Vänersborg Museum holds a collection that is wildly out of proportion to the size of the town. It is best known for its African collection, one of the largest of its kind in Sweden, built up largely through the donations of local travellers and administrators in the 19th century. The natural history section is equally strong, with extensive zoological and geological specimens that reflect the extraordinary biodiversity of the Lake Vänern region.
The museum occupies a handsome building in the central park, the Nabbensberg, with views down towards the lake. Alongside the permanent collections there are rotating exhibitions on regional history and the culture of the old Älvsborg County. Allow at least two hours if you want to explore it properly.