Uddevalla: Coastal Trails, Nature and History

Uddevalla brings together cliffs and archipelago with lakes and green forests. The trails and attractions also offer a variety of experiences: one long route passes through several parts of the town, while nature reserves, historic sites and museums each reveal different sides of the area.

Coastal Trails and Routes Through Green Spaces

The “Strandpromenader” route is 9.3 kilometres long and intended for pedestrians and cyclists. It runs from Skalbankarna through the centre of Uddevalla to Lindesnäs and is divided into forest, town and beach sections. Signposts and information boards line the route. The Kuststigen also runs through Uddevalla from Skalbankarna, following the award-winning Strandpromenader.

Other routes have their own character. Lelångenleden follows the embankment of the disused Lelångebanan railway line and passes through the Bjursjöområdet in Uddevalla. Vindsvalan is an approximately 4.2-kilometre gravel loop with moderate ascents and descents. The Bjursjöområdet also has several mountain bike trails on paths with varying levels of difficulty. So you will find both a long route for pedestrians and cyclists and routes with details about their surface, layout or difficulty.

At the Emaus nature reserve, you can see various farm animals at Emaus Lantgård. The Emauspromenaden route is approximately 600 metres long and is also suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and pushchairs. Compared with the 9.3-kilometre Strandpromenader, it is a considerably shorter route; it is also specified as suitable for these mobility aids and pushchairs.

In the Herrestadsfjället area, two nature reserves invite visitors to enjoy activities including hiking, picking mushrooms and berries, skiing and sport fishing. The activities range from walks and foraging to winter pursuits and fishing. On Bassholmen, the nature reserve has hiking trails and barbecue areas. In summer, you can reach the island by excursion boat from Uddevalla; check the sailing times for your preferred travel date. The former shipyard buildings on Bassholmen also house a boat museum with older types of boats.

Museums, Art and Historic Sites

Bohusläns museum features permanent exhibitions on the history of Bohuslän as well as temporary exhibitions and contemporary art. The exhibition “Uddevalla genom tiderna” presents more than 500 years of Uddevalla’s history. The museum’s cultural programme also includes talks, music evenings, themed days and exhibitions. This offers both a broad view of Bohuslän’s history and an exhibition with an explicit focus on Uddevalla.

Gustafsberg is Sweden’s oldest seaside resort and spa, with origins dating back to the late 18th century. It can be visited year-round and is suitable for activities such as walking along easily accessible seaside promenades. The ruins of Ture Malmgrens borg can also be visited year-round. They preserve local history and offer a beautiful view. From the car park by the tennis courts on Dalstigen, it is about 400 metres to the circular trail.

Skalbankarna is home to fossilised shells of mussels and snails that lived more than 10,000 years ago. You can walk along the trails there and visit the Skalbanksmuseet. If you are interested in public art, Uddevalla also offers “Konst på stan”: the tour takes you to some places with artworks in the municipality. Individual artworks and route details may change.

Bokenäs gamla kyrka also offers a glimpse of Bohuslän’s medieval heritage. It is one of the oldest surviving medieval churches in the region; the nave, chancel and apse date from the 12th century. The different experiences make for a useful comparison: coastal trails and nature reserves shape outdoor itineraries, while museums, art and historic buildings offer insights into history and culture.

Discover more destinations: Herrestad, Uddevalla, Ammenäs, Ljungskile, Lane-Ryr, Hogstorp, Högås, Kärlingesund, Kamperöd, Stan, Dramsvik.

Return to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.