Vätternrundan was born out of passion and scientific curiosity. In 1966, Sten-Otto Liljedahl, a doctor specializing in sports medicine, decided to create an event that would allow him to monitor the effects of training on participants' bodies. During a summer stay in Motala, a town located on Lake Wetter, he developed the concept for a race that would circle the entire lake. The first rally was completed by 334 daredevils, which seems a modest number compared to the scale of the event today.

Initially, the route led in a counter-clockwise direction, but in 1974 the direction of travel was changed. Contrary to popular belief, this change was not directly related to the introduction of right-hand traffic in Sweden (which had occurred seven years earlier), but was due to a desire to optimize the route and improve the safety of participants.

The Denkmal für die Vätternsee-Radrundfahrt in Motala, a monument commemorating this unique event, is worth a visit. The monument is located at the place where the main race starts and finishes every year. In 2011, a statue commemorating the rally's founder, Sten-Otto Liljedahl, was also unveiled near the start of the main event, highlighting his enormous contribution to the development of the event.

Motala, a small town of about 30,000 residents on a daily basis, experiences a real siege during Vätternrundan. The town's population triples as participants arrive with their friends and families. This creates a unique festival atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the event.

Over the years, Vätternrundan has gained cult status on the cycling calendar. Only two people can boast of having completed all 51 editions of the rally: Stig 'Lappen' Johansson and Lars-Åke Åkerman. The third pioneer, Nils Dåverhög, unfortunately had to quit after riding about 80 kilometers during one of the editions, which interrupted his impressive streak.

The rally survived various adversities, including a coronavirus pandemic that forced organizers to cancel the 2020 edition and postpone the 2021 date from mid-June to early September. Despite these difficulties, the event returned stronger than ever, confirming its status as one of the most important cycling events in Europe.

Lake Wetter, the second largest lake in Sweden, is the centerpiece of the rally. Its name comes from the Old Norse word 'vaetir', meaning 'water' or 'lake'. This vast 1,912-square-kilometer sheet of water creates a spectacular backdrop for the riders' struggles. The lake is characterized by exceptionally clear water, visible even at a depth of 20 meters. The water temperature rarely exceeds 20°C even on the hottest summer days, making it ideal for cooling off after an intense workout.

The Vätternrundan route takes riders through a variety of terrain, from flat stretches along the lake shore to more challenging climbs inland. Cyclists can enjoy picturesque landscapes, historic towns and numerous tourist attractions. One such destination is the Runt Vättern, a hiking trail leading around the lake that partially parallels the rally route. This trail offers not only great views of the lake, but also access to numerous viewpoints, rest areas and tourist attractions.

Vätternrundan is not only a sporting challenge, but also an opportunity to learn about the region's rich history and culture. The route passes through places of great historical significance, such as Vadstena with its impressive castle and the ruins of Brahehus Castle. This combination of sport, history and nature makes Vätternrundan more than a simple race - it's a true cultural experience that attracts participants from all over the world.

The Vätternrundan route takes you through some of Sweden's most beautiful and historic places. While covering the 315-kilometer loop around Lake Wetter, participants have the opportunity to see many fascinating attractions that are also worth visiting outside of the rally time.

One of the most impressive sights along the route is Vadstena Castle, a majestic 16th century fortress located on the shores of the lake. Built during the reign of King Gustav Vasa as a defensive fortification, this Renaissance castle today is an excellent example of Swedish defensive architecture. Visitors can admire not only the imposing body of the building with its distinctive round towers, but also the rich interiors with a collection of furniture, portraits and artifacts from various eras. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque park, which is an ideal place to relax during a long bicycle ride. Price-wise, a tour of the castle is in the middle category, making it accessible to most tourists.

Not far from Vadstena is also S:ta Birgittas kloster Pax Mariae, a monastery founded by St. Brigid of Sweden in the 14th century. It is a place of great spiritual and historical significance that attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The monastery offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the Brigidine order and the life of St. Brigid herself, one of the most important figures in Swedish history and patroness of Europe. Admission to the monastery is relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for those interested in religious history and spirituality.

Continuing along the Vätternrundan route, it is impossible to miss the ruins of Brahehus Castle, picturesquely located on a hill overlooking the lake and the town of Gränna. This 17th-century castle, built by Per Brahe the Younger, burned down in 1708 and was never rebuilt. Today its ruins are a popular viewpoint and tourist attraction. Admission to the ruins is free, making them accessible to all lovers of history and beautiful views. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Wetter and the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal stopping point during a rally.

In Huskvarna, a town known for its manufacturing of gardening tools and equipment, is the Husqvarna Museum. This fascinating site showcases the history of Husqvarna, which began as a royal arms factory in 1689 and over time evolved into a manufacturer of a variety of products - from sewing machines to motorcycles to chainsaws and lawnmowers. The museum offers interactive exhibitions and showcases an impressive collection of products manufactured by the company over 300 years. Admission tickets are reasonably priced, making the museum an attractive option for those interested in industrial and technological history.

In Jönköping, the largest city located on Lake Wetter, visit the Jönköping County Museum. This modern museum presents the history and culture of the region, from prehistoric times to the present. Of particular interest is the exhibition on the match industry, which played a key role in the city's development. Indeed, Jönköping was for a long time the world center for the production of matches. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions on various aspects of local culture and art. Ticket prices are moderate, and the museum offers discounts for students and senior citizens.

One of the most spectacular points on the Vätternrundan route is Västra väggar (Omberg) - the western walls of Mount Omberg, which drop steeply to Lake Wetter. This nature reserve offers not only breathtaking views, but also unique ecosystems and rare plant species. Numerous hiking trails lead through the forest to viewpoints from which one can enjoy the panoramic view of the lake. Admission to the reserve is free, making it accessible to all nature lovers.

After the intense exertion of participating in the rally, many participants choose to relax at Varamobaden beach in Motala. This sandy beach, one of the longest in Sweden, offers excellent conditions for rest and recreation. The clear water of Lake Wetter, although usually quite cool, provides an ideal opportunity to refresh after a long bike ride. The beach is equipped with the necessary infrastructure, including showers, toilets and barbecue areas. Admission to the beach is free, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Also worth mentioning is Lake Wetter itself, which is the centerpiece of the Vätternrundan rally. This second-largest lake in Sweden features exceptionally clear water and a rich ecosystem. The lake is home to many species of fish, including the endemic lake salmon, making it a popular destination for anglers. Numerous small bays and beaches along the lake's shore offer ideal places to stop and rest during a rally.

Each of these attractions offers unique experiences and the opportunity to learn more about the region. From historic castles and monasteries, to museums showcasing local history and industry, to natural wonders of nature, the Vätternrundan route takes you through diverse and fascinating places that are worth visiting regardless of your participation in the rally.

Vätternrundan is not only a sporting challenge, but also a well-organized event with a rich tradition and many interesting aspects. Here is practical information and fascinating trivia you should know before participating in this legendary rally.

The rally begins and ends in Motala, a small town located on the eastern shore of Lake Wetter. During the event, the town turns into a real cycling center, and its population triples thanks to the influx of participants and fans. Be sure to visit the Denkmal für die Vätternsee-Radrundfahrt, a monument commemorating the rally, which is located in the city center. The monument serves as a symbolic starting point for many participants, who take commemorative photos at it before the challenge begins.

The organization of Vätternrundan stands at the highest level. Along the entire route there are service points where participants can replenish their water and food supplies, use the toilets or get technical assistance in case of a bike breakdown. One of the main service points is the Kinnarps Arena in Jönköping, where participants can rest and recuperate before the next stage of the journey. The cost of participating in the rally can be described as average, given the scale of the event and the level of organization.

Vätternrundan attracts participants of varying levels of experience - from professional cyclists to amateurs and enthusiasts. For those who do not feel up to covering the full 315 km route, the organizers have prepared shorter variants: Halvvättern (150 km) and Tjejvättern (100 km), dedicated to women. This allows everyone to find a distance that suits their abilities and experience.

It is interesting to note that in 2021 Princess Thessa of Luxembourg took part in the rally, describing the experience as 'an amazing experience'. The presence of members of royal families and other celebrities underscores the prestige and international importance of the event.

The weather during Vätternrundan can be unpredictable, which poses an additional challenge for participants. June in Sweden is characterized by long days (almost white nights), but the temperature can fluctuate significantly. Participants must be prepared for both heat and cold, rain or strong wind. The stretch along the western shore of the lake, where the wind often blows straight into the cyclists' faces, can be particularly challenging.

Lake Wetter, around which the rally route runs, is the second largest lake in Sweden and the eighth largest in Europe. It is characterized by exceptionally clear water, visible even at a depth of 20 meters. The lake is also known for its sudden and dangerous storms, which can occur almost without warning. Fortunately, Vätternrundan's route is mostly on land roads, though often overlooking the lake.

It's worth mentioning the local culinary specialties that can be sampled while traveling around Lake Wetter. Gränna, a picturesque town on the rally route, is famous for its production of polkagris - traditional Swedish candies with red and white stripes. According to legend, they were invented in 1859 by Amelia Eriksson, a widow who was looking for a way to support her family. Today, Gränna is full of stores offering these sweets, and tourists can observe the process of making them by hand.

For those who want to combine taking part in a rally with learning about local culture and history, the Vätternrundan route offers many options. In addition to the aforementioned attractions, look out for smaller but equally fascinating sites, such as traditional Swedish farms, local museums and picturesque fishing villages. Each of these places has its own unique history and character, which makes a trip around Lake Wetter even more interesting.

Vätternrundan is not only a sporting event, but also an opportunity to integrate and make new friends. Many participants return to the rally year after year, creating a kind of community united by a common passion for cycling and love for the beautiful landscapes of Lake Wetter. The atmosphere of mutual support and solidarity is one of the most appreciated aspects of the event.

All in all, Vätternrundan is a unique combination of athletic challenge, beautiful landscapes and rich culture. Whether you are an experienced cyclist looking for a new challenge or an amateur looking for an unforgettable adventure, this legendary rally has much to offer. Thanks to its excellent organization, diverse routes and fascinating attractions along the way, Vätternrundan remains one of the most prestigious and well-liked cycling events in Europe, attracting participants from all over the world.