Vättern Gravel 2026

Vättern Gravel begins and ends near Baltzar von Platen's grave in Motala, Sweden, adding a 120 km gravel ride to the Vätternrundan cycling event series. This autumn event is designed for regular cyclists and gravel specialists alike; the organizer suggests the distance is manageable for most, and a dedicated gravel bike is not necessary. The terrain consists mainly of gravel, with some asphalt sections on roads noted for very little traffic. The event aims to be an inclusive introduction to gravel cycling, welcoming participants on gravel-specific bikes or older city bikes. The route departs Motala for Borensberg, crosses sections of the Göta Canal, and proceeds north through woodland before its turn at the Stjärnorp Castle Ruin near Lake Roxen. The course is characterized as mostly flat, with the primary challenge being the distance and varied terrain rather than significant elevation gain. Vätternrundan introduced the race to offer a gravel alternative within its established cycling program, believing the world's largest recreational cycling event should feature a gravel option. The inaugural edition served as a trial, intended to increase gravel cycling's accessibility and expand the autumn ride into a more widely attended public cycling occasion.