Edsvidsleden
Trollhättan

Scenic hiking close to the city

The Edsvidsleden trail in Trollhättan offers 14 kilometres of hiking with a great variety of landscape. The trail is also close to the city, making it easy to reach and popular with locals and visitors. It’s a high quality trail, perfect for all abilities to get some outdoor exercise in a beautiful location.

For an average hiker, the Edsvidsleden is an enjoyable day hike that takes about 3.5 hours without stopping, but of course we recommend you take lots of pauses and enjoy the magnificent surroundings, sit down for some well-deserved fika, or take the opportunity to pick berries along the way.

Start at Olidans Kraftstation and take the suspension bridge across the river

We recommend that you start your walk at the car park opposite Olidans Kraftstation (Olidan's Power Station) beside the Göta Älv river. After crossing the suspension bridge, turn left onto the trail and off you go! You follow the water for most of the first section, which winds in and out of the dense forest. If you are interested in fishing, there are several fine fishing spots where you can try your luck (fishing licenses for the river can be bought at the tourist office which one?).

Two places that you can look forward to are Nyckelberget (Key Mountain) and Kopparklinten (Copper Cliff) – you reach the former after about three kilometers and Nyckelberget welcomes you with an open view of the valley where you can glimpse the river as it winds its way towards Gothenburg. There are picnic tables and benches so you can enjoy the view with a reviving cup of coffee.

Photographer: Lina Katana

A treasure chest of untouched nature

There is a lot to see along the Edsvidsleden; if you’re interested in nature the trail is a treasure chest filled with a rich biodiversity, historic landscapes, and tranquil places to sit and rest. You pass through no less than two nature reserves along the Edsvidsleden: Älvrummet and Åkerström. The first after you cross the suspension bridge at the start and the second just south of Nyckelberget. From here, the hike then goes inland along paths through fairy-tail forest and alongside pastures and meadows. The terrain is hilly in places.

Along the trail there are several places that are excellent for a fika break. Sit down and recharge at some rapids, at one of the lookout points or along the path at one of picnic benches. If you bring something to grill with you, you can use the barbecue areas, one of which has a roof. Firewood is provided. About halfway along the trail is a windbreak if you want to take a slightly longer break.

Finish with Trollhättan's finest view

Towards the end of the hike you meet the city again at the old neighbourhood of Strömslund with attractive villas lining the streets. If you take a detour you can see some traditional wooden architecture in the streets around Slaskegatan and at Forngården the collection of historic buildings will give you an insight into what life was like in rural Sweden.

Finish by walking up Kopparklinten to get a staggering view of Trollhättan. South towards Göta älv you can see the car park and the suspension bridge where you started. During World War II, the Copper Cliff served as a stronghold for anti-aircraft guns defending Olidan's Power Station. Today the viewpoint is a popular destination for visitors and locals.

Photographer: Roger Lärk

Photographer: BildIT

Stay an extra day?

If you want to stay overnight in Trollhättan there is plenty of accommodation to choose from. Albert Kök Hotell & Konferens has good hiking packages. Scandic Swania and Hotel Bele are located near the trail. And while you are still here you could take the opportunity to visit the mighty Trollhätte Falls or the Saab Car Museum.