The three open-air bathing areas all ideal for families are within cycling distance of the town centre. Ekudden, one kilometre from the town centre, also has heated pools. There is a marina in the very heart of the town and the river Tidan offers excellent fishing. You dont need a boat to experience the islands of Lake Vänern. The islands of Torsö and Brommö are easilly accessible by car, bus or bike.

Brommö
Brommö can be reached by the bridge to Torsö. The road twists and turns across the island through old farming communities until it reaches Laxhall where the Brommö ferry takes the visitors to Brommö.
Either with your own bicycle or one that can be hired from the ferryman. The walking and cycle paths lead past fine bathing bays, flat rocks with extensive views across the freshwater sea, perhaps to the Vänern countryside's biggest sand dunes on the north-west side of the island. Boat tourists can tie up at the nem visitor's landing stage.

You reach the island by a gentle rounded bridge with a beautiful view overlooking Mariestad.
Torsö offers several bathing sites, the three most popular ones are Hattarevik, Sandvik och Skräddaretorp.
There is a camping ground on the island and private cabins for rent.
You can visit the local craftsmen, buy smoked fish and visit the church and Fågelö chapel. In addition there are also several ancient monuments.

You can find restaurant Brygghuset and a new campingsite right before the bridge on the mainland.

Djurö
The Djurö archipelago is an isolated group of approx.35 islands and a number of skerries right in the middle of Lake Vänern. You need a boat of your own to go here. Djurö Island is a nationalpark, and because of the very rich birdlife it is forbidden to stay in certain parts of the archipelago from 1 st April-31st July. To make up for this, visists to other parts are made easier, for example to Malbergshamn, which is one of the best harbours of all the islands. Here you will find rubbish bins, places where you can light bonfires and rambling trails.  

Few places in Europe can compare with Vänern for the excellent and varied sport-fishing and our most popular fresh-water fishes.
Trolling for salmon and salmon trout in Lake Vänern is absolutely world class. Angling does not require a fishing licence. You may angle, jig, spin, reel or fly fish from the shore or from a boat. Trolling is allowed in public water.