Cycle the Kattegattleden through Gothenburg

In this article we’re assuming that your cycle tour starts in Gothenburg, but whichever direction you go, the Kattegatleden offers coastal cycling with lots of lovely views and destinations worth a stop. Most of the stage through Gothenburg is along car free cycle tracks, such as the disused Säröbanan railway line.

7 places to see along the Kattegattleden in Gothenburg

1. The centre of Gothenburg

The Kattegattleden starts in Drottningtorget in the centre of Gothenburg, just outside Gothenburg’s Central Station. Dotted around the square are several popular hotels in historic buildings, such as Hotel Eggers, Clarion Hotel Post, Hotel Opera and Hotel Pigalle. A stone’s throw away lies Nordstan shopping centre, with shops, cafes and restaurants.

2. Nya Allén

Nya Allén is a green avenue running parallel with the moat in Gothenburg. You’ll cycle here surrounded by large trees, grassy spaces and lots to see along the way. Gamla Ullevi stadium, the Garden Society park, Kungsportsavenyn, Stora Teatern and Haga Church are some of the places you pass before you get to Järntorget at the end of the avenue. Don’t forget to cast a glance at the beautiful Feskekörka, the ‘fish church’, on the other side of the canal.

3. The quay alongside the harbour entrance

The stretch west of Järntorget runs alongside the Göta älv river, where you can see the ships arriving into port. On the other side of the river is Hisingen island, with Lindholmen and Eriksberg, and if you look south you’ll spot the “Kvinna vid havet” (Woman by the Sea) statue on the column by the Sjöfartsmuseet Maritime Museum. If you’re getting hungry or thirsty we recommend a short detour to one of the restaurants in Stigberget or Majorna.

4. The Älvsborg Bridge, Klippan and Röda Sten

Anyone who has run the Göteborgsvarvet half marathon knows how tough it is getting over the 107 metre high Älvsborg Bridge. As luck would have it you don’t have to cycle over the bridge, the Kattegatleden goes under it next to the water instead. 

Just before the bridge you get to the Klippan district, combining exciting industrial heritage with restaurants and several modern art galleries, including Röda Sten Konsthall. Do have a walk out on Klippans Ångbåtsbrygga, the steam boat jetty, and check out the lovely old boats moored there.  

5. Stora Amundö

If you want a break from cycling for a bit then a walk out on Stora Amundö might tempt you. The island, in the Billdal archipelato, is a true oasis, where many Gothenburgers head to have picnics and enjoy the sunset from a rock by the sea. Be aware that the island is completley bike free so you’ll have to park your bike and get around the island on foot.  

6. Billdal park

In leafy Billdals park you can stop at Systrarna Werner for breakfast, lunch or a fika. The cafe is in an old yellow cottage that was built at the start of the 20th century and used as accommodation for the park’s gardeners. Today it’s an idyll within easy reach of the city, with lots of delicious goodies to choose from.

7. Several lovely swimming areas by the sea

When you cycle along the old Säröbanan railway line by the sea you’ll get many chances for a cooling dip. Here are some of the public swimming areas you’ll pedal by along the way:

• Askimsbadet
• Marholmen swimming area
• Hovåsbadet
• Billdalsbadet

Remember: Always wear a cycling helmet, be considerate in traffic and dress for the weather. Take a water bottle and something to eat in case your energy levels dip. It’s always a good idea to take a repair kit with tools and an extra inner tube in case you get a puncture.

What is a National Cycle Route?
A National Cycle Route should be longer than 200 kilometres and fulfils several criteria according to Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration. The route should, among other things, be safe for cyclists, go by attractive natural surroundings and places to visit , and be well signposted, with clear information including maps and route descriptions.

Cycling in West Sweden