Active adventures in West Sweden this autumn

Car-free hiking and ancient pilgrim paths 
West Sweden’s hiking trails range from windswept coastal paths and rocky islands to forest tracks and historic pilgrim routes.  

The breathtaking Kuststigen Coastal Path runs 376 km from Gothenburg towards Oslo, following rugged shores and passing traditional fishing villages. Several sections cross islands including Dyrön, Ramsvik, Bohus-Malmön and Skaftö, where hiking can be combined with fishing trips or seal safaris. 

Closer to Gothenburg, the 34km Gothenburg Archipelago Trail links six car-free islands and is easily reached by public transport – an ideal taste of wild coastal scenery without travelling far from the city. 

New for 2026, the Pilgrim Path from Läckö Castle to Hjo now connects Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern, passing Läckö Castle, Skara Cathedral, Varnhem Abbey and Hornborga Nature Reserve. The 44-km Falköping–Varnhem section offers a shorter option for weekend walkers. 

The scenic, 99-km Gotaleden Trail from Gothenburg to Vårgårda via Alingsås – Sweden’s “Capital of Fika” – is another car-free option that can be walked in sections, with railway stations easily accessed along the route. 

Paddle amid granite islands or Sweden’s peaceful lake district 
From the water, West Sweden reveals a landscape of hidden coves, smooth granite rocks and tiny fishing huts. The beautiful Bohuslän coast, with its 8,000 skerries and islands is made for kayaking. It stretches from the Gothenburg archipelago north towards the Koster Islands and Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden’s first marine national park and home to around 12,000 species above and below the surface. 

Inland, Dalsland offers a completely different experience: tranquil lakes threaded through dense forests, with calm southern waters for relaxed canoeing and larger, wilder northern lakes for more adventurous paddling. Guided trips and equipment hire are available from Koster Adventures, Kajaktiv, Vänern Outdoor and Naven Outdoor Experience. 

Gravel biking and cycling alongside the iconic Göta Canal
For cyclists, Dalsland has established itself as one of Sweden’s leading gravel destinations, with more than 850 km of quiet gravel roads winding through forests and alongside lakes. There are 17 curated routes with GPX files or The Dalsland Experience offers bike hire and guided tours. 

For a gentler ride, the 200km Göta Canal Trail follows this historic canal between Sjötorp and Mem. Flat and family-friendly, it was named European Cycle Route of the Year 2025. 

New in 2026, the 170-km Ljungleden connects Gothenburg and Falköping, passing through rural countryside and cultural landscapes and linking the Kattegattleden and Ätradalsleden long-distance routes.

Sleep close to nature in sustainable accommodation 
West Sweden’s accommodation makes it easy to extend the nature experience long after the day’s hike, paddle or bike ride is over. 

New for summer 2026, Anfasteröd Gårdsvik is adding three glamping tents, taking its total to ten. Set on a forested hillside overlooking the inner archipelago, the family-run resort offers kayaking, swimming, hiking, boating and a floating sauna. 

Swedish Country Living has three, climate smart* architect-designed Hermitage Cottages tucked into the forest overlooking the water. With no electricity or running water, the cottages combine natural materials and Scandinavian design for a slower kind of luxury. 

For something truly remote, Väderöarnas Värdshus & Konferens sits on the Weather Islands, Sweden’s most westerly isles, off Fjällbacka. Guests can walk the rugged landscape, catch lobster, relax in the sauna and hot tub and enjoy good food. The property is reached by a 40-minute boat journey from Hamburgsund that passes one of Sweden’s biggest seal colonies. 

More than 800 travel businesses are part of the Stepping up Sustainability initiative in West Sweden.  

*Climate Smart Holidays highlights accommodation with a particularly low environmental impact. 

UK tour operators offering active holidays in West Sweden include KE Adventure, Regent Holidays and Stubborn Mule Travel. 

For further information, visit West Sweden. 

Ends – 26 August 2026 

For press information, including trips, images and packages, please contact Sarah Belcher (s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk) or Julia Farish (j.farish@travelpr.co.uk) at Travel PR (020 8891 4440).