Tips for a circular hiking tour using public transport

Hiking trails Gotaleden, Pilgrim Path Falköping-Varnhem, Billingen

Enjoy a spa treatment and a relaxing soak in a hot tub after an invigorating day out in the countryside, and fit in as many fika breaks as you can. There are trails close to the city and Pilgrim Paths further away – a wonderful combination.

Spring and autumn are wonderful times to hike in West Sweden, when the landscape changes colour and both trails and villages are at their most peaceful.

The route is easy to adapt. Linger a little longer in places you like, make room for local food, culture, and nature experiences, or add extra stops to turn the trip into a longer adventure.

Stop one

Jonsered Gardens are set in the beautiful grounds of Jonsered Herrgård, just a 12-minute train ride from Gothenburg Central Station. From Jonsered station, follow the signs to the manor. The gardens have been recreated in classic 19th-century style, and there’s a lovely café serving homemade cakes at the garden’s edge.

The organic brewery Poppels is also located in Jonsered, where you can enjoy good food, book a brewery tour, and, of course, taste their beers.

Gotaleden passes through Jonsered. This 99-kilometre trail runs between Gothenburg and Vårgårda, and from either Poppels or Jonsered Herrgård you can join the trail and walk 6 kilometres along stage 4 to Aspenäs Herrgård hotel. Along the way, you’ll cross small woodland brooks and climb Goråsberget for magnificent views of Lake Aspen.

Aspenäs Herrgård also overlooks the lake and enjoys a peaceful, secluded setting. The hotel serves organic and locally sourced food.

Stage 4 Jonsered - Lerum

Stop two

Continue along Gotaleden to Floda, a stretch of around 9 kilometres. Parts of this stage follow the river Säveån and pass through Säveån Nature Reserve, a world of leafy forest, birdsong, and wildlife including beavers and the unique Säve salmon. In Floda, you’ll find Garveriet, home to a bakery, café, and restaurant, along with glamping, a sauna, and the chance to swim in the river.

From Floda, take the train to Alingsås, also known as Sweden’s Capital of Fika. This charming little town has cobbled streets, traditional wooden houses, and a patisserie or bakery on almost every street corner. There are around thirty cafés, the oldest dating back to the end of the 19th century. Join a fika tour to learn about the Swedish fika tradition and sample Swedish delicacies from the cafés you visit.

The fika tour ends with an authentic Princess Cake at Grand Hotel Alingsås, where you can also enjoy dinner and a really good night’s sleep.

Stage 5 Lerum - Floda

Stop three

Travel by train on to Falköping. Falköping is just over 120 km east of Gothenburg and it’s here, by St Olof’s Church, that the 43.7 km long Pilgrim Path Falköping-Varnhem starts. The first part of the trail goes through the town and then winds along wide paths up the

Travel by train on to Falköping, just over 120 kilometres east of Gothenburg. It’s here, by St Olof’s Church, that the 43.7-kilometre Pilgrim Path Falköping-Varnhem begins. The first part of the trail passes through the town before winding along wide paths up the slopes of Mösseberg.

This is where you’ll find Mössebergs Kurort. Check in and pick up a tasty packed lunch before continuing your hike along the Pilgrim Path to Gudhem, a stretch of 13 kilometres. Don’t miss Gudhem Church and Abbey ruins before taking the bus back to Mössebergs Kurort for a visit to the spa, great food, and a good night’s sleep.

slopes of Mösseberg. This is where you’ll find Mössebergs Kurort – check in and pick up a tasty packed lunch before continuing your hike on the Pilgrim Path all the way to Gudhem, a stretch of 13 km. Don’t miss Gudhem Church and Abbey ruins before taking the bus back to Kurorten Mösseberg for a visit to their spa, a good rest and great food.

Top tip! A bit further along the Pilgrim Path lies Lake Hornborga, where thousands of cranes land every year on their way north. An amazing sight!  

Stage Sankt Olofs kyrka - Gudhem

Stop four

Leave Falköping and travel on to Skövde by train. Take bus 8 or 9 up to Billingeberget, where you can stay at either Billingen Stugby or Billingehus. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the treetop high ropes course at Upzone? There are many lovely day hikes to choose from, including the Billingen Trail and Trollstigen.

The scenery around Skövde is fantastic, and many trails take you along the edge of the plateau mountain, with spectacular open views of the plain below.

Stop five

The time has come to draw your trip to a close and head back. Take the train from Skövde to Gothenburg, then continue your journey home or on to your next adventure. Don’t forget to share your experiences with friends and loved ones!

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