Holiday apartment in Kungälv: Wooden town, nature and Bohusleden

Kungälv combines a historic wooden town with newer districts and a modern travel centre. At the same time, natural areas, hiking trails, waterways and sites of cultural and historical interest are located in and around the town. In Kungälv, different facets come together: an established urban history, extensive landscapes and a variety of destinations for active and cultural days.

Nature and trails

The Fontin nature reserve can be reached directly on foot from the centre of Kungälv. The area includes woodland, pastureland and Lake Svarte Mosse. Near Kungälv, Kastellegårdsskogen is also a popular recreational area between Komarken and Ytterby. Svartedalen is likewise part of the surrounding natural landscape: the area is one of the largest contiguous coniferous forest areas in western Sweden and is ideal for hiking.

In Svartedalen, five hiking trails begin at Bottenstugan at the eastern end of Ålevattnet, with lengths ranging from 1.9 to 4 kilometres. For longer routes, there is the Bohusleden, which runs for a total of 370 kilometres between Lindome and Strömstad. Two of its 27 stages pass through Kungälv Municipality; the Fontin–Grandalen section is 19 kilometres long. In addition, the Kungälv cycling map shows cycle paths and roads suitable for cycling.

Near Kungälv, Ragnhildsholmen is a well-known and frequently visited birdwatching area where, among other species, nightingales and rosefinches can be found. A castle ruin is also located there by the Nordre älv. Kungälv Municipality has six seaside bathing spots, two bathing spots at lakes, outdoor swimming pools and an indoor swimming facility.

Along the continuous path to the Iron Age burial ground of Stora Smällen, information boards stand on the hill by the southern and northern cattle grids. These cattle grids provide access to the sheep pasture and the burial ground. Stora Smällen is located at Västra Porten in Ytterby and comprises 160 archaeological features.

Culture

The older centre of Kungälv is a well-preserved wooden townscape and is of national heritage interest. Västra Gatan and Torget formed the route through the town that was established at the end of the 17th century. Gamla rådhuset stands on Stora Torget; it was built between 1762 and 1767, originally also housed the customs house and is regarded as a symbol of old Kungälv.

Among Kungälv’s buildings of cultural and historical value is Uddmanska huset at Västra Gatan 9. It was built at the end of the 18th century. The church in the centre of Kungälv is a Baroque wooden church whose construction began in 1679. Hembygdsgården is located on Fästningsholmen; it was formerly the town’s vicarage and was moved here from Västra Gatan in the winter of 1930/31.

Near Kungälv stands Bohus Fortress, a medieval castle associated with bloody sieges and power struggles. Guided tours are available, including a self-guided tour via the app included with the admission ticket. Archery and raft trips across the pond are also offered at Bohus Fortress.

Art and stage

Mimers Konsthall presents changing exhibitions, including watercolour, ceramics and children’s exhibitions. Mimers Teater hosts performances, concerts, theatre, dance and lectures. At Mimers Café, you can enjoy fika or have a light meal.

More local pages: Kovikshamn, Kärna, Tjuvkil, Kode, Kungälv, Marstrand, Harestad, Romelanda.

For the broader travel overview: Västra Götaland.