Vätternrundan: Sweden’s Iconic 315km Ride and What You Need to Know to Crush It

Every June, the town of Motala becomes the epicentre of endurance cycling. With more than 20,000 cyclists, a legendary 315 km loop around Lake Vättern, and a powerful sense of camaraderie, Vätternrundan is more than a ride — it’s a rite of passage.

Whether you’re chasing a sub-9 finish or pacing yourself through the night for your first attempt, this guide covers everything you need to prepare, fuel, and thrive on the course.

What Is Vätternrundan?

Vätternrundan is the world’s largest recreational cycling event, tracing a full loop around Sweden’s second-largest lake. While open to amateur cyclists of all levels, the physical and mental challenge demands smart preparation, structured training, and a well-tested fueling strategy.

Key Facts:

• Distance: 315 km

• Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,400 m

• Typical Finish Times: 7.5–15 hours

• Participants: 20,000+ each year

• Official Fuel Stops: 10

The course rolls through picturesque Swedish towns such as Gränna, Jönköping, Hjo, and Karlsborg, with most riders setting off between 7 PM and midnight — cycling through the night and into the sunrise.

Course Highlights

• Varied rolling terrain with no major climbs, but plenty of undulations

• Light conditions transition from dusk to dawn

• Weather can fluctuate dramatically: from 8°C at night to over 25°C by midday

• 10 well-stocked fueling stations support you along the way

This isn’t just about strong legs — it’s about planning, pacing, and precision fueling.

How to Fuel for Vätternrundan

Your body simply can’t store enough energy to sustain 10+ hours of cycling without additional fuel. That makes your fueling and hydration plan mission-critical for performance and gut comfort.

Fuelling Guidelines for Endurance Cycling:

• Carbohydrate Intake: 60–90g per hour

• Hydration: 500–750ml per hour

• Sodium Intake: 200–1000mg per hour

• Caffeine: Use strategically for focus and alertness

Fuel Strategy for Elite Riders (Sub-9 Hours)

• On-bike fueling with minimal stops

• Use strategic bottle swaps and gel pickups at Gränna, Jönköping, and Karlsborg

• Pack 2–3 bottles with carbs and sodium

• Carry 6–8 energy gels and include chews or bars for texture variation

• Prioritise a protein-rich recovery shake within 30 minutes post-ride

This strategy mimics what top endurance athletes use in events like Tour de France and UCI Gran Fondos — fast, efficient, and tested.

Fuel Strategy for Recreational Riders (10+ Hours)

• Take full advantage of the 10 official fuel stations

• Eat and drink consistently every 20–30 minutes

• Use a mix of gels, bars, chews, and electrolyte drinks

• Include a mid-ride caffeine source for alertness

• Stick to products you’ve used in training to avoid GI issues

• Begin recovery within 30 minutes of finishing

This is a strategy built for comfort, consistency, and sustainable energy.

Smart Tips for First-Time Riders

• Start slow — Don’t get pulled by faster groups early on

• Test everything in training — Never try new products or gear on race day

• Layer up — The night stages can be cold, wet, and windy

• Use reminders — Set watch or bike computer alerts to fuel, hydrate, and stretch

• Stay present — Vätternrundan is not just a test of endurance; it’s a celebration of effort and community

Vätternrundan Route Map & Support Stations

The event features 10 official support stations, offering water, energy drinks, snacks, toilets, and basic mechanical support:

• Ödeshög

• Gränna

• Jönköping

• Fagerhult

• Hjo

• Boviken

• Karlsborg

• Olshammar

• Hammarsundet

• Borensberg

Plan your stops based on your pacing and energy needs — it’s not just about the ride, it’s about timing your recovery, sodium, and carb intake.

Ready to Ride Vätternrundan?

Our Vätternrundan Fuel Kits are curated to help you ride smarter and go further. Built using athlete data and tested in real races, our bundles include:

• Dual-source carbohydrate drinks

• Electrolyte mixes for sodium and hydration balance

• Caffeinated gels and chews for focus and energy

• Plant-based recovery bars to bounce back faster

Fuel the Demand!