Vänersborg's old town and waterfront are compact and best explored on foot. The museum on Nabbensberg, the church, and the lake shore are all within easy walking distance of the railway station.
For Halleberg and Hunneberg, a car is the most practical option. There are no regular bus services to the plateau trailheads. The 15-minute drive east on Route 44 takes you to the turn-offs for both mountains.
Bicycles can be hired from the tourist office in summer and are a practical way to extend your range along the lakeshore cycle paths. The flat terrain makes cycling easy, and the route south along the Göta river toward Trollhättan passes through pleasant farmland.