The Gotaleden
Gothenburg - Vårgårda

Nature experiences close to the city

The Gotaleden is a walking trail close to the city, which has been divided into twelve stages covering  a total of 99 kilometres. Proximity to train stations on the different stages makes it easy to adapt the walk as you want. Natural landscapes along the trail are varied and beautiful, with lakes you can swim in, fantastic viewpoints and undulating countryside.

Start your walk in the centre of Gothenburg

The trail starts (or finishes) in Kungsportsplatsen right in the centre of Gothenburg. From here the trail leads out of the city, along leafy tree lined avenues. Before long you come to Delsjön’s nature reserve, where the many exercise tracks are well used by families and sports clubs. It doesn’t take long however before the hubbub fades away, and the peace and quiet of the countryside takes over.  

Don’t miss the view from Getryggen, which is a huge granite plateau overlooking Skatås. From here there’s an extensive view of Gothenburg’s western side. You’ll pass several nature reserves along the trail. One of the loveliest is Säveåns nature reserve, full of bird song, salmon swimming up the river, trees felled by beavers, oceans of wild anemone hepatica, and several picnic areas.

Lots of places to fill up in along the way

There are plenty of picnic areas and shelters along the trail, as well as cosy accommodation and good locally produced food.

Floda is home to Jernbruket, a lovely restaurant in an old storehouse that used to belong to Floda Ironworks. Most of the food is prepared on the restaurant’s wood fired grill.

Aspenäs Herrgård is another place along the trail where sustainable and authentic West Swedish food experiences are the main focus. As a bonus you’ll also get a lovely view of Lake Aspen. This beautiful historic manor offers both food and accommodation. Make sure you don’t miss the cafe culture in Alingsås – Sweden’s fika capital. You’ll find lots of charming cafes where you can enjoy a fika, such as Ekstedts bakery and café and Nolbygårds organic bakery and café.

Cultural treasures and historic settings

Historic environments is a recurring theme as you walk the Gotaleden. Check out Jonsereds Fabriker, a former industrial area with a number of handsome, well preserved industrial buildings, housing the Poppels microbrewery, amongst others.

Tollered is another old industrial site along the route, where you’ll find Nääs Fabriker, which offers accommodation, food, a wonderfully relaxing spa area and lovely shops, all in beautiful surroundings by Lake Sävelången. The whole Nääs area is home to a unique mixture of nature and culture in the borderland between town and country. Nääs Castle is one of the best preserved 19th century buildings in Scandinavia, with guided tours of the castle, food, accommodation, nice shops, horse riding, a craft gallery and a building conservation centre.

Accommodation in the centre of Alingsås includes the historic Grand Hotel, dating back to the beginning of the 20^th century.