Vinga

The island of Vinga is the outermost part of the Gothenburg archipelago and one of Sweden’s most famous lighthouse sites. The current lighthouse, built in 1890 from stone quarried on the island, stands as a cultural monument together with the beacon and several buildings, including famous Swedish singer Evert Taube’s childhood home. The island’s nutritious bedrock supports a rich flora with elements of sloe, blackberries and sea kale. Here, visitors can swim, fish and experience scenic hikes. Please note that Koholmen is a bird protection area with entry prohibited from 1 April to 15 July.

Delsjön

The Delsjö area is a nature reserve close to urban areas that offers a varied terrain with rocky outcrops, pine heaths, deciduous forests, bogs and rift valley lakes. The reserve is crisscrossed by a network of paths and trails, including the Bohusleden Trail, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The Delsjö lakes are popular for swimming and fishing, while the nutrient-rich Svarttjärn in the north attracts a rich birdlife.

Änggårdsbergen

Änggårdsbergen is a popular urban nature reserve that borders the Gothenburg Botanical Garden. The area includes several typical western Swedish habitat types, such as heather heaths and bogs. During the spring, Vitsippsdalen is a popular excursion destination. The reserve also includes an arboretum with a unique collection of exotic trees from the northern hemisphere. A network of trails makes it easy to explore the area.

Galterö

Galterö is a nature reserve located west of Brännö in the southern archipelago of Gothenburg. The uninhabited island offers beautiful archipelago views and great opportunities for outdoor activities. Gentle paths lead around the island, and shallow bays with eelgrass meadows serve as nurseries for many fish species. The coastal meadows are grazed annually by sheep, which benefits endangered plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing and bird watching. Please note that the western part of the island is used by the Swedish Armed Forces as a training area and is not part of the nature reserve.

Vättlefjäll

Vättlefjäll is a popular outdoor recreation area near Gothenburg, known for its coniferous forests and lakes. The area offers several hiking trails, including the Bohusleden trail, and lakes that are popular for swimming, canoeing and fishing. The terrain is hilly with heights up to 150 meters above sea level, built up of gneiss that forms a high plateau bounded by the valleys of the Lärjeån and Göta älv rivers.

Marstrand

​Marstrand Nature Reserve, located in the archipelago outside of the town Kungälv, covers almost 1,000 hectares, half of which is sea. The reserve includes Marstrandsön, known for the Karlsten Fortress, as well as Koön and surrounding smaller islands. The western parts of Marstrandsön offer a beautiful archipelago environment with nice walking paths and a five-kilometer hiking trail. Koön offers varied nature experiences with three hiking trails, some of which are accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. There are barbecue areas, shelters and viewpoints with wonderful views of the sea and the archipelago. The area is a popular excursion destination that offers swimming, boating, beautiful coastal environments and rich opportunities for hiking and picnicking.

Stora Amundön

Stora Amundön, located in Gothenburg’s southern archipelago, offers a variety of nature experiences with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and hiking trails. A unique snorkel trail at Havshuvudet allows visitors to explore the underwater environment along a 200-meter-long nature trail with information signs. The island is also an excellent place for birdwatching, especially in spring and autumn when wading birds such as lapwings, redshanks and great shearwaters are seen on the beach meadows. Inland you’ll find deciduous forests and pastures with oaks, which provide a rich biodiversity. Visitors can reach the island by car, bus or bicycle, and there are municipal bathing areas for both rock and beach swimming.