Would you like to remember every step you take this summer? Then make sure you visit the Risveden nature reserve. It is hard to find anything more exotic at this latitude.

The expanses of untamed countryside are home to an abundance of wildlife and as you leap over tussocks of grass and climb the rocks, you’ll find it difficult to understand that you are so close to a major city. If you don’t have time to travel to northern Sweden, Risveden and Vättlefjäll will give you more than a taste of wilderness. You’ll fall in love for ever with the view from Klevsjöloft. Many have developed a deep affection for the unspoilt landscapes of Risveden and return every summer to rediscover the enchanting trails.
 
The countryside of Ale is crossed by many remarkable hiking trails. We warmly recommend the Vättlefjäll and Risveden areas. Vättlefjäll is dominated by areas of wetland with a hundred or so lakes, bogs and meres. The trails in the area vary in length and have many different starting points throughout Ale. Detailed maps are available from Ale Tourist Information in Surte.
 
Risveden is the largest forested area in western Sweden and its well preserved forest is an important cultural site. Risveden consists of mainly pine forest, with undulating plateaus, lakes and steep slopes dropping more than 100 metres. A map is essential for exploring this area, however, as there are few marked trails.
 
Nature and culture paths
Ale has a number of nature and culture paths that bring you closer to areas of historical and botanical interest, with ancient remains, cultural sites and rare plants. In Ale, there are signposted walks at Prästalund, Alvhem and Ranneberg and a culture path at the wildfowl ponds in Surte. The ponds are the home of goldeneyes, barnacle geese, mandarin ducks, ruddy shelducks and wild mallards. In the Risveden area, there are nine nature reserves that all promise rich and varied experiences.

Ranneberg Path
This nature and culture path starts by the crossroads on route 45 in southern Älvängen. Its eight information boards tell visitors about the site in Viking times, the stronghold, ancient fields and the flora and fauna. The one kilometre path takes visitors up to the top of this natural stronghold, from where they can admire the extensive view across the Göta älv valley. The numerous artefacts and remains discovered in this area alongside the river Göta älv are beautifully illustrated and described on these information boards. When the site was being cleared, a stone with cup marks dating from the Bronze Age was uncovered. Half-way up the hill are benches and a simple fireplace nestled in a small grove. The Ranneberg Path was created as part of the Ale Viking Project and is kept tidy by the local branch of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.

Prästalund Path
This path is in Starrkärr, about 4 kilometres south of Älvängen and 3.5 kilometres east of Alafors. After 1.4 kilometres, the path divides and you can either take the shorter (1.9 km) or longer (2.7 km) route.
Wear suitable footwear such as wellingtons or walking boots, as the longer walk is along natural tracks. The path is marked by white arrows painted on black posts. Wooden signs mark the sites numbered in the brochure. This is available from Ale Tourist Information in Surte. The path leads through woods and fields where animals may be grazing. From late spring to autumn, the woods of Prästalund are inhabited by sheep. They might be rather curious, but there’s no grumpy ram in the flock, so you can feel quite safe in the woods. However, if you decide to take the longer path, look out for the cattle on the other side of the road during the grazing months.

Alfhem Path
Ale Golf Club’s nature and culture path at Alfhem’s Kungsgård. This path is just over three kilometres long. The area that you ramble through has been inhabited since early times, as can be seen from the many remaining relics. It is difficult to say with any certainty how important the site next to Alfhem’s Kungsgård has been, but names mentioned in legends and sagas could be linked to this district.
Not that these references should be regarded as firm evidence, but they certainly fire the imagination and add extra allure to the district!
The path is marked by 50 centimetre high posts with yellow markings. You will notice signs at various points along the path warning you that you are close to the golf course. Please observe these signs and proceed with caution. This is for your own safety as you follow the path and to ensure that those playing golf are not disturbed during moments of great concentration.
Please ask at Ale Tourist Information in Surte for folders about these walks.
Tel: +46 (0)303-33 01 06