Hej and welcome!
We’re Lisa and Steven—starting in 2026, we’ll be living and working with our two children and our dog in beautiful Dalsland, Sweden. Here, surrounded by lakes, forests, and unspoiled nature, we’re making our dream a reality: a small, welcoming hostel that’s more than just a place to stay.
The tranquility, the vastness, and the unique atmosphere of Sweden captivated us right away. Through our hostel, we want to share that very feeling with you—whether it’s during a hike through the woods, a relaxing evening by the campfire, or simply taking a deep breath far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
We look forward to introducing you to Dalsland in all its diversity and making you feel right at home.
Välkommen – we look forward to seeing you!
Steven & Lisa
And this is the Kanalvillan
The Kanalvillan is located in the heart of Dalsland, right on the banks of the idyllic Dalsland Canal. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and tranquility, it is a place that invites you to take a deep breath, unwind, and linger.
This historic villa has a charm all its own—with creaking floorboards, high ceilings, and a warm, open atmosphere. It once served as the canal director’s residence; today, we’re breathing new life into it. In doing so, we’re preserving its original character and blending it with modern, thoughtfully designed details.
Whether you’re traveling as a family, as a couple, or on your own, the Kanalvillan offers space for both socializing and solitude. In our cozy kitchen, on the sunny porch, or by the campfire, you’ll quickly strike up a conversation—if you’d like to. At the same time, the large garden, the adjacent forest, or a canoe trip on the canal invite you to enjoy some time alone.
The surrounding area offers countless opportunities to enjoy nature: hiking, paddling, fishing, swimming, or simply doing nothing and gazing at the sky.
The Kanalvillan is more than just a building to us—it’s a labor of love. And we’re thrilled to share this special place with people from all over the world.
1864 to 1868
The canal was built between 1864 and 1868 under the direction of Nils Ericson and was officially opened by King Karl XV in September 1868
1890
The Kanalvillan was built in the 1890s and originally served as a staff residence for the canal directors along the Dalsland Canal.
37 beds
The villa has a total of 37 beds: the historic main building contains 10 rooms (single, double, triple, and quadruple rooms with sinks), supplemented by the annexes See- and Schleusenstuga, which feature 2-, 3-, and 6-bed rooms, each with its own shared kitchen area.
254 km
The 254-kilometer waterway (of which approximately 12 kilometers are man-made) overcomes an elevation difference of about 66–67 meters with the help of 31 locks at 17 stations.
