Härryda between lakes, nature reserves and cultural history

About half of Härryda Municipality is covered by forest and wilderness, and there are also more than 100 lakes. Nature areas and historic sites offer different ways to shape a stay: explore trails and waterways, or learn more about traces of church, transport and industrial history.

Lakes, forests and nature reserves

Rådasjön Nature Reserve encompasses the lake and surrounding land, with broadleaf forests, shoreline woodlands and open grazing land. The lake is an important wintering site for ducks and whooper swans, among other birds. Swimming, sport and recreational fishing, rowing and sailing are possible there. The marked 12-kilometre Rådasjön runt walking loop goes around the lake and starts at Råda Säteri.

The Storån Valley also brings together natural and cultural landscapes: it is of national interest both for nature conservation and for the preservation of cultural environments. Storån provides habitat for Lygnern trout, freshwater pearl mussels, eels and brook lampreys; cairns of cleared stones, stone walls and livestock paths have also been preserved in the valley.

Hårssjön-Rambo mosse Nature Reserve contains broadleaf forest, shoreline and swamp woodlands, and a mosaic of bogs. Hårssjön is important for numerous breeding and migratory bird species. Activities here include birdwatching, hiking, orienteering, horse riding and cycling. The Bohusleden runs through the north-western part of the area; local trails connect the south-east with Lahall and a path around Finnsjön.

In Härskogen, you can hike, swim, camp, ice-skate and ski. Several hiking trails and two illuminated tracks start at the central car park, which also has a toilet. The area also has shelters and fire pits. Black-necked grebes and red-necked grebes, among other species, breed at the lakes Lilla Härsjön and Stora Härsjön.

Trails and outdoor activities

Bråtaskogen Nature Reserve has two marked trails of different lengths: the blue trail is about two kilometres long and passes a barbecue area. The four-kilometre red trail leads to a rest area in the forest east of the meadow. At Gallhålan, trails and circular routes wind through a landscape of oak forests, alder carr, pine woodland on rocky ground and a meadow. Several bird species live by Agntjärn, including mallards, tufted ducks, goosanders and pochards. The area has three barbecue areas and a waterfall almost four metres high near Agntjärn.

The Vildmarksleden runs for 42 kilometres between Hindås railway station and Skatås motionscentral in Gothenburg, passing several lakes along the way. From Härryda village, the trail can be reached by taking bus 611 from Landvetter Resecentrum to the Härryda kyrka stop, then walking three kilometres. In the village, the trail crosses Härsjödammsvägen before reaching Lake Stora Härsjön. Check the timetable details before travelling.

For cyclists, the routes described offer specific distances: the section of Västgötaleden through Härryda is about 19 kilometres long and passes through Rävlanda and Hindås. The approximately twelve-kilometre section of Turiststråket runs via Råda towards Delsjön Nature Reserve. Vargkullen Mountain Bike Park has a pump track, a jump area, a drop area, several trail loops, and a balance and skills area.

Cultural history at specific places

Råda Säteri combines historic buildings with outdoor activities. The present main building was erected in 1772; Råda Säteri was listed in 1969 and is subject to special protection regulations. You can stroll through the garden, explore the surrounding nature reserve, swim and picnic. Råda Säteri is accessible by bus, bicycle or on foot and has plenty of parking. To reach Rådasjön runt, take the X4 bus from Gothenburg towards Mölnlycke to the Råda portar stop; from there, it is a one-kilometre walk to the estate. Check travel information in advance.

Råda kyrka, a well-preserved 18th-century wooden church, stands in Mölnlycke. It was built in 1712 and has preserved ceiling paintings. Landvetters kyrka combines building elements from different centuries: the walls of the nave largely date from the 14th century, the pulpit retains original elements from 1685, and the soapstone baptismal font dates from the late 13th century. The present Härryda kyrka was begun in 1850 on the ground plan of its medieval predecessor; its altarpiece probably dates from 1693.

Danseredsbron is a stone arch bridge leading to Danseredsliden. This old road section illustrates the route and construction of roads from before the age of the automobile. In Hindås, the ski jumps dating from the early 20th century are part of the sporting history of Härryda and Gothenburg, and are listed as a historic building for their high cultural-historical value. Hindås railway station building is also an example of National Romantic architecture.

More traces of past ways of life and work can be found in Risbohult Nature Reserve: a mill ruin and dam remains have been preserved there; a stone wall may be part of an old livestock path. In Rävlanda, 27 rectangular depressions at Heden mark graves in the cholera cemetery, established in connection with the epidemic of the 1830s. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on trails and waterways, cycling routes or cultural-historical sites.

Discover more destinations: Hindås, Hällingsjö, Härryda, Mölnlycke, Rävlanda, Landvetter, Mölndal, Vänersborg.

Return to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.