Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv

Historical sites and stunning nature

Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv is about 120 kilometres and stretches from Masthuggskyrkan in Gothenburg via Ale, Lilla Edet, Trollhättan and Vänersborg. With Lödöse as a historical hub, you step right into the history. Lödöse was one of the largest cities in Sweden in the Middle Ages and is also Gothenburg’s predecessor.

The trail offers stunning views and takes you through scenic places in varying terrain, you will pass local buildings, forests, moors and ancient remains. When you walk through Göta Älvdalen you are met by a beautiful countryside that has been inhabited for over 7000 years. Here, history has left its traces from the Bronze and Iron Age, Viking and Middle Ages and from Industrial history.

Choose between different stages or hike the full stretch

There are different ways to hike Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv. You can hike the full stretch or select one or several stages. For example, you can start with the first stage at Masthuggskyrkan in the city and end at Nylöse kyrka in Gamlestan. If you want to make a day trip starting a bit outside the city, you can choose the second and the third stages Nylöse-Storås and Storås-Jennylund via Vättlefjäll. Then, you can hike one way and take the train or tram back to Gothenburg. Or do the reverse.

Go hiking with a group

If you want to hike in groups, Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv organizes various hikes, see “Vandra ihop” on the website. The trail can also be part of your long road to or from Nidaros (Trondheim), which was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Nordic countries during the Middle Ages.