The Route
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Tjejvättern's course is 100 km long and goes south along lake Vättern, makes a wide circle and then heads back north again to Motala. There are at least three rest stops. The course is very beautiful, varied and challenging enough for both beginners and intermediate cyclists. The cyclists start in groups during the morning and the finish does not close until the evening, which means that the participants have all day to take themselves around the course.
The rest stops
At all the rest stops (except the self-service one) you can get something to eat and drink, massage and have your bicycle repaired.
Rest stops are clearly marked in advance with the sign Depå. If you do not want to stop at the rest stop, move out into the middle of the road. If you want to stop at the rest stop, keep to the right and signal. Use hand signals and be observant as confusion at rest stop entry points can lead to accidents.
Course Officials
Course officials are posted at various points along the route. They will help you at traffic junctions and in places where there may be some doubt about the route. In addition traffic cones and other markings are used to keep you on track. You do not need to bring a map.
Service cars
If you need assistance on the route, wave at a passing service car, or stop and our service car will come and pick you up.
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Click to see cross-section of the route
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| Rest stop |
Km |
Comment |
| Borghamn |
31 |
The first stop is usually reached quickly. After having climbed up Omberg it is nice with a rest. Beverages, buns and bananas. |
| Alvastra |
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Self-service rest stop with water only. |
| Rök |
55 |
Home of the famous runestone and a popular rest stop at the half way mark. Beverages, buns and bananas.
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| Skänninge |
80 |
This rest stop is on the town square of a well-preserved medieval town. Beverages, buns and bananas.
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Sights along the route
After being escorted out of Motala, the cyclists head south and pass Vadstena, a pretty medieval town and a must-see in the Michelin Guide. After the rest stop in Rogslösa, you will cycle over Omberg, known as the mountain of flowers, today a unique nature reserve. At the southern slopes the course turns east, passing the cloister ruins at Alvastra. Now the course crosses pretty farming country and the two villages of Heda and Rök, founded in the Viking Age. At the rest stop in Rök you can see the famous rune stone. After Rök you approach the 'land of Arn', from where Sweden was once ruled. While keeping your eyes on the road you can allow yourself to glance at the churches of Appuna and Bjälbo, unique medieval churches, two of the many churches on these plains. The last rest stop is in the town square in Skänninge. Skänninge is a well-preserved town established in the 12th century, once considered the countrys capital.