The Best of West Sweden on Foot

Your West Sweden adventure begins in Gothenburg, the gateway to the Bohuslän coast. It is easily accessible by train, plane and bus. Gothenburg Arlanda Airport services many European and Worldwide destinations. From Arlanda, it’s just a 40 minute, easy bus journey to the centre of Gothenburg.

Check into your hotel and wander the city, or relax and prepare for your first day of walking . You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city later in the trip!

Catch a morning bus to Norden’s Ark (2 hours), the start of today’s walk. Norden’s Ark is a unique conservation zoo which specialises in the rearing and re-release of endangered and native species, particularly those native to northern climes. It’s well worth a quick visit. Follow the Soteleden trail, a long distance trail and network of paths created by a Norwegian who moved to the area and wanted to inspire the locals to spend more time in nature.

Today’s walk is mostly inland, through forests and fields. Follow the white and blue markers, enjoying the quiet and scents of the forests, and the soft underfoot woodland trails. As you get closer to Bottna, you might notice the smell of the sea in the air, before eventually catching glimpses of it.   

Ascent/Descent: 309m/322m

Continue on the Soteleden, following woodland paths until you reach the village of Bovallstrand, where the trail joins the coast. Dotted with typically ‘scandi’ wooden houses and an attractive coastline, it’s a perfect place to stop and enjoy a packed lunch. The coastline is mostly rocky with large smooth granite rocks offering a perfect place to rest, especially inviting on warm days when the stone heats up nicely.

Continue to the town of Hunnesbostrand. If there’s some time until the next bus, it’s a great place to enjoy an ice-cream by the harbour. Take the bus to the popular island of Smögen, your base for the next two nights.

Ascent/Descent: 174m/179m

Take the bus to Ramsvik (20 minutes), a beautifully rugged nature reserve. Relatively small at only 5km long and 2.5km wide, it’s a lovely place to spend the day and an interesting contrast from the hustle and bustle of Smögen. Follow a loop walk around the peninsula, enjoying the diverse geology, flora and birdlife as you go.

Alternatively, spend the day at leisure in Smögen. The famous ‘Smögenbryggan’ a 600m-long boardwalk along the harbour, is the perfect place to wile away the day. Take one of the popular Seafood Safaris’ ; help the local fisherman catch mussels, lobsters, crayfish, langoustines and enjoy a them onboard for lunch—it doesn’t get much fresher than that! Seafood safaris are justifiably popular so should be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Ascent/Descent: 114m/114m

This morning, sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you return to Gothenburg by ferry (40 mins), taxi (30 mins) and train (1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon stretching your legs through the impressive Botanic Gardens and Änggårdsbergen Nature Reserve. Located just a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre, this unique nature reserve feels a world away from the city. Enjoy a walk around the reserve. You may see the occasional local out for a run or walking the dog, but otherwise, this is part of the town that not many tourists venture to!

Ascent/Descent: 152m/150m

Take the express bus (1 hour) to the popular island of Marstrand. The main town is spread over two islands, Koön and Marstrand. Starting in Koön, take a fun 8km trail, over granite rock and over wooden footbridges and stairs, enjoying views to the imposing Carlsten Fortress on the main island of Marstrand.

Take the ferry to Marstrand, where another fabulous coastal trail is waiting (5 km). Be sure to take your swimming costume and a towel to indulge in a refreshing dip at one of the various bathing spots along the way. Return to Gothenburg by bus.  

Walk 1: Koön Coastal Path, 7.3km, 2 Hours Ascent/Descent: 149m/147m

Walk 2: Marstrand Coastal Path, 4.5km, 1.5 Hours Ascent/Descent: 59m / 59m

Today you have a free day to explore all that Gothenburg has to offer. The second largest city in Sweden, there is something for everyone here. Originally designed by the Dutch, masters at building on marshland, two of the original 4 canals remain.

Easily walkable, the city also has an extensive bus network and retro, blue and white trams. One of the main attractions is the Fish Church (Feskekôrka), an indoor fish market which got its name from the buildings resemblance to a neo-gothic church. As well as market stalls you will also find fish restaurants and cafés inside.

A visit to the Haga neighbourhood is an absolute must. If you only sample one cinnamon bun in Sweden, Haga is the place to do it.

Check out of your hotel and head to the train station or airport for your onward travel. If you have more time to spend in Scandinavia, you may wish to consider one of our Norway itineraries - after all, it’s just a 4 hour train journey from Gothenburg to Oslo or a short hop in a plane! Just ask one of our Destination specialists for more information.