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Welcome to Motala, Bike week 2025, and the 60th Vätternrundan! A festival for the whole family, whether you’re cycling one of the races or just want to be part of the vibrant community.
And this year, the cycling celebration will be something truly special, with two anniversaries: Vätternrundan will be held for the 60th time and Tjejvättern for the 35th.
“Vätternrundan is an icon in the cycling world. This will be a festival buzzing with activities,” says Jessica Nilsson, Head of Sponsorship at Vätternrundan.
It’s impossible to miss the fact that the week in general – and the race days in particular – are a much-loved celebration. Especially in Motala, but also along the route, where thousands cheer, clap, wave flags, and follow the cyclists with enthusiasm.
And the 2025 anniversary will be something extraordinary.
“We’re already seeing this reflected in the accommodation stats and the growing number of international guests,” says Jessica Nilsson.
“All our races are growing – and for the main event, Vätternrundan 315 km, we currently have 1,000 more participants than last year, representing 76 nations.”
But Bike week, with all its races, is not just a joyful cycling festival for visitors and riders. Over the years, it has also become an important part of putting Motala on the map – both nationally and internationally.
Each year, Bike week and Vätternrundan 315 km generate over 100 million SEK in tourism revenue for the municipality. And this year, as the world’s largest recreational cycling event celebrates its 60th edition, that figure is expected to grow even further.
“Bike week is a tremendous showcase for our entire region, and something we’re very proud of,” says Oskar Sundblad, CEO of Vätternrundan.
Since its premiere in 1966, Vätternrundan has grown into an event most people in Sweden recognize. And let’s be honest: haven’t we all, at some point, thought “Wouldn’t it be cool to hang a Vätternrundan diploma on the wall?”
Maybe 2025 is your year?
“Vätternrundan is something every recreational cyclist should experience – at least once in a lifetime,” says Oskar Sundblad.
“To ride around Lake Vättern in the bright summer night, witnessing both sunset and sunrise, and feeling the joy at the finish line… Everyone should take the chance.”
Want more ideas, with or without a bike? Visit: guide.vatternrundan.se/en
… This year’s Bike week will gather around 27,000 participants, 80,000 visitors, and cyclists from over 70 nations?
… Vätternrundan has, since 1966, been organized by and for the local sports associations around Lake Vättern? The first edition had 344 starters, of which 334 completed the ride.
… Stig Johansson from Fagersanna has ridden all 59 Vätternrundan races – and of course, he’s riding again this year. With his 1937 Husqvarna bike, jeans, clogs, cassette player, and a colorful hat over his helmet, he’s a beloved figure recognized and cheered by all.
… During Bike Week, about 170,000 buns, 10 tons of bananas, 3 tons of classic pickles, 20,000 liters of sports drink, and 100,000 cups of coffee are served? In Jönköping and Hjo, warm meals are also provided – including over two tons of lasagna in Hjo.
… Riders who’ve completed 25 or more Vätternrundan races are recognized as official veterans? The veterans’ club was founded in 1990 and today has around 500 members.
… All cyclists must rest at least six hours after finishing Vätternrundan before driving home from Motala? Police checks are conducted at every exit and are matched with Vätternrundan’s official finish times.
… Helmets became mandatory in Vätternrundan in 1984?
… The direction of the race changed in 1974? Riding clockwise may seem natural today, but back then it was controversial. The change – requested by the police – turned out to be a success, eliminating left-hand crossings and improving logistics at the energy stations.
June 6 – MTB-Vättern 25/50 km
June 7 – Tjejvättern 100 km
June 7 – Halvvättern 150 km
June 7 – Vätternrundan 100 km – the race where you can ride an e-bike
June 8 – Minivättern
June 13-14 – The 60th Vätternrundan 315 km
On May 23, Netflix premieres the new Swedish feature film Off Track 2 (“Ute och cyklar”), with Vätternrundan playing a leading role. The film is released just weeks ahead of the 60th edition of the world’s largest recreational bike event.
“Having Vätternrundan featured so prominently in a Swedish film is proof of the special place the race holds in the hearts of the Swedish people,” says Oskar Sundblad, CEO of Vätternrundan. “For nearly 60 years, we’ve been part of people’s challenges and dreams—just as we see with the characters in the film. Vätternrundan is a unique experience, with every participant carrying their own story.”
In “Off Track 2”, a stand-alone sequel to 2022’s “Off Track” (“Ur spår”), we follow siblings Lisa and Daniel as they sign up for Vätternrundan—not only to complete the ride, but to find clarity in their relationships and future ambitions. As Daniel’s marriage hits a rough patch and Lisa starts questioning her life choices, the race becomes a winding journey toward insight and change.
“We hope the film will inspire more people to discover the joy of cycling,” says Sundblad. “Exercise is incredibly important for both mental and physical well-being. And that’s something we want to encourage—whether it’s biking to work or training to complete Vätternrundan at least once in a lifetime.”
The film is produced by Yellow Bird and Jarowskij and will be released on Netflix on May 23, 2025. Just a few weeks later, on June 13–14, thousands of cyclists will set off from Motala to ride around Lake Vättern.
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