Västra Götaland: Coast, Nature and Culture

Västra Götaland has more than 500 nature reserves and other protected areas. Around 1,000 kilometres of pilgrimage trails wind through the region’s landscapes. Coasts, bird habitats and historic sites offer different themes for your trip.

Nature, Coast and Birdlife

Kosterhavet National Park is Sweden’s first marine national park. It protects a species-rich marine and archipelago landscape with around 12,000 species in total. The main entrance is at Naturum at Ekenäs brygga on South Koster. The Kosterbåtarna boats run year-round from Strömstad to the national park; the crossing takes about 45 minutes. Check the timetable before travelling. All entrances are accessible to wheelchair users; all except the entrance at Naturum can be reached by car.

The islands and their structures also tell different stories about the coast. Ursholmen is home to historic lighthouses dating from the late 19th century; the former lighthouse keepers’ houses and storage sheds have been preserved. Kosterhavet has two snorkelling trails, each about 200 metres long: one at Rörvik on South Koster and one in Hasslebukten on Saltö. The trail on Saltö lies at a depth of 1 to 1.5 metres and runs underwater past eight information boards.

In Logården Nature Reserve, fields and pastures meet clearance cairns and stone walls. Several easy-to-walk trails are two kilometres long in total; along the way, there are rest areas, bird towers and viewing platforms. The nearby Lake Östen is protected as one of Sweden’s most important bird lakes and is covered by the Ramsar Convention. A visit to Logården can be combined with a cycling trip on roads and gravel paths near the lake.

Ramsvikslandet combines vast rocky areas with heaths, wet heaths, meadows and deciduous woodland. The area is easy to explore on foot; designated swimming spots include Haby Bay and Tryggö. The coastal meadows and shallow bays serve as resting and breeding grounds for wading birds. Thousands of cranes arrive at Lake Hornborgasjön every spring. The lake is considered one of perhaps Sweden’s most important bird lakes; at Naturum Hornborgasjön, knowledgeable guides lead tours and several activities are available for children.

Trails for Different Interests

The around 1,000 kilometres of pilgrimage trails provide an extensive framework for a walking trip. For a more specific description of the terrain, consider Nord-Långö: the hiking trail circles the island’s northern half, crossing rocky areas, passing through forest and descending to swimming coves. Nord-Långö and Hällsöarna Nature Reserve includes Nord-Långö, Nord-Hällsö and South Hällsö, as well as the surrounding sea.

If you prefer cycling, the Göta Canal Cycle Route is a 220-kilometre national cycling route. One endpoint is near Sjötorp or Mariestad on Lake Vänern. The route is classified according to quality criteria for national cycling routes for recreation and tourism. Its length and designated endpoint help you think of this cycling route as a trip in its own right, rather than equating it with the shorter walking trails.

Cultural History and Historic Places

The rock carvings of Tanum are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 600 sites are known; the area has the highest density of these rock art panels in Northern Europe. Depictions of people, animals, weapons and boats show aspects of life and beliefs during the Bronze Age. Vitlycke Museum serves as the visitor centre for the World Heritage Site. The Bronze Age farm features reconstructions of two longhouses; traditional crafts are demonstrated in a workshop during the summer season.

Läckö Castle is on Kållandsö in Västergötland, on a peninsula in the Eken archipelago in Lake Vänern. In the Middle Ages, the castle belonged to the bishops of Skara. Its waterside location and documented history give a visit a different focus from Tanum’s prehistoric rock art panels.

At Varnhem, a church visit can be combined with a short walk in the surrounding area: Rosenstigen is about two kilometres long and passes limestone steps and an old stone bridge. Guided tours of Varnhem Abbey Church are offered during the tourist season, and outside that period by arrangement. If you are planning a visit with a guided tour, take this seasonal schedule into account.

At the Lödöse Museum, exhibitions introduce the history of Lödöse; visitors can also walk through an herb garden. The “Medieval Life” exhibition features everyday items and household objects from medieval Lödöse, including coins, toys, shoes, tools, swords, locks and ceramics. Forsviks bruk offers a different perspective on work and technology: this 600-year-old industrial site includes historic buildings and exhibitions about metalworking, technology and life in an industrial community. The living museum also offers visits, guided tours, courses, music and theatre.

When planning a hotel stay, it may help to first decide on the themes of your trip: marine nature and island history, trails and bird habitats, or cultural sites with Bronze Age and medieval connections. This way, you can choose your destination based on the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Sotenäs, Kungälv, Nödinge-Nol, Töreboda, Ulricehamn, Alingsås, Tranemo, Falköping, Hjo, Grästorp, Gullspång, Götene, Munkedal, Åmål, Lysekil, Gråbo, Uddevalla, Härryda, Gothenburg, Hålta, Istorp, Strömstad, Tjörn, Tvärred, Bollebygd, Trollhättan, Vänersborg, Tanum, Mariestad, Borås, Dals-Ed, Bengtsfors, Dals Rostock, Färgelanda, Herrljunga, Karlsborg, Tibro, Stenungsund, Västerlanda, Skara, Månstad, Essunga, Sunnersberg, Mölndal, Mark, Mellerud, Partille, Kareby, Fristad, Jordal, Dängevik, Färdsle, Lerum, Vara, Skövde, Svaneholm, Tidaholm, Vårgårda, Orust, Öckerö, Lycke, Lilla Edet, Svenljunga, Lidköping, Ale, Gothenburg.

For the overview of the wider region: Sweden.