Hiking in Gothenburg

Fancy a short nature walk close to the city centre, a hike between forest lakes or a full day of rocky coastlines and archipelago views? Gothenburg offers everything from city-adjacent walking trails to multi-day routes – and many of them are easy to reach by public transport. This guide helps you choose according to time, terrain and the kind of scenery you are looking for.

Good to know before choosing a hike

You rarely need to travel far for a shorter walk. The Delsjön area, Änggårdsbergen and Rya skog are all close to the city, while Stora Amundön and the archipelago are better choices for coastal scenery, rocky terrain and more open landscapes.

Several long-distance trails start in or pass through Gothenburg. They can be divided into individual day stages, but always check the current trail status, public transport connections and where you can find drinking water, toilets and food before setting off.

Good to know before choosing a hike

You rarely need to travel far for a shorter walk. The Delsjön area, Änggårdsbergen and Rya skog are all close to the city, while Stora Amundön and the archipelago are better choices for coastal scenery, rocky terrain and more open landscapes.

Several long-distance trails start in or pass through Gothenburg. They can be divided into individual day stages, but always check the current trail status, public transport connections and where you can find drinking water, toilets and food before setting off.

Short hikes close to central Gothenburg

The Gotaleden Trail from Kungsportsplatsen to Skatås

It would be difficult to find a more central starting point. The first stage of the Gotaleden Trail begins at Kungsportsplatsen and leads from city streets and leafy avenues into the forests and trails of the Delsjön area. The route is 6 kilometres long and takes around one to two hours without extended stops.

It is a good option if you would rather walk out of the city than travel to the trailhead first. Skatås has a café, toilets and public transport connections back to the city centre. The surface varies between tarmac, gravel and woodland paths, with slightly hillier terrain towards the end.

Delsjön: choose between short trails and a lakeside circuit

The Delsjön area is a good choice when members of your group want to walk different distances – or when the day’s plans are still pleasantly flexible. From Skatås, you can follow floodlit trails measuring 2.5, 5 and 8 kilometres, as well as several longer cross-country routes. The circuit around Stora Delsjön is 10 kilometres and largely follows gravel tracks through the forest and beside the water.

The 8-kilometre floodlit trail is wheelchair accessible. Skatås has a café, toilets and changing rooms, while facilities are more limited deeper inside the nature area.

Änggårdsbergen: hilly trails beside the Botanical Garden

Änggårdsbergen begins right next to the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, yet it quickly feels much further from the city. Roads and smaller trails wind through valleys, deciduous woodland and heathland before climbing to viewpoints overlooking western Gothenburg.

The area suits walkers who want the freedom to choose their route along the way. The terrain is hillier and sometimes more uneven than around Delsjön, particularly on the narrower paths. Combine your walk with a visit to the Botanical Garden, but bear in mind that trails through the reserve can become wet and slippery after rain.

Rya skog: a short woodland walk on Hisingen

Rya skog is more of a woodland stroll than a long hike, making it a good option when time is limited or you are looking for a more accessible nature experience. Its paths lead through lush deciduous forest, wetlands and open glades surrounded by Gothenburg’s industrial harbour landscape.

Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks run through parts of the alder swamp forest. The area is particularly popular in spring, when carpets of wood anemones bloom, although the dense woodland provides a striking change of scenery throughout much of the year. The nearest stop is called Rya skog.

Hisingsparken

Hisingsparken is Gothenburg’s largest park, combining landscaped areas with wilder natural surroundings. Follow exercise trails and smaller paths through rocky heathland and pine forest, passing wetlands such as Slätta Damm and Gunnestorps mosse. There is a barbecue area beside Slätta Damm, while the northern part of the park can be combined with a visit to the animals at Kättilsröds 4H farm.

The park covers a large area and can be reached by public transport from several directions. The nearest stops include Grimbo, Bjurslätts torg, Bjurslättsliden, Klara and Hinnebäcksgatan.

Coastal and archipelago hikes

Stora Amundön: coastal nature for a half-day trip

At Stora Amundön, you can combine hiking with swimming from the rocks, small sandy beaches and a picnic by the sea. The nature trail around the island is approximately 4.5 kilometres long, but the distance does not tell the whole story: parts of the route cross hilly, exposed rocks, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

The route to places such as Drottningviken is easier to follow, while the complete circuit is unsuitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or anyone who finds uneven ground difficult.

Animals graze on the island, and access to some areas is prohibited during the birds’ breeding season. Cycling is not permitted, and dogs must be kept on a lead.

At Havshuvudet on Stora Amundön, you will also find Gothenburg’s first snorkelling trail. Follow a marked nature trail beneath the surface and discover marine life along the coast – ideal for anyone who is slightly more at home in the water than on the hiking trail.

Gothenburg Archipelago Trail: island hopping on foot

The Gothenburg Archipelago Trail is a 34-kilometre section of the longer Kuststigen coastal trail. The terrain varies between rocks, woodland paths, gravel tracks, tarmac and island communities, so the level of difficulty differs considerably between stages.

The three connected stages across Hönö, Fotö, Öckerö and Hälsö are each approximately 9–10 kilometres long. Knippla and Hyppeln have shorter circular routes of 4 and 3 kilometres respectively, although reaching them takes longer and requires an additional ferry from Burö on Hälsö.

The trail works equally well as a day trip or a multi-day hike with overnight stays. Buses run from Gothenburg to the connected islands, and the car ferry between Lilla Varholmen and Hönö is free of charge. Restaurants and other facilities vary between islands and seasons, so check current opening hours before travelling.

More islands for shorter walks

You do not need to follow a long-distance trail to explore the archipelago on foot. Rörö has open heathland, rocky landscapes and several nature trails. Vrångö combines an island community with marked paths through the nature reserve, while Galterö suits visitors looking for open, undeveloped scenery. Galterö can be reached on foot from Brännö across a narrow bridge.

Surfaces on the archipelago islands may be uneven and slippery, particularly after rain or during frosty weather. Check where you can find toilets, drinking water and open restaurants or cafés – especially outside the summer season.

Day hikes that are easy to reach by public transport

The Bohusleden Trail between Stensjön and Skatås

The second stage of the Bohusleden Trail runs for 8 kilometres from Stensjön in Mölndal to Skatås. The walk takes around three hours without extended stops and combines forests, lakes and the Delsjön area with the nearby Gunnebo House and Gardens.

Much of the route follows even woodland paths and gravel tracks, although there are also a few short, steeper sections. Start near the Gunnebo Park bus stop and finish at Skatås, where you will find a café, toilets and public transport back to the city centre. It is a good introduction to longer day hikes around Gothenburg.

Two day stages on the Gotaleden Trail

The Gotaleden Trail is easy to divide into shorter sections thanks to the railway stations along the route. For a varied day hike, choose between two distinctly different stages:

Jonsered–Lerum is just under 10 kilometres and the more demanding of the two. It crosses the Goråsbergen hills and suits walkers looking for more undulating terrain.

Lerum–Floda is approximately 10 kilometres and easier underfoot. Part of the trail follows the green Säveån river valley, and both the starting point and the finish are close to railway stations.

Both stages can be combined with a coffee break or lunch, but check current opening hours before setting out.

The Pilgrim Path from Masthugget to Nylöse

The first stage of the Pilgrim Path Göta älv begins at Masthugget Church and ends at Nylöse Church in Gamlestaden. The 13-kilometre route passes through central neighbourhoods and greener surroundings, making it a good choice if you enjoy combining urban history, churches and nature.

Allow at least half a day if you want to make stops along the way. Masthugget Church stands on high ground and the route down is steep in places, although most of the stage follows city streets, walking paths and easier trails.

Lärjeån valley: follow the river through north-eastern Gothenburg

The 7.5-kilometre nature trail through the Lärjeån valley follows the river through deciduous woodland, pastures and an undulating ravine landscape. The area can be reached from several directions, including Hjällbo and Angered centre, making it possible to adapt the length of your walk.

The trail runs close to the water and crosses several bridges. Surfaces may become muddy and slippery after rain, and parts of the area are sometimes affected by high water levels and landslide prevention work. Check current conditions before attempting the full route.

For more of a wilderness feel

Vättlefjäll: lakes, forests and longer trails

Vättlefjäll is one of Gothenburg’s largest nature areas and a good choice when you want to head deeper into the forest. The undulating landscape includes lakes, wetlands, heathland and a mixture of coniferous and deciduous woodland.

Circular trails measuring 2.9, 6.7 and 11.7 kilometres start at the Vättlefjäll outdoor recreation centre. For a longer hike, follow the 25-kilometre Vättlefjäll Trail. Both the Bohusleden Trail and the Pilgrim Path also pass through the area. A little more planning is needed here than at Delsjön: bring water and check your map, as distances between facilities can be considerable.

Sandsjöbacka: from gentle walks to demanding hikes

Sandsjöbacka stretches from southern Gothenburg and Mölndal down towards Kungsbacka. The reserve includes forests, small lakes, rocky hills and extensive heathland, with options ranging from shorter walks to longer hikes through more remote terrain.

Choose your starting point and route before setting off. The area is large, and public transport does not provide equally convenient access to every entrance. Traffic from the E6 can be heard near the motorway, while the surroundings become quieter deeper inside the reserve. Camping is prohibited, although there is a wind shelter in the northern section. Fires may only be lit in designated places.

Long-distance trails for a weekend or several days

Gotaleden Trail – 99 kilometres from Gothenburg to Vårgårda

The Gotaleden Trail begins at Kungsportsplatsen and is divided into twelve stages leading to Vårgårda. Commuter railway stations and other public transport connections along the route make it easy to choose a single section or plan a multi-day hike.

Walking the full trail normally takes around five to six days. The terrain varies between urban streets, woodland paths, pastures and gravel tracks. Please note that stage 10 between Alingsås and Hol is currently replaced by a temporary bus connection, meaning that the route cannot presently be walked continuously in its entirety.

Pilgrim Path Göta älv – history along the river valley

The Pilgrim Path Göta älv runs for 143 kilometres from Masthugget Church to Vänersborg and is divided into ten stages. The entire route takes approximately seven to eight days, although several starting and finishing points are accessible by public transport.

The path does not consist solely of narrow nature trails. It also follows gravel roads, cycle paths and tarmac through communities and between churches. This makes it less remote than the Bohusleden Trail, but easier to combine with food, accommodation and historical stops along the way.

Bohusleden Trail – 350 kilometres through Bohuslän

The Bohusleden Trail stretches for approximately 350 kilometres from Älvsåker in Kungsbacka Municipality to Strömstad and is divided into 27 stages. The southern sections around Gothenburg and Kungälv are relatively easy to reach by public transport and work well for day hikes or a weekend trip.

Further north, the terrain becomes more undulating and the distances to public transport, food and accommodation increase. Wind shelters, toilets and drinking water are available in some locations, but not along every stage. Plan each section separately using the trail’s digital map.

Vildmarksleden Trail between Skatås and Hindås

The Vildmarksleden Trail is 42 kilometres long and can be completed as a very long day hike or divided into shorter sections. It begins at Skatås and ends at Hindås station, with several places along the route where you can connect to public transport.

Most of the trail follows paths and gravel tracks through forests, past lakes and across wetlands on wooden boardwalks. The terrain is generally fairly level, although the section across Getryggen near Skatås is considerably steeper and more demanding.

Guided walks and group hikes

Tikitut organises walks in north-eastern Gothenburg, including Vättlefjäll and the Lärjeån valley. The programme varies and may include guided nature, plant and cultural walks led by local residents.

The Pilgrim Centre at Masthugget Church organises both shorter walks and group hikes along stages of the Pilgrim Path Göta älv. Check the current programme and whether advance registration is required.

Explore Gothenburg with Hittaut

Hittaut is a free activity where you use an app or printed map to search for checkpoints. They are placed in different parts of Gothenburg and the archipelago, ranging from easy-to-reach urban locations to places that require a longer walk across natural terrain.

The participating areas, maps and season dates may change from year to year. In 2026, maps are available for areas including central Gothenburg, western Gothenburg, Norra Älvstranden, the archipelago, Lärjeån, Kviberg, Länsmansgården and Biskopsgården.

What to pack, rules and safety

Bring drinking water, something to eat, clothing suited to the weather and footwear appropriate for the terrain. A charged mobile phone is useful, but consider saving your map offline or carrying a paper map on longer routes. Mobile coverage can vary, and trail markers may be damaged or hidden by vegetation.

Sweden’s right of public access does not mean you can pitch a tent anywhere without restrictions. One or two tents for a single night are normally permitted on durable ground, well away from homes and grazing animals. Camping may be restricted or prohibited in nature reserves and outdoor recreation areas, so always check the rules for the specific area you plan to visit.

Check the current fire risk before lighting a fire or using an outdoor stove. During a fire ban, fixed barbecue areas may also be covered, depending on the type of restriction in force.

Dogs must always be kept under control. Between 1 March and 20 August, they may not run freely where wild animals are present, which in practice almost always means keeping them on a lead. Stricter rules may apply throughout the year in nature reserves.

Looking for even more options? Visit vastsverige.com and Naturkartan.