Bohusleden consists of 27 stages, offering walks totalling 370 km through varied and beautiful countryside. The trail stretches from Lindome in the south, on the border with Halland, to Strömstad in the north. The Bohusleden Trail is now part of the North Sea Trail.

The trail is signposted with orange paint on trees or finger posts. At the start of each stage you will find an information board with distances, symbols, facts about the right to public access, etc.

On the maps you now hold in your hand, the stages are marked with red dots. You will also find tips about things worth seeing along each route. A few detours are also recommended.

Information about the trail on this website is also available in print – one map for the southern part of the Bohusleden Trail (stages 1–14) and one for the northern part (stages 15–27). The maps are sold at tourist offices in the municipalities along the trail and at well-stocked bookshops.

The Foundation Västkuststiftelsen is coordinator for the Bohusleden Trail and manages the overall supervision, information, signposting, etc. Their website is www.vastkuststiftelsen.se. You can also phone 031-335 50 00. More information about the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden is available on www.bohusleden.se.

Tourist information is found on the West Sweden Tourist Board website www.vastsverige.com. There you will find links to the websites of the municipalities along the route. Information on public transport is found on www.vasttrafik.se .

There you are. You’re ready to set off. But take it easy. You’re responsible for your own safety all the way.

Welcome to the beautiful and varied Bohusleden/North Sea Trail.
Before you lie 370 km of wonderful Swedish countryside. Start by surfing on the Bohusleden Trail website. You have 27 stages, of varying degrees of difficulty, to choose from. Maps and guide book are included.
Walking is easy. Why wait? Nature awaits you

You are heading for the end of the road. It is time for the last stage of the Bohusleden Trail, the last 15 km of a total of 370 km winding through the Bohuslän countryside.

A lovely forest landscape awaits you, then a section along a country road, followed by winding paths and small roads taking you to Strömstad. The trail passes many ancient remains, and you will follow in the footsteps of the soldiers of Charles XII.

By the way, is the glass half empty or half full? If you are walking from north to south, the Bohusleden Trail starts in Strömstad!

Just before Bovall, you will find a Bronze Age grave a little further up in the woods.

Just north of the trail is Blomsholm Manor, now a cultural environment, named after the German aristocrat Anders Blume, who founded the estate in the 17th century.
Here is one of the largest stone ships in the country, some 40 metres long and consisting of 49 standing stones, probably from the young Iron Age. The old row of agricultural dwellings is now a summer café.

Nearby is an area with prehistoric fields and a grave-field from the young Iron Age. The most prominent grave is the large stone circle, with an enormous stone in the middle, surrounded by ten smaller stones.

To the east of the E6 motorway is Grönehög, a grave-field from the Iron Age. It consists of seven mounds, one of which is the largest burial-mound in Bohuslän with a diameter of approximately 45 metres.

The Bohusleden Trail is crossed by the Galärleden Trail, a historic transport route. In 1718, Swedish soldiers of Charles XII’s Carolinians from the army and navy pulled twelve large galleys from Strömstad to Idefjorden. This was during the Charles XII’s siege of the Fredriksten fortress in Halden. The ships were dragged over land and swamps when they could not travel on the water, in order to attack Norway from unexpected directions. The trail is now a combined walking and canoeing trail.

Here you pass a grave-field, with one round mound and three long mounds.

Strömstad is a charming coastal commercial town. From here, boats depart for further excursions, both to the Koster islands and to Norway. Several islands in the archipelago are nature reserves, with well-marked trails.

Stage 26 starts in the small community Krokstrand and continues up over the majestic Löveråsfjället mountain. It rises steeply all the way to the top of Björnerödpiggen, 222 metres above sea level. The highest mountain in Bohuslän offers superb mile-wide views. The best and furthest views are offered those who dare climb up the viewing tower.

This is the highest and most northern point of the Bohusleden Trail. Here, it turns and takes you down the mountain on a south-westerly path. On small roads and paths you will eventually reach Högstad, via the exciting ancient remains in the Jörlov-Masslebergdalen valley.

The fjord reaches Krokstrand, and countless shiploads of paving-stone have left from here. Throughout the times, the fjord has united people on both side of the water. In the past it was often easier to travel across the water or ice, than on the roads. The Norwegian town Halden to the north, and Strömstad, some 20 km to the west, were both within reach. Contact across the border was – and, naturally, still is – frequent.

Björnerödpiggen is the highest mountain in Bohuslän, 222 metres above sea level. This is the highest and northernmost point of the Bohusleden trail. An impressive Bronze Age cairn marks the highest point. Here you will find wind shelter, grill area and a viewing tower. The majestic views stretch for miles into Norway on clear, sunny days.

Here you can join the Kuststigen Trail leading up to the Svinesund Bridge and into Norway.

A short detour from the trail at Massleberg to Jörlov will reveal a large number of ancient remains. People have lived and worked in this area for thousands of years.
At Massleberg you will find a 5 000-year-old grave, a so called passage grave, from the Stone Age. There are also numerous rock carvings from the Bronze Age (1800 BC–500 BC). The largest carving comprises around 160 different motifs. You can see, for example, a man lifting a big boat. This particular subject occurs in many rock carvings in Bohuslän. It is believed to illustrate a happening from a legend of that time.

The rock below the outhouse in Jörlov shows people, boats, deer and cup and ring marks. One of the figures is shown throwing himself headlong in a backwards somersault. These acrobats also occur in many other rock carvings in Bohuslän.

The walk starts through beautiful forest landscape on an old customs path. In the past, customs officers guarded the Norwegian border, 1 km to the east. Border control started after the dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway in 1905 and ended after the Second World War.

The trail goes through hilly terrain, with fresh forest scents and tremendous views over large and small watercourses. The trail abruptly turns away from the fjord shore and takes you along the country road for the last stretch to Krokstrand.

The countryside rises and the trail goes along the ridge between the lakes Husebotjärn and Sandvatten. The views are magnificent and reach as far as the eye can see all the way to the sea in west.

Lake Sandvatten is excellent for bathing, complete with wind shelter and grill area. Take a dip, water temperature permitting.

Soon you will be walking though an elevated area with views over Idefjorden, before a steep descent towards the fjord. A Norwegian trail, once called the Border Trail and now part of the Kuststigen Trail, joins here.

Krokstrand is an old stonecutting community reminding us of the typical Bohuslän industrial era, from the late 19th century to the mid-1970’s. Here you will see the first Folkets Hus (People’s Palace) in the country, built in 1902.
 During the stonemasonry era, from late 19th century to early 20th century, Krokstrand was an important community. Paving-stones were shipped from here to all corners of the world, including Argentina.
 The Argentine tango is said to have reached Sweden with sailors on Argentine ships loading stones here. To commemorate this, the popular Krokstrand Festival is held every year in late July, with music, dance and tango classes. If you don’t dance tango (or any other dance) you can enjoy a bite to eat in the summer restaurant »Stenhoggarn«.
 The large stone quarry quay and dramatic open-cast mines are other reminders of the by-gone stonecutting era.

This stage requires strong legs and/or plain wanderlust. For almost 20 km you will encounter high plateaus and deep valleys. The differences in altitude are due to a geological collision: here, the inland gneiss bedrock meets the significantly harder granite of the coastland.

The first section of this stage follows the Norwegian border. Close to the northern tip of lake Ejgdesjön, the Norwegian Olavsleden Trail and the Kuststigen Trail connect and take off around the lakes Krokvattnet and Ekelidvattnet. Soon you will enter the remarkable wilderness area Tolvmanstegen with grand views over the northern parts of Bohuslän – and the sea to the west.

Snarsmon, on the Ejgdefjäll mountain, was a settlement for travellers. The settlement was called Tattarbyn or Tattarstan (Vagrants’ Village).

It is said that around 30 families lived here from the mid-19th century until the 1920’s. The settlement is only 350 metres from one of the border crossings. This was a route used by travellers arriving at Snarsmon from Norway.

The families lived by trading in horses, different crafts and seasonal work in Norwegian industries.

At Snarsmon, 3–4 house foundations are clearly visible and more are hidden in the ground. More than 10 houses are discernible in the area. There are also traces of at least one well and possibly a smithy. The foundations are not typical for travellers. A significant number of poor people in Sweden lived in similar houses.

You will find boards with more detailed information about the history of this site.

Here you can choose to follow the Kuststigen Trail going south towards the coast to Tanumstrand by the North Sea.

Tolvmanstegen, west of the Vammsjö lakes, is an almost treeless, flat rock landscape. Lichen-clad rocks contrast with the swampy ground in the depressions. A few, sparse, areas of flat rock pine forest give a feeling of true wilderness. You will reach the highest point of this stage, 188 metres above sea level. In fine weather, you will have exceptional views over large parts of northern Bohuslän – with the archipelago and sea to the west.

Following the road from Vammen, the trail turns to the west towards Allemarken. Here you will find a grill area and wind shelter.

This stage offers around 15 km of big and small adventures. The stage starts along the shores of lake Norra Kornsjön, with views over the wooded islets in the lake. By the outflow of lake Taraldtjärn you may spot beavers working on their dams. The walk continues on old footpaths and across pine ridges in a roller-coaster landscape. You will come across the remains of the home of an outlawed recluse and walk past the highest waterfall in Bohuslän. This is guaranteed to be a varied walk along the border with Norway.

Boundary marker No 1 on the Sweden-Norway border is located on Hisö island. Unfortunately, it cannot be seen from the mainland as it is obstructed by trees. But further along the trail you will see several boundary markers close by.

Beavers regulate the outflow from lake Taraldtjärn by efficient damming of the brook.

After a few hundred metres, you can make a detour to the top of the mountain. Here, you can enjoy the views over large parts of the Kornsjö lake system, forests in Bohuslän and Dalsland and also parts of Norway.

The walk continues to a ruined cottage in Djupvik. By the foot of a mountain, you will find the stone wall remains of the »outlaw’s settlement«. The information board tells the story of the shy recluse who lived here in the 18th century.

The Älgafallet falls constitute the border with Norway. This is the highest waterfall in Bohuslän, with a drop of 46 metres. Just below the falls is a good footbridge. The board by the resting area has information about border history and ancient remains. There was once a sawmill and a mill here. The waterfall is especially popular in autumn and spring, when the water level is high.

At Älgafallet you can choose to walk 3–4 km on the Norwegian side, or to follow the trail on the Swedish side of the border. The Kuststigen Trail also continues into Norway.

In Vassbotten you will find an old border shop and camp site. Here you can replenish your stocks before continuing your walk along the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden.

You can stay for a day or two in Vassbotten and make excursions in the Bullarebygden area. Why not try your fishing luck in one of the large Bullaresjö lakes? For accommodation at Vassbotten Camping, phone 0525-520 03.

Stage 22 is less than 10 km long and starts by lake Daletjärnen. The North Sea Trail/Bohusleden takes you along old footpaths and small roads through an easy-to-walk landscape. You will pass the notorious Göpadalen valley where, in the past, lynx attacked cattle grazing on the mountain. Across swampy and rocky ground with idyllic meres, the trail continues towards the end of this stage at Nornäs by lake Mellersta Kornsjön.

Ancient remains, believed to be a church ruin and burial site at Ormelund.

Porsås is the highest point on Bufjället mountain, 202 metres above sea level. Here you will find a Bronze Age cairn. If you are interested in church ruins, you can follow the marked detour approximately 300 metres to the south. Information boards along the path describe points of interest.

Detour from trail, with points of interest including ancient remains and church ruins.

In by-gone days Göpadalen valley was notorious for the many lynx attacks on mountain cattle. (Göpa is an old local word for lynx.)

Stage 21 starts at one of the two outflows from the Kornsjöarna lakes. The 10 km walk starts through rocky ground and pine ridges, past many beautiful outlooks. You will pass idyllic cottages with well-kept buildings and meadows.

From the lower cultural landscape the trail continues upland with dramatic and beautiful views over dark meres, ravines and steep precipices.

The wind shelter at lake Södra Kornsjön is used both by walkers and canoeists.

Daletjärn wind shelter is located on a cliff shelf with views over the mere and the forest.

Stage 20 of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden starts at the heart of Kynnefjäll mountain. You can look forward to a true wilderness walk. The route is quite long and passes many beautiful watercourses, but is not particularly demanding.

The countryside of southern and northern Sweden meet and join here. Species that normally have a distinct southern or northern habitat grow together here. Typical »Norrlanders« include dwarf birch, arctic kidney lichen and slender cruet-moss. Southern species include small-leaved lime, hazel, liverleaf and lesser butterfly-orchid. (See also Stage 19.)

The southern shore of lake Stora Holmevatten. This is the largest lake on Kynnefjäll mountain. Stora Holmevatten is said to have as many islets and skerries as there are days in the year. Make a detour from the trail to admire the view. An overnight wind shelter is located on the promontory.

Lake Sjökärrsjön is located almost halfway along this stage. It is a nice place to rest, wind shelter provided.

Roslund farm is a good landmark if you want to see the beautiful rapids created by the discharge from the lakes Kornsjöarna. You can hear the water roaring from the public road, approximately 500 metres to the east and 1 km west of Roslund.

Discharge from the large Kornsjöarna lake system passes through the river Kynne älv, south of Flötemarksön island, and also through a smaller watercourse on the north side.

Flötemarke Wilderness Camp. Here you can overnight in a Lapp cot or wind shelter, have a sauna or otherwise sample living in the wilderness. Phone 0525-501 95 for further information.

Be prepared for an exceptional nature experience! This exciting stage takes you to the very heart of the wild Kynnefjäll mountain – and up to the summit, Vaktarekullen.

Along the way, you can enjoy bilberry spruce forest, moorland, cascading brooks and waterfalls. Smell the intoxicating bog myrtle on an open cloudberry bog. See the northern white water-lily bloom in dark, bewitching forest meres. Hear the desolate call of the black-throated diver towards dusk. With almost undeserved luck, you may even spot a shy lynx.

The small lake Äntervattnet is a good place to stop overnight. Wind shelter is provided.

Lake Säveleken also has an overnight wind shelter.

Vaktarekullen, where stage 19 ends, is the highest point on the Kynnefjäll mountain, 206 metres above sea level. In the past, young shepherds had a good view over their cattle and mile-wide views across the treeless landscape.

Later, Vaktarekullen was used for fire and aircraft detection. Today, there is an outlook and a good 12-bed overnight cottage.

Wauglen-kynnefjäll is an STF youth hostel adjoining the trail (approximately 5 km). You can park here, buy supplies and enjoy many other services on offer.
See www.wauglen.se or phone +46(0)524-320 15.

A detour to Kasebo is recommended if you are looking for further excursions at Kynnefjäll. Here you will find good parking and a detailed information map over the area. Several walking trails join or start at Kasebo.

Stage 18 should not cause any problems. It is a leisurely walk of just over 10 km along country roads, through agricultural and forest landscapes.

Towards the end of the stage the bog Bredmossen literally spreads out. This is the largest open bog area in Bohuslän. You get the feeling of suddenly being in northern Sweden.

The whole bog is teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes open especially for black grouse and golden plover.

Svarteborg Stone Centre is located at the beginning of this stage. Great for those who missed their breakfast, as there is a café. Otherwise, you can join a guided tour around the stonemasonry and perhaps even try your hand at stonecutting. Handicrafts are for sale and you can camp or rent a cottage here. Phone 0524-409 50 or visit www.svarteborg.stencenter.just.nu.

Bredmossen bog should be located much further north. At least that’s the feeling you get. The wilderness seems even wilder than before. This is where the majestic Kynnefjäll mountain starts. (Read more about it under Stage 19.)

The stage ends at Lunden. The keeper’s cottage and memorial stone remind us of the 20 years (1980–2000) that the action group Save Kynnefjäll kept vigil here to avert the threat of turning the mountain into a storage area for nuclear waste. Members of the group took turns to guard the area round the clock, year after year.

East of the Bohusleden trail, approximately 5 km away, is Kynnefjälls Natur. This is a tourist centre which can serve as a base. Here you can park safely, rent log cabin accommodation and receive help with transfer transport, etc.
See www.kynnefjall.com or phone 0524-320 88.

The expression easy-to-walk can be used for the first time since the first stage of the Bohusleden Trail in the south, by the Halland border. The geological nature reserve Harska is the starting point of Stage 17 of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden.

If you have been walking for several days, you may even have spent the night in the wind shelter by the idyllic Harskabukten bay and discovered the fine spring on the slope towards lake Kärnsjön.

The trail goes past a number of stone circles and grave-fields, as well as idyllic and living farms.

Harska is a majestic gravel ridge that was created when the inland ice retreated. This area is a geological reserve.

A short detour to the east on level with lake Heevattnet is recommended. You will find a lookout with wide, beautiful views over lake Kärnsjön.

Svarteborg church is enthroned on top of the majestic inland ice deposit. The church dates back to the 12th century, but was reconstructed in the 18th century.

Water plays a large part in this stage of the trail.

You will follow the rivers Munkedalsälven and Örekilsälven along paths and tracks. You will see a number of dams (man-made for the purpose of providing water to Munkedal’s paper mill) much loved by beavers. With luck, you will see how beavers make their own dams using branches, sticks and mud. Beavers are rodents which feed mainly on twigs and aquatic plants (not whole trees).
 
The river Örekilsälven contains several salmon ladders and provides excellent fishing for both man and beast. Both those with fishing permits and kingfishers thrive here. Dipper and grey wagtail also occur, feeding mainly on insects.

Munkedal is worth a detour. Along the cascading river you will see old and contemporary industrial environments. On the west side of the river there is a collection of local mile and boundary stones.

Here you can see Munkedal Manor and a grand stone bridge with a milestone and King Fredrik’s crowned monogram from 1737.

The Brålandsfallet is the largest waterfall in the river Örekilsälven. Here, as in Torp, salmon ladders have been created to allow fish to reach lake Kärnsjön on route upstream. The river is the second largest watercourse in Bohuslän and one of the best fishing waters in southern Sweden.

The factory Borgmästarbruket is located along the river, just before Torp. Here you will see the remains of Munkedal’s first industrialisation, including sawmill, mills, smithy and dwellings.

The Torp estate dates back to the 17th century. The present main building (Corps de logi, as it was called by the gentry) was erected in the 1860’s.

The Bohusleden Trail does not go far out on the Lerbergsnäset isthmus. If you have the energy, you can walk further out. The spit of land sticks out in the long and deep lake Kärnsjön. Why not take a swim in the Harskabukten bay, temperature and/or courage permitting.

Here is the Reorsgrottan cave. Legend has it that an escaped prisoner by the name of Reor hid in the cave in the 17th century. He was also a skilled wood carver and was pardoned after carving the font in Håby church.

Harska geological nature reserve ends Stage 16. The Kuststigen Trail connects here, leading down to e.g. Hunnebostrand on the North Sea.

There is wilderness; and there are areas where wild things have happened. Stage 15 of the North Sea Trail passes though an area with a bloody history of war and violence.

Lake Övre Trästickeln and its surroundings was (despite the Roskilde Treaty in 1658) a conflict borderland between Sweden and Norway up until the 18th century. The last encounter was during the »Lingonberry War« in 1788–89.

Today, it is only the countryside that is dramatic. It is quite demanding and hilly in places, but with outstanding beauty.

This was the border between Sweden and Norway until 1658. Now it is the border between the counties of Bohuslän and Dalsland. It is also the border between Uddevalla and Munkedal municipalities.

Lake Övre Trästickeln.

On the shores of lake Viksjön you will find an almost pastoral idyll, which is a designated nature reserve. There is a grave-field from the Iron Age (500 BC–1300 AD) and a private burial ground from the 19th century. A detour of approximately 500 metres to the south of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden reveals the ruins of Vågsäter manor house. Only the foundations and an avenue remain.

Here the trail crosses the old country border between Sweden and Norway, as it was before 1658. This is also the parish border between Foss in Bohuslän and Valboryr in Dalsland. Both are located in Munkedal municipality.

Feldspar was once used for making porcelain. Here is an old feldspar mine where you can still see the shimmering mineral, also known as fake gold.

The overnight cottage Modalen consists of two sections: the small section is always open; the large section can be rented.
See www.frilufts.se/munkedal

Here the trail divides and you can walk on either side of the river Munkedalsälven.

Fingal’s Cave consists of two linked giant’s cauldrons.

One of the cauldrons is a hole in the rock, created as running water caused stones to roll around in a depression over a long period. Many giant’s cauldrons were created during the ice ages as large stones »bored« their way into the rock when the glaciers moved.

The author Pontus Wikner grew up at Kaserna, now a community centre.

For canoe hire, contact the Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life, tel. 0524-122 22 or visit their website www.frilufts.se/munkedal

Here you will experience real wilderness. More than 10 km of, in parts, fairly demanding walking awaits you, offering lake views and swamps.

You are not likely to walk here alone. The trail goes up the Herrestadsfjället mountain, a popular recreation area all year round. Bare rocks and wet heath remind us of a time when the mountain was deforested, in other places coniferous forest and lakes dominate. Plant and animal life is rich, and at all times of the year there are plenty of humans walking and fishing up here.

The stage starts with a walk across the large Havskuren bog.

The Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life and Uddevalla municipality have restored the old farm at Åleslån, a 17th century settlement. Together they have created a Nature and Culture School and a nature trail in the area. You will see the remains of mills and settlements along the trail.

Hällerstugan cottage, built by the Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life in the 1940’s is beautifully situated by lake Stora Hällesvattnet, near the old settlement Hällorna. The cottage is popular, not least on winter Sundays, when waffles are served.

The Lapp cot, also erected by the Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life is located on a spit of land in lake Krokevattnet. The cot is open all year round and sleeps up to 15 people.

Krokestugan recreation centre is open Sundays during winter.

Herrestadsfjället is a popular walking area with a number of footpaths. In winter, many people come here to ski and skate. Camping/resting areas are provided by several of the lakes, some with wind shelter and some with overnight cottages. Most of the cottages are built and maintained by the Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life. They are mostly open on Sundays during winter. The mountain lakes are popular for fishing. Fishing permit required.
See www.uddevalla.se

Stage 13 of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden may challenge your life and time perspective, if you let your imagination run wild. Large shell banks and traces of Baltic Sea water [sic] from a time long before ours. Just imagine; the landscape around you was shaped by the inland ice… Suddenly, the blister on your foot and other everyday problems seem less significant!

At Kuröd, the Kuststigen Trail joins the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden. Enjoy the beauty of the varied landscape, enjoy the meandering forest paths and beautiful lake views. And ignore that blister.

Älje is located in the Bäveån Nedre nature reserve. Here is also the small lake Surveln, the remains of the old Uddevalla sound. The sound actually linked the Baltic with the North Sea.

The shell banks are highly special and the largest of their kind in the world. It is definitely worth walking the short circular detour from the trail to see them. They were formed when the inland ice melted, and in the Shell Bank Museum you will learn more about the geology and the history of the area up until the present time. The museum is mainly open during summer. You can also read about the shell banks on the information boards. The Kuststigen Trail, leading to the North Sea via e.g. Orust and Lysekil, starts here.

Lake Bjursjön recreation area. Facilities include municipal beach, footpaths and tracks for jogging and skiing. The outdoor centre is normally open on Sundays during winter.

Stage 12 is varied and not particularly demanding. The area around the starting point, Vassbovik, is hilly but relatively kind. The trail follows forest tracks and paths that are mostly easy to walk, up to Stenshult. Here you will pass an area criss-crossed by tracks for joggers and skiers. At Stenshult community centre you will find an overnight wind shelter. From here, the trail continues for a few kilometres across open fields, before returning to the forest. This section goes through several captivating stretches of woodland.
 
Due to the new motorway, the end of this stage deviates from the original route. It now passes straight through Glimmingen motor stadium.

A number of tracks, some illuminated, for joggers and skiers start at Stenshult community centre. Wind shelter available for those wishing to overnight.

Grevesten is an Iron Age grave (around 400 BC–1050 AD). It consists of a stone circle (7 metres in diameter) with a standing stone in the middle.

Glimmingen may seem a strange place to end a stage of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden. The trail actually goes straight through Glimmingen motor stadium, a world championship motocross arena. You’d better watch out!

The old farm Stämmen now belongs to the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management.

The trail goes through a lake-rich forest landscape. The first section of this stage is challenging, with quite a few steep passages. Paths leading past small lakes and swampy areas will eventually take you to the gravelled road along lake Store Väktor. Here you will find a wind shelter, if you want to overnight.

You can also take an alternative stretch of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden, past Backamo camping area and the farm Södra fjället.

The trails converge on an old, well-kept cattle path up to the Bredfjället plateau.

On top of the plateau Måröd Lyseberg is a lookout well worth a visit. The view over lake Store Väktor is enchanting.

Backamo has an interesting geology. The area, now a small airfield, is a glacifluvial deposit. Some 14 000 years ago, the inland ice sheet remained still during the period when the plateau was formed. Here is also a camp with youth hostel style accommodation.

The mountain farm Södra fjället dates back several hundred years. There is, for example, a 300-year-old lime tree.

The beautifully situated Bjurvattenshålan and Flågfjället are the remains of old farms.

Bredfjället mountain offers a rich plant and animal life, as well as a special natural and cultural landscape. In the past, cattle grazed here and the land was cultivated to a much greater extent. The Vargfjället farm is one of the last remains of the old agricultural district.

Lindjärn church, by lake Stora Galten, is not really a church at all. According to legend, it is a robber’s den from the 18th century. Here is also a large Bronze Age barrow.

Bukullsjöarna is a nature area to the west of lake Buvattnet, well worth a detour. You will be treated to beautiful views, old forest and white water-lilies in bloom.

This stage starts in a beautiful and varied mixed forest. The trail takes you through a lake-rich area of forest and bog land. The first section of the stage, up to lake Västersjön, is quite hilly. By the lake the trail follows the road, from Bistockedalen up to lake Stora Hällbovatten. The trail continues through a flatter forest area, with easy-to-walk tracks and winding paths. In places, you will walk through untouched natural forest.

By lake Djupevatten there is a wind shelter and welcome facilities. This is not only a good place to stop and rest. If you decide to spend the night here, you will enjoy the lovely sunset over the lake to the west.

Towards the end of the stage, between the lake Stora Gunnarsvattnet and Myrtuvan, part of the forest is so-called natural forest. You will experience the feeling of walking through genuine virgin forest.

Stage 9 of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden stretches through a large part of Svartedalen.

The name Svartedalen has long been surrounded by a touch of mystery, wilderness, old forest and untamed, sullen countryside. It is also associated with a range of recreational activities such as angling, forest walking, picking fungi and berries, orienteering, etc.

Svartedalen is the largest continuous forest and wilderness area in south-western Sweden. The countryside is hilly and includes a large number of lakes of varying character.

Bottenstugan is an old stone cottage which reminds us of the harsh living conditions in the 19th century and the lack of forest in the area. Several short footpaths start here.

The municipality buys electricity for Bottenstugan from a small private hydroelectric power station which utilises the difference in altitude between Ålevattnet and lake Håltesjön.

Beyond the farms in Hålt, the Svartedalen wilderness unfolds.

The plateaus along lake Härsvatten offer several fine outlooks.

A little further north, you come into the Svartedalen nature reserve.

Forestry and building are not permitted here. Nature is left to its own devices, resulting in species richness. This applies to both plants and animals – not least birds. There is plenty of black grouse and capercaillie. With luck, you may even see breeding cranes in the early mornings during spring and early summer.

Towards the end of this stage is lake Gårdsjön, well worth a detour if you have the energy. A footpath takes you round the lake. Advanced environmental research has been carried out here for many years, focused on soil acidification. A unique plastic canopy covers a large area of forest, collecting precipitation for analysis.

Svartedalen attracts walkers to the large network of paths in the area. There are lovely outlooks, beaches, canoeing waters and good chances of catching game fish. The trail goes through an old cultural landscape with several ruined cottages, which give us an idea of how people lived here in past times.

This stage requires some walking experience and fitness, as the terrain is very hilly in places. If you want a further challenge at the beginning of this stage, make a detour to the top of mount Stora Kattås, 175 metres above sea level.

A fishing permit, which also tells you where in Svartedalen fishing is permitted, can be purchased at the Grandalen crossroads.

Along Grandalen and Holmevatten, you pass through an old cultural landscape with several ruined cottages: Bokedalen, Otto the Tailor’s cottage and Räveklämman. For those who want to overnight, there is a wind shelter by the small lake Tvängen.

The nature reserve in Svartedalen nature and recreation area is untouched and therefore often called a wilderness. There is great biological diversity. The rare white-backed woodpecker has been spotted on several occasion.

Towards the end of this stage, the trail follows mountain ridges with spectacular views over lake Ålevattnet. There is a steep walk down the mountain to the end station at Bottenstugan.

Stora Kattås is the highest point in Kungälv municipality, 175 metres above sea level. Rocky pine forest grows here, and there are good chances of spotting capercaillie.

Stage 7 starts at Fontin, one of as many as 16 nature reserves and conservation areas in Kungälv municipality. The North Sea Trail/Bohusleden passes, via the small mere Svarte Mosse, through bird-rich deciduous forests and numerous forested mountain plateaus. This stretch is quite demanding, since the terrain is hilly in places.

After almost a third of the stage, a challenge awaits those with strong legs. If you climb to the top of Aleklätten mountain, you will have reached an altitude of 134 metres above sea level with tremendous views over the surroundings.

The Fontin nature reserve is a much loved outdoor recreation area with a jogging track and footpaths. Kärleksstigen (»The Love Trail«) is especially popular. It follows the ridge towards the river Nordre älv, affording wonderful views over Kungälv, the rivers and Bohus Fortress.

Svarte Mosse is a small mere with water-lilies. A footpath goes round the mere, with signs telling you about wildlife in and around the water. The signs are changed according to the season, five times a year. Here is also an exercise centre and café.

Marieberg Manor was originally owned by the Crown, but became a tax-exempt farm for the nobility during the 17th century. The area surrounding the manor is a nature reserve. Marieberg has ancient farmland with pastures, large deciduous forests and high plateaus. The highest point on the Marieberg plateau is 55–60 metres above sea level.

The top of Aleklätten mountain, 134 metres above sea level and one of the highest points in the municipality, offers fantastic views. In the past, the fortress on the top of the mountain served as an important place of refuge in times of unrest.

It may be time to take a break by lake Romesjön. Just north of the lake is a beautiful and unusual resting place, well worth a stop.

Dalen is another place where you can catch your breath. The community centre comprises several buildings, including a museum.

From the agricultural landscape around Angered the trail goes uphill. You pass the river Lärjeån and reach the Rannebergen and Vättlefjäll where you will find plenty of wetlands and lakes.

The trail goes through the small village of Bohus, where the bridge Jordfallsbron takes you over the first part of the river Göta älv. The bridge leads on to Fästningsholmen, where Bohus Fortress (now in ruins) has towered over the area through centuries.

Enjoy the ambiance in the centre of Kungälv before taking the beautiful, but rather obstinate hill up to Fontin.

The old railway line Västgötabanan is now a track for walking, riding and cycling.

Salmon and salmon trout spawn in the river Lärjeån. Here you can also find the protected freshwater pearl mussel, but it is difficult to spot. The river has been designated a »Natura 2000 site« by the European network with the same name. All EU member states take part in this cooperation to prevent the extinction of valuable species and habitats. You will need a yellow fishing permit to fish here.

In by-gone days, there were mills in the beautiful Mölnesjöbäcken brook.

Try your fishing luck in lake Stora Mölnesjön. Yellow fishing permit required.

Lake Stentjärn is on the western side and Orremossen heath is on the eastern side of the Bohusleden trail. On Orremossen heath you can find the threatened species Issler’s clubmoss.

Canoe crossing place and grill area. Contact Kanotpoolen if you want to hire a canoe. You will find them on the southern side of lake Surtesjön, tel. 031-330 22 65.

By lake Gäddevattnet you will find a wind shelter and grill area.

The ruins of the commanding Bohus Fortress are impressive. The fortress was built in the 14th century and attracts many visitors.

Facilities on the popular fortress islet include a kiosk, youth hostel, camping, pleasure boat harbour and folklore museum.

Kungälv church is also worth a visit. The 17th century church is located by the market square, together with the town hall and Hotel Fars Hatt with its fine old traditions.

Östra gatan is a picturesque street through the old part of Kungälv. Beautiful turn-of-the-century buildings edge the Bohusleden Trail up the slope of the Fontinberget mountain.

Stage 5 offers a walk through a beech forest in the Bokedalen nature reserve. In spring, when the ground is covered by a sea of wood anemones it is stunningly beautiful.

The trail divides into two alternative stretches at Jonsered Manor, meeting up again by the cottage Freden. The inland road, going through the ravine landscape, is a shorter walk of around 20 minutes.

The alternative route follows the shores of lake Aspen. You will walk through a bewitching old forest. The walk to the cottage takes around 45 minutes.

From here the trail continues north over a hanging bridge between the lakes Stora Ramsjön and Lilla Ramsjön, towards Angered.

Jonsered factories (see also Stage 4) were founded during the first half of the 19th century. The difference in altitude between lake Aspen and the river Säveån generated hydro-power for the industries. Sailcloth, fire hoses, cotton products and wool for carpets were some of the things made here. In the engineering workshop, castings and wrought-iron details for threshing-mills were made. Eventually, manufacturing started of the world-famous woodworking machinery and chain saws.

The founder William Gibson bought Jonsered Manor in 1839 and it stayed in the family for over one hundred years. Today, the manor house is rented by Göteborg’s university; literary evenings and seminars are held here.

The Humlebadet beach is embedded in the greenery by lake Aspen. Facilities include a diving tower, kiosk (open during summer months) and toilets.

The cottage Freden, built in 1905, was the home of forestry worker Karl Lindblom. He planted most of the old forest around Freden.
 
Today, the Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life runs the cottage. Facilities include wind shelter, toilets and grill area. Coffee and waffles are served on Sundays during autumn and spring.

After the sound between the lakes Stora Ramsjö sand Lilla Ramsjö you can walk up the to top and enjoy wonderful views over Göteborg and Partille.

Lake Smörvattnet offers swimming as well as fishing, for those with a yellow fishing permit.

Skulevattnet is another beautiful small lake.

No one knows exactly how old Angered church is, but experts believe it dates back to the 13th century. It is well worth a visit.

Partille youth hostel, to the east of lake Kåsjön, offers accommodation all year round and also has a restaurant for visitors.

From here, the trail continues through beautiful forest areas. At lake Maderna the trail divides. Walkers along the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden follow the route going north through easy-to-walk mixed forest.

You will soon reach Råhult, where there is a wind shelter, resting area, parking and waffle café. The trail continues through old natural forest, crosses the E20 and takes you to Jonsered. If possible, take time to visit the Jonsered factories and the Bokedalen nature reserve.

Lake Kåsjön is the largest lake in Partille, and a perfect place to rest and swim. The restaurant is open during summer months. There are also picnic tables for those who have brought their own food.

Just 300 metres from lake Kåsjön is Partille youth hostel, with simple accommodation in beautiful surroundings.

The bird rich lake Maderna is a haven for birdwatchers.

Råhult waffle café is a delightful place to visit in the winter. It is open Saturdays and Sundays during January to March.

Salmon fishing in the river Säveån is well worth a detour. Fish are large and eager to bite. The average weight is just less than five kilos, but in 2005 a fly-fisherman from Jonsered set up a new record when he caught a giant salmon weighing 17.6 kilos!

If you want to challenge the record-holder you can buy a fishing permit at the OK/Q8 service station at Brodalsmotet. Please note that you are only allowed a limited number of fish.

Jonsered village has an interesting cultural history. It looks Scottish, with many red brick houses and buildings. The Scottish industrialist William Gibson built almost the entire industrial community, starting in the early 1840’s.

The Jonsered factories were socially advanced. The employees were looked after literally from the cradle to the grave. Social insurance, widow’s insurance, schooling and free health care were in operation. They had their own midwife and crèche, as well as a home for girls and an old people’s home.

Here, the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden goes through the Knipeflågsbergen nature reserve, a wide primary rock plateau bordering on the Delsjöområdet area. Along the east side of the Getryggen ridge you pass the legendary Blacktjärn mere. Leaving the motor road, the trail continues through the woods towards the lakes Prästtjärn and Kåsjön.

The interior of the reserve is situated 100–140 metres above sea level. There are good chances of spotting both moose and red deer. Small animals such as hare, fox and badger may also be seen. Walk in silence for a while, listen, wait and see. (There are supposed to be trolls here too!)

Skatås is also the start of the Vildmarksleden Trail which shares the same stretch as the Bohusleden Trail as it enters Partille municipality. Let yourself feel a little wild and daring, at least until the paths divide again at lake Maderna.

Lake Härlanda tjärn has a small beach right next to Bohusleden. The natural playground here is popular. Kiosk (open during summer months), showers, grill area and fishing are other attractions.

If you make a small detour of approximately 400 metres, you will reach the bird rich lake Svarttjärn with a watchtower. Species include moorhen, mallard, coot and goldeneye. With luck, you may also spot little grebe.

The Getryggen ridge offers fantastic views both to the east and west. The rare marsh gentian grows here. Its beautiful deep blue flowers can be seen every year at the end of August. Walkers can take a break on the west side of the ridge, where there is a wind shelter and grill area.

At the legendary Blacktjärn mere you may experience an acoustic peculiarity. If you call out loud, the echoes of your voice will return several times over. It will sound different, depending on where you stand.

In the Knipeflågsbergen nature reserve you may spot moose and other wild animals such as red deer, fox and badger. The countryside is breathtaking. The deciduous forest is stunningly beautiful and the trail goes past dramatic ravines and barren rocky ground.

Lake Stora Kåsjön is a popular bathing paradise during summer months, with outdoor cafe and kiosk. The leafy surroundings make this a perfect place to rest. The daring can also show off with a swallow dive from the diving tower.

Large, and even largest, can be used to describe many things along Stage 2 of the Bohusleden Trail.
 
Delsjöbadet is the largest freshwater beach in the Göteborg area, and Skatås is the largest exercise centre. Stora Torp is a stone manor house well worth visiting. Kärralund camping is, you guessed it, the largest camping site in Göteborg.

The surface of lake Stora Delsjön is the equivalent of 200 football pitches, which makes it one of the largest lakes. If you are planning to catch your own dinner, you’ll need the yellow fishing permit. The fish are known to be very large!

When you have passed under Road 40 going north, you are in the Delsjöområdet nature reserve in the municipality of Göteborg.

Delsjöbadet is the largest freshwater beach in Göteborg. Café Lyckan is only 150 m from the Bohusleden Trail. Top up your energy supplies with their delicious waffles.

If you make a small detour, past the café and around 1 200 m to the north, you will reach Stora Torp, a stone manor house from 1871. The Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life arranges activities here including a permanent »Naturum« exhibition.

The Anglers Association has an office in Sjölyckan. Here you can buy fishing permits for waters in and around Göteborg. The Göteborg Rowing Club and Näset Canoe Club have their club houses at lake Stora Delsjön. Canoes can be hired during summer months.

Where the Bohusleden Trail passes the road to Bredaremossen, you can turn off to the west. You will soon reach Delsjökolonin allotments and one of the few stone circles in the Göteborg area. The stone circle is believed to date back to the Iron Age.

If you are not tired out from walking, you can play disc golf at Skatås exercise centre. Alternatively, you can go for a run, have a go at beach volleyball or test the gym. If you just want a rest, you can relax in the restaurant with a cup of coffee and a cake.

A number of jogging tracks start at Skatås, three of them are illuminated. Here is also the Delsjöområdet Nature Hall with displays of the biological diversity and management of the nature reserve.

To the west of Skatås is Kärralund camping and cottage rental. There are two miniature golf courses nearby.

Stage 1 provides a perfect start to a walk on the Bohusleden Trail. Not just for those who always like to start at the beginning, but also for those who are new to walking. It is a welcoming and easy walk, but long enough to feel much more than a walk in the park. When you have completed this stage, you have walked almost 20 km of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden.

The starting point is by the small lake Blåvättnerna, just on the border with Halland. The finish is a good way north, by the much bigger lake Stensjön.

The first section of the stage passes through Bunketorp. This is a wilderness-like area, with plenty of berries and fungi and a rich fauna. The rare stringy beard moss grows on coarse trees in the untouched forest.
Do you want to pause for a while or even go for a jog? Bunketorp has both a rest area and an exercise centre.

By lake Stora Hassungaredssjön there are bathing and grilling facilities, wind shelter and WC.

Along the road through Dvärred is Dvärgahuset (Dwarf House). This is a stonechamber grave, a so called stone chest, from the young Stone Age (1800–1500 BC). The name comes from the ancient belief that the area was a haunt of little people. There are also ancient remains of settlements in the area. Read more about the places of interest on the information boards.

A strikingly beautiful outlook is found east of lake Södra Långevattnet.

Herkulesgården is an exercise centre, and there is also a wind shelter.

Taking a break at Gunnebo House is the perfect ending to the first stage of the Bohusleden Trail. Here you can recharge your batteries: Gunnebo Coffee House and Restaurant is open all year round.
Gunnebo House was built at the end of the 18th century as a grand summer residence for the wealthy Göteborg merchant John Hall. It is one of Sweden’s best examples of neoclassical architecture.
If you can manage to walk a little further, join a guided tour of the house. Gunnebo House is shown to the public all year round at regular hours. Phone Gunnebo House, 031-334 16 00, for further information.

On the website you will find detailed descriptions of each stage, route maps and contact information of those responsible for the trails.

Suitable equipment includes practical and comfortable clothing, and shoes or boots that have been broken in. Bring outdoor clothes that protect against rain and wind. Use the multi-layer approach so that you can easily adjust your clothing depending on weather and wind. Take off some garments to avoid sweating when it is hot, and put on extra clothing before getting cold when you stop for a rest.

• For day trips you need a rucksack that holds 30–40 litres.
• Make sure that you have brought plenty of drinking water.
• It’s a good idea to bring a first aid kit with plasters, blister tape, antiseptic ointment, elastic bandages and headache tablets.
• Try leaving unnecessary »just-in-case«-things at home. Light packing makes for easier walking.

Avoiding blisters

A tiny little blister on your heel can ruin even the shortest walk.

Well broken-in shoes are the best guarantee against blisters. Use dry, clean and, most importantly, whole socks. Stop and pull up your socks as soon as you feel that they are falling down, to prevent blisters or sores forming.

Tape can also prevent blisters if you have sensitive skin. Protect your heels by putting on Leukoplast tape, or similar. Put plaster or tape on areas where you normally get blisters.

If a blister has already developed, it is best to leave it alone. You can cover it with Compeed, a self-adhesive cushion plaster that is kind to the skin. Compeed can also be used as a preventative.

The Right to Public Access

In Sweden, everybody is free to roam the countryside. We call this the Right to Public Access. This is a unique privilege which brings great freedom. But it requires responsibility and good judgement from the users.

The Right to Public Access also means that we have some obligations. We are not allowed to damage nature and wildlife. We must show consideration for landowners and other people enjoying the countryside.

»Don’t disturb, don’t destroy« is a short way of summing up how we can apply common sense.

The trail goes through a number of nature reserves and conservation areas where regulations may vary. Further information can be found at the County Administrative Board website www.o.lst.se.

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency website, www.naturvardsverket.se, provides information about the Right to Public Access and different aspects of nature conservation, for example the protection of certain species.

Lighting fires

Regulations for outdoor fires vary from area to area. Contact the environmental health department at respective municipality to find out which regulations apply.

During dry periods you must show extreme caution when lighting fires outdoors. A single spark can start a fire with devastating consequences. It is a good idea to have extinguishing equipment close at hand. A bucket of water may be sufficient.

If you light a fire you must be sure that a ban has not been issued. If you are unsure, contact the rescue services or the municipality.

Fine catch

All along the Bohusleden trail you have a good chance of catching fish. There are big and small lakes and streams with a rich fish fauna. Why not try salmon fishing?

Fishing with hand held tackle is generally free in the sea, but for most inland lakes and watercourses a fishing permit or agreement from the landowner is required. Contact the local fishing association or landowner in the areas you want to fish to find out about the regulations.

Regulations vary in the reserves. It is best to read and follow regulations posted on site. You can also contact the Nature Conservation or Water Protection Departments at the County Administrative Board on tel. 031-60 50 00.

There are a few things we would like to advise you about and some things you need to consider when walking on the Bohusleden Trail.

Firstly, we would like to tell you about recommended equipment. Needless to say, the main thing is to wear good walking boots and suitable and comfortable clothing. But there are a few other things you need to bring. Read more about this under “Equipment tips”.

TO “EQUIPMENT TIPS” ››

On your walk you may well come across things that you’re uncertain about, like fishing or lighting a fire. What are the rules in the forest and do they vary on private and state-owned land? You can read about this under “Things to think about”.

TO “THINGS TO THINK ABOUT” ››

Using our web-based guide is very easy. Click on the tab “Route” and find links to all 27 stages of the Bohusleden/North Sea Trail. Simply click on the stage you are interested in, in the box on the right.

Once you’ve entered your selected stage, you’ll find a detailed description of what awaits you on your walk.

In the top right corner you’ll find a box with information on the length of the stage, the degree of difficulty, contact details for those responsible for this stretch and symbols showing sights and facilities along the way. The symbols are explained at the bottom of the page.

Under the information box is a map of the stage. On the map you’ll find the points of interest. To zoom in, click on the plus sign on the top left corner of the map. The entire map will not fit into the box. If you want to move around the map, click anywhere on the map, keep the mouse button pressed and move the cursor.

To obtain a better overview of the map, you can open it in a larger external window. Click on the link “Enlarge map”, under the map.

To print the map in a high resolution format, so that you can bring it with you on your walk, click on the link “Print map”. The high resolution map also includes a page with information about the stage. You may need Adobe Reader to access the PDF file.

Click here to download Adobe Reader.

Finally, we encourage you to use the search function. You’ll find it in the top right corner, next to the menu. Here you can enter a search word, e.g. “ruin” if you are looking for ancient remains.

Enjoy!

The Bohusleden Trail is part of the international NAVE Nortrail project.

The aim of the project is to create a network of walking trails, the North Sea Trail, which together stretch over more than 5 000 km. Around 30 regions in seven countries around the North Sea take part. The trail passes through many natural and cultural heritage sites. A joint database and website provides opportunities for shared information.

In Sweden, the network links trails from Skåne, Halland and Bohuslän with trails in Denmark and Norway. The Kuststigen Trail in northern Bohuslän joins the Bohusleden Trail, for example, in Uddevalla and Strömstad.

Read more about the North Sea Trail at www.northseatrail.org.