Discover Mölndal: Trails, nature and history

A 48-metre-high waterfall, hiking trails through forests and bogs, and a castle surrounded by a historic cultural landscape give a trip to Mölndal a variety of different highlights. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find routes ranging from about six to 26 kilometres; culture enthusiasts can focus on castle history, industrial history and archaeological traces.

Hiking trails of varying lengths

The Bohusleden runs for 26 kilometres through the entire municipality of Mölndal and continues northwards. Two of its 27 stages pass through Mölndal municipality. Check the stage descriptions before setting off: trail conditions and signage can change. For a shorter route, Hälsans stig is an approximately six-kilometre walking and fitness trail through the central parts of Mölndal, combining urban culture with green spaces.

Djursjöleden is a 20-kilometre, flat circular trail in Bunketorp in Lindome – check for local restrictions before setting off. There are several shelters and barbecue areas along the trail; facilities and the availability of firewood may change. Rådasjön runt is a marked, 12-kilometre circular route that mostly follows gravel nature trails through deciduous forest near the lake. Some sections, however, run along roads or residential paths.

Forests, heathlands and birdwatching

Änggårdsbergen has a well-developed network of trails. Signs indicate the distances to various areas. It is also home to an arboretum with exotic trees from different parts of the Northern Hemisphere; its collection is considered unique in Sweden. From the Bredfjället viewpoint, you can see across the western parts of Gothenburg.

Sandsjöbacka Nature Reserve is known for its extensive heathlands. Up to 150 bird species can be observed there; sightings vary by season and year. The marked Sandsjöbackaleden runs north to south through the part of the reserve located in Mölndal municipality. Hårssjön is a shallow lake suitable for birdwatching and has an observation tower. The Hårssjön-Rambo mosse area features deciduous forest, lakeshore and swamp forests, and a mosaic of bog landscapes. Activities there include birdwatching, hiking, orienteering, horseback riding and cycling.

Safjället is a wooded plateau in Mölndal with numerous paths and trails. Its graves date from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages; the remains of a hillfort have also been preserved. Please leave the archaeological remains undisturbed. As a general rule for cycling in Mölndal’s natural areas, cycling is permitted only on designated trails and paths and during certain periods.

Castle, industrial history and museum

Gunnebo Slott was built between 1784 and 1796. It was commissioned by the Gothenburg merchant John Hall the Elder and designed by architect Carl Wilhelm Carlberg. Gunnebo Slott och Trädgårdar offers year-round guided tours of the castle and its green cultural heritage landscape. If you plan to take a guided tour, check the dates in advance. At the Gunnebo cultural reserve, visitors can stroll through historic gardens; the 18th-century landscape is well preserved. Check paths and access options before your visit.

Kvarnbyn is considered Mölndal’s industrial-historical birthplace and a cultural environment of national interest. Information boards along the rapids and on the buildings tell its story; boards may be moved or updated. The collections of Mölndals stadsmuseum comprise almost 40,000 images and objects. You can reach the museum by bus, tram and commuter train via the Mölndals bro, Mölndals innerstad or Mölndal station stops. Routes and stop arrangements may change; check your connection before travelling.

Mölndalsfallen has a drop of 48 metres and is illuminated at night. If the lighting is important for your visit, check the current conditions in advance. Mölndal borders Gothenburg and is only a few minutes from the Liseberg amusement park; actual travel time depends on the mode of transport and traffic conditions.

Discover more destinations: Lindome, Mölndal, Öckerö, Skövde, Essunga, Tvärred, Lysekil, Gråbo.

Back to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.