Sustainable West Sweden
5 eco-friendly experiences to have in Gothenburg and beyond
Wild, wonderful West Sweden is not just worth visiting for its scenic islands, sweeping landscapes, culture, history and food; travellers increasingly concerned about leaving the lightest of (carbon) footprints will find it one of the most eco-friendly parts of the country. The region’s innovative Stepping Up Sustainability initiative builds on its main city, Gothenburg, being ranked the world’s most sustainable destination seven times, and second place in 2024. Its aims include reducing unnecessary environmental impact, and benefiting locals as well as visitors. So, what are you waiting for?
Start in Gothenburg
Having recently celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2023, Sweden’s second city is not only packed with cultural attractions, historic sites and great places to eat and drink, but it proudly bears its title of most sustainable destination in the world. 97% of its public transport runs on renewable energy, 95% of its hotels are eco-certified, and there is a low-emission zone at its centre. You can therefore explore in good conscience. Stroll through some of its many beautiful parks, such as the Botanical Garden, with its bamboo thickets, arboretum and rhododendron valley, or Slottsskogen (‘castle forest’), 380 acres of sprawling parkland with manicured lawns, a zoo filled with Nordic animals, and play areas.
Slottsskogen city park (Steampipe Production Studio AB/Göteborg & Co)
Slottsskogen city park (Steampipe Production Studio AB/Göteborg & Co)
Families will love Liseberg, Gothenburg’s renowned amusement park, the fascinating Natural History Museum, and stopping for fika - coffee and a cinnamon bun (supersize it to the local hagabullen) - in the picturesque district of Haga.
Enjoy boat trips to see the archipelago (Martin Wikestad/westsweden.com)
Enjoy boat trips to see the archipelago (Martin Wikestad/westsweden.com)
Beyond is the city’s archipelago. In the southern group, Vrångö has beautiful nature reserves and sandy beaches, while you can get a great view of all the islands from Radarberget hill on Donsö. Popular Hönö, in the north, has a buzzy harbour, Klava, crammed with shops, restaurants and fishing boats.
97% of Gothenburg's public transport runs on renewable energy (Kjell Holmner/Göteborg & Co)
97% of Gothenburg's public transport runs on renewable energy (Kjell Holmner/Göteborg & Co)
Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co)
Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co)
Vrångö (Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Vrångö (Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Hit the trails
Kuststigen coastal path
As the name suggests, this 376km route, running from Gothenburg up to Oslo, skirts rocky coastline, and also passes through quaint fishing villages with colourful boathouses, leafy forests, and historic ruins. It’s divided into 42 stages, each of which can be done in a day. Recently a new section opened on Hönö island, which goes around Fotö, Öckerö and Hälsö. During other parts, you might also come across Mouflon sheep on tiny Dyrön, take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean lagoons on Bohus-Malmön, or encounter towering, rugged, granite rock formations in the Stångehuvud nature reserve.
Gotaleden trail
This 71km, nine-stage trail runs between Gothenburg and Alingsås; while it starts in the city, it’s not long before you’re among peaceful nature. Walking along leafy, tree-lined pathways, you’ll encounter several nature reserves; one of the loveliest is Säveåns, with trickling streams and rivers, shimmering pools, towering trees and picturesque picnic areas. Look out for former industrial areas, with well-preserved buildings such as old mill houses or warehouses; some, such as Nääs Fabriker, have been converted into hotels and restaurants. Fuelling up on this trail is easy; try Jernbruket, set in an old storehouse with a wood-fired grill; and reward yourself on reaching Alingsås, the capital of fika.
Biosphere trail
Hugging Lake Vänern’s southern shore, between Mariestad and Läckö Castle, this delightful trail takes you through beautiful, varied landscapes with viewpoints, islands, charming town centres, historic spots, and a UNESCO Geopark. Covering 140km over nine different sections, this trail is acknowledged to be within a unique natural area, and, while it goes through some villages and towns, most of it runs through scenic countryside. Unmissable sights along the way include the magnificent Baroque Läckö Castle itself, which perches on a cliff by the lake, and the charming old town of Mariestad, one of Sweden’s best-preserved town centres, with a magnificent cathedral, cobbled streets, and wooden houses.
The Pilgrim Path in Dalsland
Just as the faithful in the Middle Ages trod routes such as the Camino, these Pilgrim trails in West Sweden were taken with similar goals. Today, walkers can enjoy being steeped in nature and history as they traverse these well-worn paths. This section in northern Dalsland spans 81km between Mellerud in the south and Edsleskog in the north. Starting along country roads, passing medieval churches, you’ll encounter a lovely wilderness trail winding from Upperud, featuring dense, primeval forest, shimmering lakes, and views atop ridges. There are several historic landmarks along the way, from old dry stone walls to well preserved churches. Stop by the Dalsland Canal and watch the boats navigating the locks.
The Pilgrim path in Skaraborg
This 41km long pilgrim path in Skaraborg winds from Varnhem in the north down to Falköping in the south. Between the start and the finish are two medieval monastery ruins, one of Europe's most important bird lakes (Hornborgasjön) and scenic, cultural landscapes. The ruined monastries at Varnhem and Gudhem show there used to be hostels here for pilgrims, while reliefs in Forshem and at Skara cathedral prove pilgrims were part of everyday life. Follow in their footsteps, drinking in the nature you encounter along the way. You’ll enjoy beautiful views from hill-tops, encounter magnficent bird life at Hornborgasjön, and, most importantly, leave the modern world behind for a while.
Göta älv Pilgrim Trail
One of the most scenic and historic, the 130km-long Göta älv Pilgrim Trail starts in Gothenburg and ends in Vänersborg, perched prettily by scenic Lake Vänern. Winding through beautiful countryside along the banks of the river Göta, which ultimately flows into the lake, there are many lovely landmarks and viewpoints along the way. One of the more spiritual paths, you’ll pass plenty of churches, such as Gothenburg’s Haga, and Cathedral; the one in Skepplanda has an Iron Age burial ground. The pilgrim hub of Lödöse, once Sweden’s biggest harbour, is permeated with history; don’t miss its museum. Imagine yourself in the Amazon rainforest when you reach Lärjeån valley, with its hike along a narrow ravine edged with jungle-like forests.
Explore on two wheels
The Göta Canal Cycle Trail
This 200km family-friendly trail runs from Sjötorp to Mem along car-free towpaths which are almost entirely flat. Canal life involves observing boats going through locks, stopping waterside for coffee and a bun, and watching life go by on the water. The route also takes in some interesting sites, such as the vast, historic Karlsborg Fortress by lake Vattern, Sweden’s smallest ferry - the Lina cable ferry at Töreboda, which is hand-drawn and takes 20 seconds to cross the canal - and Lanthöjden, the canal’s only island, connected to the mainland by a small wooden bridge. The canal celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022.
The Unionsleden
The name for this route came about because Sweden and Norway used to be in a union, between 1814 and 1905, which helps explain why it starts in Moss, Norway, and ends in Karlstad, Sweden. Running along 350km, it takes in magical forests and inviting lakes, dipping down into Dalsland before heading back up into Värmland. Along the way, stop off at Not Quite, in Fengersfors, a former paper factory turned cultural centre, and Halmens Hus, Bengtsfors - Scandinavia’s only straw museum, which offers sweeping views across Dalsland. Stop to watch the boats floating along Lake Lelång and the Dalsland Canal, and don’t miss the dramatic lock stations between Billingsfors and Bengtsfors.
The Vänerleden
A simple, but spectacular, new cycle route along Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake, it runs for 640km but can be split into sections, and there are plenty of perfect places to stop along the way. Kinnekulle has been nicknamed the flowering mountain, a stunning setting crossed with hiking and biking trails, wild meadows, swimming spots and waterfalls. The route also takes you through the picturesque old quarter of Mariestad, one of Sweden’s ten best preserved town centres; think cobbled streets, wooden houses, and charming courtyards. The interesting aqueduct at Haverud demonstrates the intersection of road, railway and canal.
The Ätradal Trail
This 200km route, stretching between Falköping and Falkenberg, brings rural Sweden to life, with its storybook red cottages and abundant countryside. Another largely car-free trail, you’ll be following along disused railway embankments. You won’t go hungry, with great cafes and restaurants including farm shop and café Hemma på Källebacka, just south of Ulricehamn, worth a visit for its great food and interior accessories, or Kafé Sjöparken in Vegby, for coffee, cake and light snacks. More unusual activities include a tour of haunted castle Torpa Stenhus, which has its own ghost, and a visit to the Stone Age settlement of Ekehagens Forntidsby.
Admire Tjörn – an island of Art
The small island of Tjörn is where art meets nature; one of its most striking features is the 14 m high sculpture of Anna, a huge, white head by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa which towers over its surroundings. It’s part of Scupture in Pilane, an annual exhibition of outdoor sculptures scattered around a Stone Age settlement. This year, Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei will contribute seven artworks.
ANNA i Pilane skulpturpark (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
ANNA i Pilane skulpturpark (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
You will also find the Nordic Watercolour Museum, which has displayed works by the likes of Salvador Dali and Louise Bourgeous and, in 2025 will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Pater Noster is a striking lighthouse on the tip of the island which has been transformed into a unique hotel.
Houses and fishing shacks on the water (Jonas Ingman/ Westsweden.com)
Houses and fishing shacks on the water (Jonas Ingman/ Westsweden.com)
Lighthouse Pater Noster (Henrik Trygg/Westsweden.com)
Lighthouse Pater Noster (Henrik Trygg/Westsweden.com)
Sample fresh food
Breweries (Madeleine Landley/Westsweden.com)
Breweries (Madeleine Landley/Westsweden.com)
Microbreweries
West Sweden’s microbrewery scene is booming, with makers producing fresh, tasty beer and ales. Try Beerbliotek in Gothenburg, which offers over 200 of its own beers brewed on-site; Poppels Bryggeri, in Jonsered, which sells one of its highly popular beers every 20 seconds, or Qvänum Mat & Malt, a brewery located among the barley fields of Varaslätten.
Local Beer café (Madeleine Landley/ Westsweden.com)
Local Beer café (Madeleine Landley/ Westsweden.com)
Fika (Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Fika (Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Fika
We may have elevenses and afternoon tea, but Swedes have fika: a coffee or tea break accompanied by buns or biscuits. A social institution, it can be enjoyed several times a day; Alingsås is the region’s fika capital - you can even take a guided fika tour. Try it in Cafe Viola, the town’s oldest cafe.
Fika (Ulf Svane/Westsweden.com)
Fika (Ulf Svane/Westsweden.com)
Seafood (Martin Wikestad/westsweden.com)
Seafood (Martin Wikestad/westsweden.com)
Seafood
As it’s surrounded by so much water, sampling fish and seafood is a must when visiting West Sweden. You’ll find prawns, langoustine, lobster, oysters, mussels, edible seaweed and more within its pristine, clear, salty waters. Take a seafood safari, heading out with fishermen to see how they get their catches and even try your hand at it yourself! You could go out on a traditional wooden boat with oyster and mussel farmer, Lars, try fishing for lobster in the waters around Marstrand, or help empty lobster and crab pots, and try catching some mackerel in Grebbestad (then relax in a wood-fired hot tub).
Where to stay
Salt & Sill (Tony Meyer/Westsweden.com)
Salt & Sill (Tony Meyer/Westsweden.com)
Close to nature and unique places to stay in West Sweden include Pater Noster lighthouse, glass cabins and tree houses with stunning views, houseboats and bathing pavilions for water lovers, and troll stumps, mushrooms, and a pirate hotel and theme park for families.
Make it happen
Gotaleden Trail (Jona Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Gotaleden Trail (Jona Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Regent Holidays
The Swedish Rails & Trails Getaway is a six-day tour with Regent Holidays that allows you to immerse yourself in West Sweden’s rich tapestry of local flavours, cultural sites and beautiful nature. Travel on two feet, two pedals and by train at your own pace on an adventure that offers unforgettable experiences with minimal environmental impact.
Donsö (Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Donsö (Jonas Ingman/Westsweden.com)
Where The Wild Is
Revealing summer serenity in Gothenburg and its archipelago, Where the Wild Is has a trip combining a sustainable stay in the city with an idyllic island getaway. After a couple of days in this widely recognised green destination, you’ll sail out to car-free Vrångö where you can take a fishing trip or enjoy a floating sauna, followed by time in picturesque Donsö, with its traditional red wooden houses.
Bohuslän (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
Bohuslän (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
The Natural Adventure
Check out some of the most beautiful islands and villages on Sweden’s west coast with The Natural Adventure’s Bohuslän Island Hopping experience. You’ll take in the region’s small, scenic fishermen’s towns, sandy and granite beaches, and the rugged, rocky Ramsvik Nature Reserve. Coastal trails and cliff walks around Marstrand, Koön, Dyrön and Bohus Malmön offer striking views. You will eventually end your journey in eco-friendly Gothenburg.
Haga shoping street (Göran Assner/Westsweden.com)
Haga shoping street (Göran Assner/Westsweden.com)
KE Adventures
Walking up to 4 hours a day exploring the rugged coastline, visiting both Sweden's second-largest city and pretty little fishing villages. A 5 day self-guided walking holiday that includes the green city of Gothenburg with its diverse culture, Botanical Gardens and the Änggardsbergen Nature Reserve, as well as the lovely islands of Marstrand and Dyrön.
Ramsvik Nature Reserve (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
Ramsvik Nature Reserve (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
Real Holidays
Travel to Sweden’s southwestern coast with Real Holidays to explore some of the 8,000 islands of the Bohuslän Archipelago. This island-hopping adventure promises visits to historic towns, meeting fishermen to collect local lobster, slurping on fresh oysters, hiking bird-filled forests, admiring the likes of Läckö Castle and so much more.
Harvest your own mussels (Madeleine Landley/Westsweden.com)
Harvest your own mussels (Madeleine Landley/Westsweden.com)
Original Travel
Sweden’s coastlines are simply brimming with incredible seafood, and what better way to sample as much as possible than with Original Travel’s Kayaking, Culture and Culinary Treats break? You will have earned your meals – including harvesting your own mussels – after hiking, biking and kayaking your way around the Bohuslän archipelago. The itinerary even takes in a trip to see Nordic art on the island of Tjörn.
Dalsland (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
Dalsland (Roger Borgelid/Westsweden.com)
Discover The World
Discover The World treats West Sweden as a microcosm of the country as a whole, which is a good way to think about it. With its stylish main city, clusters of islands, strong maritime culture and awe-inspiring nature and landscapes, trips on offer in the region take in the forested and lake-strewn northerly province of Dalsland, the Bohuslän archipelago and the cultural centre of Västergötland, plus historic towns such as Vänersborg, and Skövde.
Shellfish tour (Ulf Svane/Westsweden.com)
Shellfish tour (Ulf Svane/Westsweden.com)
Off the map Travel
This trip will take you beyond the city and into the beautiful archipelago. Start to explore Gothenburg the city that has been ranked as the world’s most sustainable destination according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Visit small car free islands like Marstrand and Dyrön perfect for a scenic walk. Join a a local fisherman for a shellfish tour or take a your rental kayak to get to know the surrounding area.
Fjällbacka (Shutterstock)
Fjällbacka (Shutterstock)
Wexas Travel
Explore Gothenburg and the West on an eight day self-drive adventure with Wexas Travel. You will explore the canals and botanical parks of the capital city before visiting the charming fishing village of Fjällbacka which offers a glimpse of Sweden at its most authentic. Expect cobbled streets, boutique cafes and some truly special seafood restaurants.
Bohuslan (Shutterstock)
Bohuslan (Shutterstock)
Magnetic North
Book a road trip to West Sweden with Magnetic North Travel and you can expect to spend your time hiking and biking on scenic trails, setting foot on fishing boats with the locals, kayaking on shimmering waters, admiring the many historic sites and feasting in top recommended restaurants.
Fika in Gothenburg (Shutterstock)
Fika in Gothenburg (Shutterstock)
Sunvil
Gothenburg is home to 19 Michelin starred restaurants and the experts at Sunvil can help you to plan your visit to some of these, as well as authentic culinary experiences such as the fish markets, crab fishing excursions and lobster safaris. Culture seekers can rely on Sunvil to help them find the most interesting museums, monuments and churches that the region has to offer, while those after a nature escape will find it in the 400 nature reserves and four national parks that the West Coast boasts.
