Tips for a circular hiking tour using public transport

Hiking in West Sweden provides you with the best of several worlds. This round trip starts in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, and takes you on foot and using public transport up through Bohuslän and back.

With a little over 50 km of scenic and varied walking through Bohuslän’s wild and beautiful landscapes it’s the perfect trip for anyone wanting to explore the Bohusleden, where you can have adventures like staying in a tree tent and cooking over an open fire. Visit fortresses, idyllic seaside villages and stay in charming accommodation. The Kuststigen, a  long distance coastal trail, provides the glorious landscapes so typical of the region - granite cliffs and stunning sea views.

Spring and autumn are lovely periods to visit West Sweden for a hiking trip, when you can appreciate nature’s changing colour palette and the peace and quiet during these times of year. Plan the route that’s ideal for you.  Why not stay a little longer in some of the places, so you can take your time to explore the vast variety of natural, cultural and taste experiences. You can also make your trip longer by adding several stops, during as well as after.

Stop one

Welcome to Gothenburg – Sweden’s second largest city. There’s masses to experience here in a relatively small area, and to get a genuine feel of the place we suggest you let an expert help you: a local. Meet Peter and explore Gothenburg on foot – hear about history of the city, see hidden gems and enjoy a Swedish fika together. If you’d rather explore by yourself you could go for a walk in lovely Änggårdsbergen, fika in quaint Haga or take a trip to historic Gunnebo House and Gardens.

There’s a huge selection of great restaurants and lovely accommodation. Maybe dinner at Sjöbaren in Haga would suit, followed by a cosy stay at Comfort Hotel Göteborg. You’ll find more tips here.

Stop two

The Bohusleden is the perfect trail to set out on, with Gothenburg as your starting point. Some stretches are wilder and there’s a lot to see and experience along it, with everything from mighty waterfalls and panoramic views to lovely castles and fortresses.  

Take bus X3 from Polhemsplatsen in central Gothenburg to Angereds Kyrka (church). The bus journey takes around 25 minutes and you can buy tickets at one of Västtrafik’s ticket booths or on the Västtrafik To-Go app. Hike half of stage 6 of the Bohusleden. At Skyrsjön there’s a detour that takes you onto the Pilgrim Path Göta Älv. Follow the signs all the way to Björsjöås and Pevon Ecoturism in Vättjefjäll.

Vättlefjäll is a wild and beautiful nature reserve within easy reach of the city. There’s a rich variation of natural scenery, with heathland and bogs interspersed with deciduous and coniferous woodland in a beautiful hilly landscape. On arrival at Pevon Ecoturism a well-deserved fika awaits, and you can go mushroom and berry picking or hire a canoe and explore the lake. When it’s time for dinner heat it up over an open fire and spend the night in a tree tent – a fantastic and comfortable way to experience nature in West Sweden. Perfect after your approximately 11 km hike!

6 The church in Angered - Fontin 17 km

Stop three

After a lovely night under the stars it’s time to hike the second half of stage 6 of the Bohusleden, a stretch of around 10 km. The trail goes through the town of Bohus, and on a little island in the Göta Älv river lies the ruin of Bohus Fortress. The fortress was built in the 14^th century and you can go on a guided tour there with tales of kings, saints, power struggles, traitors and prisoners. The trail continues on to Kungälv, where there’s a 17th century church and old courthouse. Östra Gatan with its turn of the century houses leads into the centre.

The 841 bus from Kungälvs Resecentrum will take you north to Lysekil on the coast, in around two hours. Check in at Strandflickornas Havshotell and enjoy a wonderful dinner and a good night’s sleep. If you have time we recommend an evening boat trip over to the idyllic seaside resort of Fiskebäckskil, where you can wander round the winding lanes and among the seaside villas and boathouses.

Stop four

If you have booked a hiking package at Strandflickornas Havshotell you’ll receive a packed lunch to take with you on the day’s walk. Stage 12 of the Kuststigen starts in Lysekil. If you would like a guide on this stretch you can book one with Salta Guiden. The trail passes Havets Hus Aquarium and soon arrives at the Stångehuvud Nature Reserve. The sea views from here are fantastic and the trail leads over striking granite boulder landscapes. 

When you reach the end of the stage in a little over 13 km, take the bus to Brodalen. Your evening meal and stay will be at Villa Bro, which offers different kinds of accommodation – everything from family rooms to tree tents and glamping. Choose the kind which suits you best!

12 Lysekil – Skal, 12,5 km

Stop five

You’ll be provided with a packed lunch before continuing along stage 16 of the Kuststigen, between Brodalen and Nordens Ark Zoo. This stretch is 16 km long and contains Lysekil’s highest point, Sötorpsberget, with a fantastic view of the coast and Åby Fjord.

Check in at Nordens Ark, where you can choose between hotel and cabin accommodation, and relax after the day’s’ lovely but slightly more demanding hike.

16 Brodalen – Nordens Ark, 16 km

Stop six

Finish your trip with a visit to Nordens Ark Zoo. The zoo is home to around seventy of the world’s endangered species and Nordens Ark dedicates their work to giving these animals a future. You can meet all sorts of animals, from wolves to snow leopards and Amur tigers.

From Nordens Ark take the bus back to Gothenburg (bus 860 to Torp in Uddevalla, change to bus 841 to Gothenburg).

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