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Olidan Power Station

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Olidan Power Station (Sweden)

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The Olidan Power Station in Trollhättan was Sweden's first major state-owned hydroelectric plant, signaling the birth of the nation's large-scale electrification. Constructed between 1910 and 1914 on the Göta älv river, it was built to harness the immense power of the Trollhättan Falls. The building's architecture, designed by Erik Josephson, is renowned for its monumental granite facade, which resembles a medieval fortress intended to symbolize the strength of modern industry. Upon its completion, Olidan was one of the largest power stations in Europe, supplying electricity to much of southern Sweden and its burgeoning industrial sector. Of the 13 original turbines installed, several are remarkably still in operation today, showcasing the exceptional durability of early 20th-century engineering. The station is not only a technical landmark but also a pivotal chapter in Swedish industrial history and the expansion of the state energy company Vattenfall. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the impressive machine hall to witness the historic generators. The surrounding area also features dramatic hiking trails along the locks and falls.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-216111517171373-1
Rain mm66514750749510110073877769

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Olidan Power Station is one of Sweden's first major state-owned hydroelectric plants, located at the Trollhättan Falls. It played a key role in the country's early industrialization and is a historic landmark of energy technology.
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Visiting
The power station is not open to the public, but the exterior facilities are visible from the Trollhättan Falls viewing platforms. Guided tours may be offered on special occasions.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoints are the bridge over the falls and the hiking path along the Göta älv river. From here, one gets an excellent view of the historic engine houses and the roaring waters.
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Local products
The region gives traditional Swedish handicrafts and local food products. Nearby farm shops sell honey, jams, and cheeses from the Trollhättan area.
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Active season
The falls are most impressive in spring during snowmelt when water flow is highest. The power station operates year-round, but visitor centers are open seasonally.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with a tour of the city of Trollhättan and Innovatum Science Park. The area around the Göta Canal and the Trollhättan locks provides further historical and scenic attractions.

Geography

Coordinates
58.27500, 12.27400

Facts

  • Built between 1910 and 1914.
  • The first large-scale state-owned hydropower plant in Sweden.
  • Equipped with 13 Francis turbines.
  • Designed with a granite facade to look like a fortress.
  • Used for the electrification of the main railway lines.
  • Located near the historic 19th-century locks of Trollhättan.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TrollhättanTrollhättan1 km · NEExplore →
Innovatum Science Park TrollhättanInnovatum Science Park Trollhättan5 km · NEExplore →
VänersborgVänersborg10 km · NExplore →
UddevallaUddevalla21 km · NWExplore →
Stenungsund Petrochemical CenterStenungsund Petrochemical Center34 km · SWExplore →
OrustOrust39 km · WExplore →
Nödinge-NolNödinge-Nol40 km · SExplore →
AlingsåsAlingsås41 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Olidan Power Station (10)

Kopparklinten

Viewpoint overlooking Trollhättan and the Göta River.

Saab Car Museum🏛 museum

Museum featuring historic Saab cars and prototypes in Trollhättan.

🕒 Tu-Su 11:00-16:00♿💶

Älvrummets naturreservat

Nature reserve in Västra Götaland, Sweden, along the river.

Konsthallen Trollhättan

Art hall with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.

Trollhättans kyrka

Church building in Trollhättan Municipality, Älvsborg County.

Polhems Slussen

Lock system on the Trollhätte Canal, named after Christopher Polhem.

Kungsgrottan

Immanuelskyrkan

Church building in Trollhättan Municipality, Sweden.

Trollhette quarnen🏛 museum

Historic mill, now a museum of milling in Trollhättan.

Kanalmuseum🏛 museum

Museum about the history of the Trollhätte Canal and its locks.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Olidan power station?
Yes, free guided tours of the historic facility are often offered in summer.
Where is the power station located?
In Trollhättan, right by the impressive waterfalls of the Göta älv.
Is it still in operation?
Yes, it still produces electricity and is a monument of technical history.
When are the sluices opened?
In summer, the waterfalls are spectacularly 'opened' at fixed times.
Are there hiking trails nearby?
Yes, the Innovatum area and the riverbank offer wonderful trails.
Olidan Power Station: where is it located?
Olidan Power Station is located in Sweden.
Olidan Power Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kopparklinten, Saab Car Museum, Älvrummets naturreservat.
Olidan Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Olidan Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Olidan Power Station in Trollhättan was Sweden's first major state-owned hydroelectric plant, signaling the birth of the nation's large-scale electrification.
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