Hiking Trails and Nature Reserves around Gothenburg
Gothenburg is not only known for its vibrant city life and cultural attractions but also for its fantastic nature experiences. Exploring the nature in and around Gothenburg is easy. You are always close to fresh air, water, cliffs, and forests – perfect for one or more days of hiking. There are nearly endless trails and paths to choose from on the West Coast, and here are our best tips!
Gothenburg Archipelago Trail
Discover a coastal hiking trail that combines paths, archipelago settlements, mountains, magnificent views, and historical remnants. Take a bus, bike, or car to Hönö ferry terminal and hike along the coast on the islands of Hönö, Fotö, Öckerö, and Hälsö. The trail is part of the Coastal Path.
Änggårdsbergen
Änggårdsbergen is a large natural area adjacent to the Botanical Garden. This hilly landscape offers forests and heathlands and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. There are several hiking trails here that take you through quiet forests and open fields, with viewpoints offering panoramic views over Gothenburg.
Vrångö
For those who want to experience the beauty of the archipelago, Vrångö is an excellent choice. This car-free island in Gothenburg's southern archipelago has several scenic hiking trails that take you through rocky landscapes, forests, and sandy beaches. Vrångö also offers fine swimming spots and opportunities to enjoy sea views. Every morning at 10:50 during the summer season, a summer boat departs to Vrångö from Stenpiren, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
Gotaleden
Want to get out into nature but still have some comfort? Along Gotaleden’s 71 kilometers, you will find coffee shops, food, and accommodation at several places, and all stages are accessible by commuter train. Nääs Fabriker, Aludden, and Jonsereds Trädgårdscafé are some of the places the trail passes. For the more wilderness-inclined, there are also shelters and campsites where you can spend the night.
Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv
Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv is about walking through history. It runs from Masthuggskyrkan in Gothenburg to Vänersborg. With Lödöse as a historical hub, you step right into history. The rich ancient and medieval history is constantly present. You can hike the trail in its entirety or choose one or several different stages.
Delsjöområdet
Delsjöområdet is one of Gothenburg’s closest and most popular nature areas. A few minutes' tram or bus ride from the city center takes you to one of the entrances at Härlanda Tjärn, Skatås, or Stora Torp. The 7.5-kilometer walk around Stora Delsjön is an easy hike that you can end with coffee and waffles at Lyckans café.
Hisingsparken
Gothenburg's largest park with wetlands, exercise trails, and beautiful views. Just a short trip from central Gothenburg, you are met by a wonderful mix of landscaped park, beautiful wilderness areas, and winding exercise trails. Visit Hisingsparken and meet the animals at the nearby Kättilröds 4H farm or have a barbecue at Slätta Damm.
Stora Amundön
A nature area in southern Gothenburg, with swimming, hiking, and snorkeling trails. Here you will find rocky swimming areas and a few small sandy beaches. The nature trail, approximately 4.5 kilometers long, goes around the island. Outside Stora Amundön, you will also find Gothenburg’s first snorkeling trail – an underwater nature trail where you can learn more about the animal and plant life in the water.
Vättlefjäll Nature Reserve
In this vast natural area north of Angered, there are nine different trails and hiking routes ranging from 3 to 25 kilometers long. Here you will find lakes, waterways, rare plant species, and a variety of birds – including the woodlark, nightjar, black grouse, black woodpecker, and capercaillie. There are shelters and tent sites, and you can also rent a canoe at Vättlestugan.
Want to hike in a group?
Tikitut Community-based tourism organizes experiences in northeastern Gothenburg. Everything from city and nature walks and canoe trips in Vättlefjäll to food experiences that give you an insight into Sweden’s different food cultures. Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv organizes various hikes, with meetings with people and nature. If you want to hike and forest bathe in a group, Sense In Nature is an option. Take the chance to discover Gothenburg’s nature in a new way.