Anggardsbergens Naturreservat
In this nature reserve, which forms part of the Änggårdsbergens Naturreservat, you can literally take a stroll around the world in a single walk: the trees and shrubs here are arranged by continent, with separate zones for Asia, North America, and Europe/North Africa. This is not a decorative collection, but living woodlands where plants from different parts of the world grow in natural conditions and have adapted well to the climate of Gothenburg.
Brännö
The southern archipelago of Gothenburg is a car-free zone where people get around only by bicycle, small mopeds, or boat. The island gained popularity thanks to Lasse Dalkvist’s song ‘De’ ä dans på Brännö brygga’ – and today, every Thursday in the summer, you can dance right on the jetty to live music.
Styrsö
Styrsö is one of the largest islands in the southern Gothenburg archipelago, renowned for its complete absence of cars and its peaceful atmosphere. It is home to four historic settlements, including Byn with its church dating from 1752, and from the top of the Stora Rös hill, there is a panoramic view of the entire archipelago.
Borås
The city retains its reputation as the country’s ‘textile capital’, thanks to the prestigious Swedish School of Textiles and major brands in the industry. At the same time, the city has transformed into an open-air gallery – with over 100 murals, sculptures, and art installations – including No Limit Street Art and other projects that make it one of the most dynamic cultural centres in Scandinavia.
Alingsås
A town with wooden architecture, cobbled streets, and a river running through the centre. The town has a vibrant cultural life: every autumn, it hosts the international Lights in Alingsås festival, which transforms the streets into an interactive light display, and in the summer, the Potatisfestivalen, a festival dedicated to the potato, a symbol popularised by the town’s native son, Jonas Alströmer.
Bohus Fortress
A mighty medieval fortress perched on a cliff above the Göta älv river, built as a strategic outpost on the border between Norway and Sweden. Over the course of its history, it withstood more than a dozen sieges and was never captured, which is why it is rightly regarded as a symbol of impregnability. Today, it is an atmospheric ruin with thick walls, towers, and dungeons, offering beautiful panoramic views of Kungälv and the river.
Partille
A compact municipal community that retains the charm of the suburbs whilst actively developing. The town’s oldest landmark is the 13th-century Partille Kyrka church. Near Partille lies the picturesque Lake Prästtjärn – a peaceful spot amidst pine forests, ideal for walks and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Jonsereds trädgårdar
A reconstruction of a 19th-century Anglo-Swedish garden, divided into four themed areas (a formal garden, a kitchen garden, an English rose garden and a show garden featuring ruins), which opened to the public in 2014 and won an award in the category of ‘Sweden’s most inspiring park’ the very following year.
Trollhättefallen
The famous waterfalls in the heart of Trollhättan, where the Göta älv river forms a series of powerful cascades with a total height of around 30 metres. On normal days, most of the water is diverted to power stations, but during special gate openings and the Fallens Dagar festival, the waterfalls reveal their true power. It is a popular spot for walks and photos, especially from the Oscar Bridge.
Gamle Dal'n
A historic district in Trollhättan near the old Göta Canal locks, where boats once passed through to navigate the different water levels. Today, it is a peaceful area for a stroll amongst the remains of the old lock gates, greenery, and the riverbank – the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, sit by the water, or take a photo with the atmospheric iron structures of the past.
Trollhättan's Locks
The system of locks on the Göta älv river, which still enables vessels to navigate the difference in water levels between Lake Vänern and the sea. When the locks are in operation, it is particularly fascinating to watch the ships slowly rising or descending between the stone walls, and the surrounding area is ideal for a stroll and for taking photos of the water and bridges.
Pilane Gravfält
This is one of Scandinavia’s largest and most impressive necropolises, situated on the island of Tjörn in the Bohuslän region, where around 90 ancient stone monuments – burial mounds, dolmens and standing stones – dating from the 1st millennium BC to the early Middle Ages have been preserved. Situated on a hill overlooking the sea, the site has combined archaeology with contemporary art since 2007: it hosts the Skulptur i Pilane exhibition, where sculptures by contemporary artists appear alongside ancient forms.
Lysekil
A resort town on the shores of the Gulmaren fjord, a true Swedish fjord, known for its red Bohuslän granite and the narrow streets of the old town. It is home to the Havets Hus marine museum, where you can see the inhabitants of the Swedish seas, and boat trips depart from the harbour to observe seals in their natural habitat.
Pärlane strand
A hidden gem on the Swedish west coast, on the island of Bohus-Malmön, with natural golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This beach is characterised by a wide shoreline, a peaceful atmosphere, and gentle waves – a wonderful spot for swimming, walking, or watching a romantic sunset, without any hustle and bustle.
Smögen
A colourful harbour on the Bohuslän coast, featuring the legendary wooden Smögenbryggan pier, lined with colourful fishermen’s cottages, cafés, and shops. Here, you should try the local pride and joy – a huge shrimp sandwich (räksmörgås), which has become the town’s culinary calling card – as well as take a boat trip to Hållö Lighthouse or relax on the rocky beaches.
Sotekanalen
A canal stretching almost 5 kilometres, built in the 1930s to ensure safe passage for ships, which today serves as a bustling inland waterway with up to 50,000 pleasure boats passing through. Nearby lies the picturesque Kuststigen trail, leading to historic sites, coastal scenery, and even the little stone cottage ‘Mor Lenas stuga’ – a cultural gem of the region.
Utsiktsplats Varpet
A picturesque viewpoint along the Ekoparksleden trail, near Nordens Ark. It is situated on a hill overlooking Åbyfjorden: from there, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the nature reserve and the fjord, and the path leading to it is accessible even for visitors with reduced mobility. There is a barbecue area nearby, and close by, you can spot several ancient pine trees dating back to the early 1800s – a wonderful reminder of how the landscape has changed over the centuries.
Hällristningarna vid Åby
A site from the Bronze Age within the Nordens Ark eco-park (admission is free), where over 120 images have been carved into a steep, rocky face: boats, people, animals, and even unique wolf paw prints. The oldest image here is a ship dating back over 3,000 years, and all the carvings are painted with red ochre to preserve and highlight their historical value.
Labyrinth Ulmekärr
A stone labyrinth near Grebbestad in the Bohuslän region, generally dated to the Iron Age. The structure consists of stones laid out in the shape of a circular path and is situated not far from the coast. Similar labyrinths are found across northern Europe and were likely associated with fishing or ritual practices. The site is open to visitors and forms part of the coastal cultural landscape.
Utsiktsplats - Grebbestad
It’s the perfect spot to step back a little from the trail, look up and see Grebbestad in all its glory from above – the sea, the yachts, the roofs of the fishermen’s cottages. It’s a short walk for a moment that will stay with you for a long time. This view is often described as one of the best in the whole region.
Strömstad
A picturesque resort on Sweden’s west coast, with a deep harbour and a seaside town atmosphere. From here, it’s easy to reach Kosterhavet – the country’s first marine national park, home to seals and Sweden’s only cold-water corals. The town is also famous for its affordable daily ferries to Norway, making it an ideal base for quick trips abroad.
Kosterhavets Nationalpark
Sweden’s first marine national park has crystal-clear waters, a diverse underwater world, and a mix of coves, cliffs, and sandy beaches. It’s perfect for active pursuits – swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking – as well as peaceful walks along the coast, during which you can spot a wealth of marine life, including seals and the country’s only cold-water corals.
Fluxfallet
It’s not a very large waterfall, but it has a lovely atmosphere, and there’s a natural walking area nearby. There’s a walking trail with some climbs and panoramic viewpoints that leads right to the clearing itself, with its cliffs and a cascade of water plunging amidst the trees and rocks.
Skytteklev
A viewing terrace and natural vantage point on the northern coast of Bohuslän, offering sweeping views of the rocky coastline, the sea, and the archipelagos. It’s a popular stop on walks along the coastline – it’s easy to get to, and the reward for the effort is spectacular: sweeping vistas of water, rocks, and the northern coast.
Skäktefallet
A picturesque waterfall where the river narrows and cascades down between rocky ledges, creating beautiful cascades and a swift-flowing stream. It is a compact and accessible spot for a short nature walk, where you can witness the power of the water against the rocky landscape, take photos, and enjoy the peace and greenery all around.
Gaddesanna
The beach area on Lake Vänern – Sweden’s largest lake – features sandy shores and shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing. Here you can stroll along the shore, go for a swim in summer, and sit on the sand, enjoying the view of the lake’s vast expanse and the surrounding countryside without the crowds.
Ecopark Halle-Hunneberg
It’s not a very large waterfall, but it has a lovely atmosphere, and there’s a natural walking area nearby. There’s a walking trail with some climbs and panoramic viewpoints that leads right to the clearing itself, with its cliffs and a cascade of water plunging amidst the trees and rocks.
Läckö Castle
One of Sweden’s most beautiful and famous castles, combining medieval history, opulent Baroque architecture, and stunning natural scenery. The castle was founded in the 13th century as a defensive structure, and later transformed into a luxurious residence with opulent interiors, including painted ceilings, antique furniture, and ornate halls. It is surrounded by a vast green park and the lakeside, creating a very pleasant space for walks.
Lidköpings rådhus
The historic town hall in the centre of Lidköping is known for its red wooden façade and its location on the main square next to the railway station. The building dates back to the 17th century, when it was moved here as a hunting lodge and later converted into the town hall, complete with a staircase, balcony, and clock tower. Over the years, it has served various purposes (including as a fire station, police station, and museum), and following a fire in 1960, it was rebuilt and repainted red, making it a symbol of the city.
Skara domkyrka
One of Sweden’s oldest cathedrals and the true heart of Skara, where history feels very much alive, without the need for explanation. The first churches on this site date back to the 11th century, and the current building is a Gothic cathedral with tall spires, which has been restored on several occasions following fires and damage. Inside, there are some pleasant surprises: a 12th-century crypt, old bishops’ tombs, and the bright, expressive stained-glass windows by the artist Bo Beskow.
Gastorp bro (Göta kanal)
The historic bridge over the Göta Canal near Gastorp is part of the system of locks and waterways connecting the Baltic Sea with Lake Vänern. This bridge is not merely a crossing: it is a functional part of the Göta Canal’s engineering heritage, which worked in conjunction with the locks to simultaneously strengthen transport routes and maintain waterborne traffic. Today, it is a popular spot for short walks, photography, and watching ships passing through the canal, as well as part of a picturesque route along the banks and locks.