The organization
Vätternrundan with start and finish in Motala is with its 300 km the world’s largest recreational bike ride and is a part of the Swedish Classic. With Halvvättern, Tjejvättern, Vätternrundan 100 km, MTB-Vättern and Minivättern the rides has around 36 000 registered riders. As a result of MAIF’s, numerous organizations and over 4000 volunteers work Vätternrundan give back annually ten million Swedish crowns to the organizations.
How it all began
On Tuesday the 22nd of August 1964 the professor and doctor Sten-Otto Liljedahl (from Motala) entered the bike store belonging to the Rydell brothers. He told Ewert Rydell about his plans on taking a trip around Lake Vättern on bike!
Two days later the two headed out. The weather was miserable with rain and wind. After 22 and a half hour they had completed their goal. Happy but very, very tired. The next year they did another test round but this time with four others; Jan Törnell, Erik Forssén, Kurt and Keith Kling.
During the Christmas of 1965 Sten-Otto sends a Christmas card to Ewert with an appeal to get Vätternrundan going. This and a whole lot of other contacts was successful and six months later Vätternrundan is reality.
Sustainability
Vätternrundan has long been actively working towards sustainable development based on three dimensions: social sustainability, ecological sustainability, and economic sustainability. This comes naturally to us, as the bicycle is a symbol of environmental awareness, physical activity, and health. We want to inspire a sustainable lifestyle and lead by example.
Vätternrundan is ISO-certified! Read more on the Sustainability page.
