This Swedish city on the Göta River is known for its 32-meter waterfall, Saab Car Museum, and thriving film industry, earning it the nickname "Trollywood."
Trollhättan, a city of around 59,000 residents in western Sweden, sits along the Göta River. You can watch water cascade down the 32-meter Trollhättan Falls, explore the Saab Car Museum, or visit the Innovatum Science Center. The city is also known for its film industry, with many Swedish movies produced at the local Film i Väst studio.
Trollhättan Falls and Locks
The Trollhättan Falls drop 32 meters and are visible when water is released on special occasions. The lock system, completed in the 19th century, helps boats navigate the river. You can walk along the river, watch boats pass through the locks, and learn about the area's industrial history at the nearby visitor center.
Innovatum Science Center and Saab Car Museum
In the Innovatum district, you'll find two popular attractions. At the Innovatum Science Center, you can interact with hands-on exhibits about technology and science. Next door, the Saab Car Museum displays models from the Swedish car brand's early days to more recent designs.
Film Production in Trollhättan
Trollhättan is sometimes called "Trollywood" due to its active film industry. The Film i Väst studio, located in the city, produces about half of all Swedish feature-length films. While the studios aren't open to the public, you might see film crews around town or recognize locations from movies like "Dancer in the Dark" and "Melancholia."
Nature Areas
The Älvrummet nature reserve, close to the city center, has hiking trails and views of Trollhättan and the Göta River. Spikön, an island in the middle of the river, is a recreation area with a themed playground and summer café. For a day trip, you can visit the Halle-Hunneberg Ecopark, where you'll find hiking trails and might spot local wildlife.
Getting To and Around Trollhättan
You can reach Trollhättan by train from Gothenburg in about 35 minutes, and there are also direct train connections to Oslo and Karlstad. The city has its own airport with daily flights to Stockholm. Within Trollhättan, buses cover the city and surrounding areas.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Trollhättan has a variety of dining options, from traditional Swedish food to international cuisines. The city is known for its pizzerias, which serve a local specialty: the kebab pizza. For a more upscale meal, try restaurants like Gula Villan, which serves Swedish and international dishes in a yellow villa.
Trollhättan's History
Trollhättan's development is closely tied to the Göta River and its falls. The area was first mentioned in records from 1413. The name "Trollhättan," which translates to "troll's bonnet," originally referred only to the falls area. The city grew significantly in the 19th century with the completion of the lock system and the establishment of industries along the river. Trollhättan became an official city in 1916, at which time it had a population of about 14,000.
