Holiday apartment in Lilla Edet: Hiking, culture and the Göta älv

Lilla Edet lies in the Göta älv valley between Trollhättan and Gothenburg. The landscape combines a river-shaped rift and valley landscape with uplands, raised bogs, groves, forests, lakes and blooming river valleys. Svartedalen is particularly diverse, offering hiking trails, shelters, picnic areas, opportunities for nature observation and recreational fishing, as well as extensive hiking routes.

Nature

In the Brattorpsån nature reserve, the trail leads through a lush deciduous-forest gorge. The species-rich forest flora is complemented by mosses and lichens. Brattorpsån and Grönån are also noteworthy from an ecological perspective: both are tributaries of the Göta älv with some of the largest spawning and nursery areas for salmon and sea trout.

Water is as much a part of the landscape as forests and hills. The municipality has three supervised and maintained bathing sites: Bodasjön, Lille Väktor and Borydsjön. At Ryrsjön, swimming, fishing, hiking and canoeing are possible; rowing and canoeing competitions are also frequently held there. At Rödvattnet near Västerlanda, you can swim and fish along the Bohusleden.

Hiking and trails

Several marked trails provide access to the area’s diverse landscapes. The Ryrsjöleden is approximately 7.8 kilometres long and runs through hilly terrain around Ryrsjön. The Götaleden follows a route of around 5 kilometres along the uplands east of Lilla Edet. Shorter is the 2.9-kilometre Prässebergsleden, which leads through varied woodland across ridges with viewpoints over the Göta älv valley. Along the way, the trail also passes a waterfall and a Bronze Age burial mound with a viewpoint.

The Bohusleden is also represented in Lilla Edet by two of its 27 stages. The route runs from Hjärtum in the north via Västerlanda to Svartedalen in the south. The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv also passes through Lilla Edet along the Göteborg–Lödöse, Lödöse–Hålanda and Lödöse–Vänersborg sections. This trail is recognised as a S:t Olofsled, marked with S:t Olof symbols and part of the European Cultural Routes.

Most hiking trails in Lilla Edet can be reached without a car. The Pilgrimsleden passes through all places with regular bus services. In addition, Västtrafik offers demand-responsive local transport from Göta, Lödöse and Lilla Edet to trails outside the built-up areas. There is a cycle connection between Lödöse Södra railway station and Lilla Edet; the only exception is a 1.3-kilometre section on a minor road.

History and culture

In the 12th century, Lödöse was one of Sweden’s most important cities and a significant port on the Göta älv. Lödöse museum is an archaeological museum with exhibitions, events and activities focusing mainly on archaeology and the Middle Ages. Sweden’s first lock, dating from 1607, is also preserved in Lilla Edet.

The regional handicraft tradition is showcased at Spånhyvelns dag, an annual local event where the traditional technique of shingle-making is demonstrated. In Hålleröd stands a water-powered shingle planer that has been restored and still operates as it did around the turn of the 20th century. Near Prässebo lies Lapp-Augusts stuga, a forest ruin whose stone foundations from a former dwelling, outbuildings, potato cellar and pantry remain.

The churches also preserve traces of history. Västerlanda kyrka was built in the 13th century; its surviving features include medieval nave walls and a medieval baptismal font. Hjärtums kyrka was probably consecrated as early as the 13th century and preserves a medieval baptismal font made of stone from Kinnekulle. Tösslandagården has origins dating back to the 16th century. Its main building contains original furniture as well as glassware and crockery from the early 20th century.

In central Lilla Edet, Kulturhuset Eden offers cultural events, music and cinema, as well as a library and a school of culture. Lilla Edet Bryggeri adds another local touch with unfiltered and unpasteurised beer.

Water and local life

Laxens Dag takes place in Lilla Edet every year, featuring activities and attracting numerous visitors. Salmon fishing in the Göta älv at Lilla Edet is managed by SFK Laxen; boats and cabins can also be rented through the association.

Lilla Edet, Lödöse, Göta, Prässebo and Nygård. Other destinations: Tibro, Götene, Ale.

For the higher-level travel overview: Västra Götaland.