of Töreboda, with a population of around 4.700 inhabitants, did once have a bright future. It was here in the northern part of Västergötland that the railway, that is today the Western Main Line, met the impressive Göta Canal. It is a canal that at the time was praised as one of the technological marvels of Sweden. The town might not have grown as expected, but that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t found its way as an industrial town as well as a stop for any tourist exploring the canal.
A Short History of Töreboda
Töreboda has its origins in Björkäng Parish. The parish became a municipality in 1862 and parts of the municipality formed Töreboda municipality in 1883. Töreboda became a market town in 1909 and it incorporated the rest of Björkäng in 1939.
Göta Canal, a canal connecting the east and west coasts of the country, was completed in 1832. The canal passes through what is today Töreboda. Töreboda was for a short time considered the important junction between the canal and the railway when the railway reached the area in the 1860s. With the arrival of the railroad, however, the canal became unmodern and its importance declined steadily.
Töreboda’s population was at the beginning of the 20th century around 700 inhabitants. It reached 4.000 in the 1970s. It was eventually the railroad and the local industries that would be so important for the development of Töreboda. Three industrial producers still exist today. They are the door manufacturer Daloc founded in 1943, the laminated timber producer Moelven Töreboda Limträ was founded in 1919, and the clockmaker Westerstrand founded in 1906.
Things to Do and See
When driving north or south through Sweden you will most likely at some point have to cross the Göta Canal. Töreboda is one of the locations where this might happen and for many visitors, it is the canal that will keep them occupied during their visit. With that said, there is still a cozy town to explore and much to see in the area in and around Töreboda.
Göta Canal
Göta Canal stretches 190 kilometers through Sweden, connecting the east with the west. It might have been unmodern already upon completion, but it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sweden. This is another splendid example of historical Swedish failures that have become a modern attraction. Another such attraction is the Vasa ship in Stockholm.
The canal is within easy reach from the center of Töreboda. Anyone not owning a boat or going for a tour along the canal still has the possibility to enjoy the nature around the canal while hiking or cycling.
The Lina Ferry
How short can you make a regular ferry service? Lina is considered the smallest ferry in Sweden that is used for regular traffic. During summers the ferry takes travelers across the Göta Canal, a trip that takes a bit more than 20 seconds. The service started in 1919 and it is impossible to even imagine how many trips have taken place since then.
Borreboda Dammar
The tile works in Töreboda needed during its existence clay for its production. Until 1977, the clay was gathered at pits about three kilometers south of the town. The old pits are today filled with water, forming a landscape of small ponds. With walking paths and a watchtower, the area is popular for bird watchers or anyone else wanting a walk outdoors in nature.
Töreboda-Björkängs hembygdsmuseum
This is the local heritage museum in an old warehouse from 1881. Today it tells the story of the local inhabitants and their town’s past.
How to get to Töreboda
- Flights: The closest airport is Örebro Airport (ORB) located 100 kilometers away, with mostly chartered flights. There is also the larger Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) 183 kilometers away, with both domestic and international flights.
- Car: Töreboda is located at the intersection of Road 200 and Road 202, between Hova and Tidan, and Mariestad and Karlsborg.
- Train: Västantåg and SJ have trains to Falköping and Göteborg.
- Bus: There are local buses connecting Töreboda to the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 303 kilometers (3h 16min)
- Gothenburg – 190 kilometers (2h 22min)
- Malmö – 409 kilometers (4h 42min)
- Linköping – 163 kilometers (2h 5min)
- Kiruna – 1400 kilometers (16h)
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Many thanx for sharing the interesting photos and info.
Art