Every June, thousands of cyclists gather in Motala, Sweden, to participate in one of the world's longest and most iconic bike events — the Vätternrundan. The ride requires participants to complete a staggering 196-mile (315 km) loop around Lake Vättern. This is Sweden's second-largest lake. This year's event was held on June 12 and 13.
The origins of the event date back to 1964, when Motala residents Sten-Otto Liljedahl and Ewert Rydell set out to promote healthy living through adventure. On August 22, 1964, the two rode around Lake Vättern for more than 22 hours, battling rain and strong winds. Four others joined them the following year. In 1966, 334 riders took part in what officially became known as the Vätternrundan. The event has grown significantly since then. This year, it attracted 20,000 people from around the globe.
Though the route is long and challenging, the race is not competitive. There are no podiums or medals for first place. Organizers intentionally schedule the event around the summer solstice. During this time of year, the nights in Sweden never truly get dark. This allows cyclists to safely navigate the roads around the clock.
"It's a great festivity because there's this mix of professionals and semi-pros," says Mattos Rundgren, who completed the event in 2022. "I think three-quarters of the people who are doing it are doing it for fun."
Riders start in waves, with the first group setting off at 7:30 pm on Friday evening. Additional groups follow every few minutes throughout the night. The final group is made up of the fastest riders. They depart between 9:00 am and 9:30 am on Saturday morning. Participants typically spend 10 to 18 hours on the road. Along the way, they pass through scenic countryside and stop at one or more of nine full-service stations. These rest stops offer cyclists a chance to rest, enjoy traditional Swedish food, and connect with fellow riders.
For Swedes, the Vätternrundan is a cherished tradition. Riders of all ages show up solo or on tandem bikes, and many dress in fun costumes.
"In Sweden, you can't call yourself a cyclist if you haven't done the Vätternrundan," Rundgren says.
Those unable to complete the 196-mile loop have other options. The weekend before the main ride, organizers host shorter events. They include a 62-mile (100 km) ride and a 93-mile (150 km) half-loop. These attract up to 10,000 additional participants. Together, the two weekends turn Motala, a small town of about 43,000 residents, into a vibrant hub of international cycling and celebration.
The Vätternrundan’s popularity reflects Sweden’s strong cycling culture. In the 1970s, rising oil prices and growing environmental awareness led many residents to swap cars for bikes. Sweden embraced the change — rolling out secure bike lanes, launching car-free days, and promoting cycling at every turn. Today, the broader Stockholm region alone boasts more than 700 miles (1,126 km) of bike lanes.
Resources: Smithsonianmag.com, Vätternrundan.se
