Every June, thousands of cyclists participate in Vätternrundan, one of the world's longest and most iconic bike events, in Motala, Sweden. The tour requires participants to cycle around Lake Vättern, Sweden's second-largest lake, in a 315 km loop. This year's event took place on June 12 and 13.
The event originated in 1964 when two cyclists from Motala, Sten-Otto Liljedahl and Ewert Rydell, organized an adventure to promote healthy living. On August 22, 1964, the two cyclists cycled around Lake Vättern, battling rain and strong winds, in a journey that took over 22 hours. The next year, four more people joined them. By 1966, 334 cyclists officially participated in the event, known as Vätternrundan. Since then, the event has grown significantly, hosting 20,000 people from around the world this year.
Features of the Race
Despite the long and challenging route, the race is not competitive. There are no podiums or medals for the first-place finishers. The organizers intentionally plan the event around the summer solstice, when nights in Sweden are not truly dark, allowing cyclists to travel safely for hours.
Participants' Experiences
'It's a great festival, a mix of professionals and semi-professionals,' says Mattos Rundgren, a cyclist who completed the event in 2022. 'I think two-thirds of the people are doing it for fun.' Cyclists start in waves, with the first group departing on Saturday at 19:30. Additional groups follow every few minutes throughout the night. The final group, consisting of the fastest cyclists, departs between 09:00 and 09:30 on Saturday morning. Participants typically spend 10 to 18 hours on the road, passing through beautiful countryside and stopping at one or more of the nine full-service stations. These breaks give cyclists a chance to rest, eat traditional Swedish food, and connect with other cyclists.
Swedish Culture and Cycling
For Swedes, Vätternrundan is a treasured tradition. Cyclists of all ages participate, often wearing fun costumes, and many ride solo or on tandem bikes. 'In Sweden, you can't call yourself a cyclist unless you've done Vätternrundan,' says Rundgren. For those who cannot complete the 196-mile (315 km) tour, there are alternative options. The weekend before the main event, organizers host shorter events, including a 100 km tour and a 150 km half-tour, which attract an additional 10,000 participants. Over the two weekends, the small town of Motala, with a population of around 43,000, becomes an international cycling and celebration hub. The popularity of Vätternrundan reflects Sweden's strong cycling culture. In the 1970s, rising petrol prices and increased environmental awareness led many residents to switch from cars to bikes. Sweden embraced this change by opening safe bike lanes, launching car-free days, and encouraging cycling at every opportunity. Today, the wider Stockholm area alone offers over 1,126 km of bike paths.
Conclusion
Vätternrundan offers a unique experience for cycling enthusiasts. Participants can enjoy beautiful scenery, traditional Swedish food, and the company of other cyclists. This event showcases Sweden's strong cycling culture and commitment to promoting healthy living. Get your bike ready to participate in Vätternrundan next year and experience this amazing event!
