Vättlefjäll is one of the Gothenburg area’s major outdoor recreation areas – but once you are out among the lakes, trails and pine forests, the city feels far away. The nature reserve lies in north-east Gothenburg and Ale, and has a surprisingly wild feel for a place so close to town.

Here you can hike, swim, paddle a canoe, fish, pick berries and mushrooms, or simply head out for a walk where the sound of traffic disappears behind forest, rock and water. The landscape is hilly, with several heights reaching up to 150 metres above sea level. Between the forests lie lakes, wetlands and remnants of old heathland.

Hiking in Vättlefjäll

Vättlefjäll works well for both short walks and longer day hikes. Vättlefjällsleden is a circular trail of about 25 kilometres, and both Bohusleden and Pilgrimsleden pass through the area from north to south. In addition to the longer trails, there are several shorter marked loops, including routes around Vättlestugan and Surtesjön.

For a longer hike, follow Vättlefjällsleden through forests, hills and lake landscapes. If you want an easier start, there are gravel walking paths in the western part of the reserve, as well as several circular routes that return to the starting point. Around Surtesjön, the terrain is partly hilly, but some sections also work with a stroller.

Vättlefjäll is not a manicured urban park, but more of a proper nature outing. The trails vary in surface and difficulty, so choose your route based on time, weather and hiking experience.

Lakes, bathing and paddling

The lakes are a big part of the Vättlefjäll experience. There are many waters for swimming, paddling and fishing, including Surtesjön, Stora Björsjön, Mollsjön and Holmesjön. On warm days, the area is ideal for combining a hike with a stop for a swim.

To explore Vättlefjäll from the water, you can paddle a canoe through the lake system. Canoes can be rented seasonally at Vättlestugan, making the area easy to enjoy even if you do not have your own equipment.

Fishing is possible in several of the lakes. A yellow fishing permit is required.

Wind shelters, fireplaces and camping

For those who want to stay longer, there are rest areas, fireplaces and several wind shelters in the nature reserve. Camping is allowed, but always follow Sweden’s right of public access and the reserve rules. Fires are only permitted at designated fireplaces.

Some fireplaces have firewood stores nearby. If the firewood has run out, or if there is specific information on site, follow the instructions at the firewood store.

Nature in Vättlefjäll

Vättlefjäll is rich in coniferous forest and lakes, but also has open wetlands, broadleaf woodland and remnants of old heathland. In the 18th century, large parts of the area were almost treeless grazing lands, where the heath was regularly burned to improve grazing. When grazing and burning stopped in the early 20th century, many areas were planted with conifers.

Some of the old heathland still remains today. These areas are important habitats for several rare species, including marsh gentian, cypress clubmoss and Atlantic bog-moss. Marsh gentian is also the host plant for the rare Alcon blue butterfly.

Birdlife is another good reason to bring binoculars. Species found in Vättlefjäll include woodlark, nightjar, black grouse, black woodpecker and capercaillie. At Surtesjön, a marked area is closed to visitors from 1 May–10 June to protect nesting black-throated divers.

Good to know

Vättlefjäll is a nature reserve with specific rules. Dogs must be kept on a lead. Cycling and horse riding are not permitted on prepared and marked walking paths and walking routes. Motorcycles and mopeds may only be used on roads where car traffic is allowed, and motorboats are prohibited.

Fires are only allowed at designated fireplaces. Caravans and motorhomes may not be parked for more than one day. From 1 May–10 June, you may not enter the marked area at Surtesjön.

Getting to Vättlefjäll

You can reach Vättlefjäll from several directions, including Lövgärdet and Rannebergen in north-east Gothenburg, Angered and Bergum in the south, and Bohus and Surte in the north.

By public transport from central Gothenburg, the easiest route is to take tram 4 or 9 to Angered centrum. From there, continue by bus 75 to Kryddnejlikegatan. From the stop, it is about a seven-minute walk to the area via the canoe pool at Vättlestugan.

If you arrive by car, parking is available at Kanotpoolen/Vättlestugan. There are also car parks at places including Björsjöås, Rördalen, Storesjön and Surtesjön.

Combine with more nature

Vättlefjäll works well as a full-day outing from Gothenburg, especially if you want to combine hiking with swimming, paddling or a night in a wind shelter. If you want to continue along longer trails, you can follow Bohusleden or Pilgrimsleden further through the area.

Near Vättlefjäll

Places

Vättlefjäll

Kanotpool Vättlefjäll