Rya skog is located on Hisingen in north-west Gothenburg, just west of Älvsborgsbron and tucked between Ryaverket and Skarvik harbour.

The area was protected as early as 1928 and became Gothenburg’s first nature reserve. Today, Rya skog is a valuable pocket of urban nature, especially popular in spring when white wood anemones cover the ground.

Rya skog is also known for its rich birdlife. Robins, nuthatches, tawny owls and several species of woodpecker can be found here.

A walk through Rya skog is best suited to a short nature outing in Gothenburg. Boardwalks lead across the wetland areas in the alder forest, and there is also a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to a meadow with an outdoor seating area. Open clearings make good spots for a pause or picnic.

Historical traces in the forest

Rya skog has a long history. In the southern part of the nature reserve, you can see the remains of a 17th-century defensive rampart, and there is also a well from the same period nearby. Old maps show that woodland and meadows have existed here for several hundred years, long before today’s harbour and industrial areas grew up around them.

Good to know

Rya skog is a nature reserve with sensitive natural values. Keep to the paths and boardwalks where possible, leave plants, trees, animals, nests and deadwood undisturbed, and take any litter home with you. Lighting fires is not permitted in the reserve.

Getting here

The nearest stop is Rya skog. The entrance to the nature reserve is on Oljevägen, opposite gate number 1 to Oljehamnen. Parking is available on both sides of Oljevägen.

Near Rya Skog

Places

Rya Skog