Signature trail Göteborg

The southern part of the Bohusleden trail runs along the outskirts of Gothenburg. Despite being close to the city, you can enjoy a quiet walk through several nature reserves, past fish-filled lakes, and under dense beech forests. The sections are short, and each day ends with available accommodations. On this page, we describe a four-day hike from Stensjön to Kungälv/Fontin, which we call the Signature trail Göteborg.

Signature trail Göteborg is one of STF’s signature trails.

Signature trail Göteborg in short

Length: 52,5 kilometers
Number of stages/hiking days: 4
Length of stages: 5–19 km (2–8 hours of hiking per day)
Water/food along the trail: You should bring water and lunch each day.
Accomodation during the hike: Shelters, tent, cabins, hotels and hostels.
Map and information: bohusleden.se

Map of Signature trail Göteborg

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This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).

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Discover the Signature trail Göteborg

The Signature trail Göteborg passes through both Västergötland and Bohuslän. A few kilometers after starting, you enter the Delsjö area, the first of six nature reserves you’ll encounter during your hike. Each reserve has its own unique character. On the second day, the trail leads you through dramatic ravines and rocky landscapes in the Knipeflågsbergen Nature Reserve, where you might spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and foxes. A couple of days later, you’ll hike through Bokedalen Nature Reserve, known for its majestic beech forests. In spring, the landscape is carpeted with wood anemones.

The final stretch ends with a gentle uphill walk through the residential area on Fontinberget in the Fontin Nature Reserve. You can either finish the last hiking day in Angered, after 11 kilometers, or continue to Kungälv/Fontin, after 27 kilometers. Each day’s hike offers one or more rest areas, as well as several swimming spots. The terrain is mostly trails and gravel roads, with some short sections on asphalt. Be sure to bring water and lunch from the start each day, as access along the way may be limited.

See and do along the trail

Swimming is mandatory, as the trail often runs alongside lakes and past swimming spots. The proximity to Gothenburg makes it easy to explore the city’s offerings before or after your hike.

Don’t miss

On the second day, you’ll pass Blacktjärn about halfway through. According to legend, the pond is guarded by seven different spirits. Call out over the water and see what happens! You’ll also pass Bohus Fortress, which is well worth a visit.

Transport to the trail

Take the train to Gothenburg Central Station. From there, hop on bus 753 at Heden and get off at the Gunnebo Park stop, where you can start your hike. For hiking tips, consider stopping by STF Göteborg Stigbergsliden hostel. Note that there is no long-term parking available at the trailhead for those driving. To return to Gothenburg Central Station from Angered or Kungälv/Fontin at the end of your hike, take a bus and then the train. If you plan to head back to Gothenburg after the last day, you can catch a bus near Bohus Fortress instead of continuing past the fortress into Kungälv or on to Fontin.

If you prefer to start your hike in central Gothenburg, you can follow Stage 1 of the Gotaleden from Kungsportsplatsen to Skatås, where you can join the Signature trail at Section 2. This 6 km stretch is marked with Gotaleden’s blue symbol. Learn more about Gotaleden for further details.

Trail markers

The trail is marked with orange paint. New signs were installed in 2019, but they are not present throughout the entire trail. Older signage can also still be found along the way.

Sections of Signature trail Göteborg

Below are descriptions of the various sections of the Signature trail Göteborg, including distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.

You can, of course, hike in the opposite direction from the order presented.

Tip! Spend the first or last night at STF Wendelsberg Hotel & Hostel Göteborg or STF Stigbergsliden Hostel Göteborg.

Section 1: Stensjön–Skatås

8 kilometers, 2–3 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Torpet Mon (Not STF)

The section starts on the northeastern side of Stensjön, accessible by bus. After crossing under Route 40, you enter the Delsjön Nature Reserve. The trail follows the shore of Stora Delsjön for a few kilometers before heading north toward Skatås. There are several swimming opportunities along the way. No water or food services are available along the route. The Torpet Mon accommodation is a few hundred meters west of the trail as you approach Skatås. It is open in summer and on weekends by reservation during other seasons. Camping is not allowed in the area, as it is part of a park. Restaurants are within 1.5 kilometers of the accommodation.

Section 2: Skatås–Kåsjön

10 kilometers, 2–3 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Partille Hostel (Not STF)

This day offers an exciting hike through Knipeflågsbergen Nature Reserve, with rugged rocks and dramatic ravines. The area is rich with wildlife, including elk, foxes, and deer. The trail takes you up Getryggen, with expansive views over Gothenburg. About halfway, you’ll pass the legendary Blacktjärn. Despite some hilly terrain, with the highest point at 140 meters above sea level, this section is easy to hike. There is no water or food available along the way. Partille Hostel is about a kilometer north of Kåsjön Beach and has a self-catering kitchen.

Section 3: Kåsjön–Jonsered

7.7 kilometers, 2–3 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Le Mat Jonsered (Not STF)

From Kåsjön, you walk along a trail through mixed forest terrain. A few kilometers in, you’ll pass Lake Madren, and there is a rest area midway. The industrial town of Jonsered was built by the Scot William Gibson, giving it a distinctly Scottish character, with brick buildings among other features. The accommodation is in one of these brick buildings, Jonsereds Fabriker, which has a self-catering kitchen and breakfast served year-round. Restaurants are available in Jonsered. There is no water or food along this section.

Section 4: Jonsered–Angereds Kyrka

11.8 kilometers, 3–4 hours of hiking
Accommodation: STF Stigbergsliden Hostel

This section takes you through dense beech forests in Bokedalen Nature Reserve. Shortly after starting, near Jonsereds Herrgård, the trail splits into two alternative routes. The one along Lake Aspen’s shore is slightly longer. The routes converge again at Torpet Freden. After the strait between Stora and Lilla Ramsjöarna, there is a viewpoint worth visiting. No water or food is available along this section. You can end your hike here and return to Gothenburg Central via public transportation.

Section 5: Angereds Kyrka–Kungälv Fontin

17.4 kilometers, 6–8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: STF Stigbergsliden Hostel

For a longer fourth day, you can continue to Kungälv. After Angered, the trail goes through Vättlefjäll Nature Reserve, with abundant wetlands and lakes. The final ascent to Fontin in Kungälv is well worth the effort. There are several rest and swimming spots along the way. No water or food is available on this section. After completing the hike, you can take public transportation from Kungälv back to Gothenburg Central.