Upperudsälven

The Upperudsälven, an approximately 50-kilometer-long river in Västra Götalands län, Sweden, originates in the forests of the Dalsland region and flows through a picturesque landscape of dense forests, gentle hills, and small settlements before emptying into Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake. As a tributary of the Göta älv catchment area, it passes through the municipality of Mellerud and the village of Upperud, from which it takes its name. The river’s surroundings are characteristic of Dalsland’s unspoiled nature, marked by a tranquil, rural idyll and rich wildlife. Historically used for timber rafting and small hydroelectric plants, the Upperudsälven is now popular for recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and nature observation. It is also connected to the Dalsland Canal, a well-known canal system that supports boating and tourism in the region.