In Lerådalen, the nature reserve covers a large part of the Lerån Valley in the open agricultural landscape between Lerum and Stenkullen. You can reach it on foot or by bicycle via the cycle path between Lerum and Gråbo. Marked trails, information boards and a brochure help you find your way around the area. This lets you explore the valley and its open cultural landscape in your own way.
Industrial history at the mill and power station
In Stenkullen, Hillefors grynkvarn combines the history of technology with a preserved historic building: the water-powered oat groat mill is also a museum of working and industrial history. Guided tours of the mill can be booked. The annual Kvarndagar take place in spring, and the Kulturarvsdagar in autumn. If you are planning a visit, you can check the dates for these events in advance.
Tollered also tells the story of early industrialisation. The industrial facilities dating from the 1830s onwards, together with the associated housing, form one of Sweden’s best-preserved early industrial environments. At Tollereds Öfvre Kraftstation, the history of hydropower is presented in a preserved museum. Tours are available for booked groups and the general public on special visiting days; check the dates before planning your visit.
Nääs: Cultural heritage and oak landscape
The Nääs Castle setting and the Seminarieområde, together with its green cultural heritage, make up Västsverland’s largest historic building site. Nääs is also one of Sweden’s largest historic building sites and has an associated nature reserve. Guided tours, courses in crafts and related fields, and exhibitions at the Centre for Building Conservation offer different ways to explore this cultural heritage. Specific dates may vary.
The Nääs Ekhagar nature reserve lies between Floda and Nääs. Ancient oaks, open pastures and deciduous forests shape the area; the fauna associated with its old, large oaks is considered unique by European standards. Walking trails and several swimming spots are among its attractions, as is the Nääsbadet beach area. A section of the Gotaleden between Floda and Tollered also passes through Nääs Ekhagar. Here, a protected landscape and a long-distance hiking trail meet in one place.
Hiking trails with different highlights
The Skallsjöleden combines a prehistoric walking route between Stenkullen and Floda with traces from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Middle Ages. The route passes Skallsjö hembygdsgård and takes three to four hours. Along the trail in the Säveån nature reserve, there are opportunities to spot dippers, grey wagtails and, occasionally, beavers. If you are looking for a different route length instead of this historic trail through nature, consider Flodaleden: it is ten kilometres long and runs between Lerum and Floda over two hills, with views of the landscape.
In Härskogen nature reserve, three trails can be distinguished by their length and terrain. Tre Knallar is three kilometres long, hilly, and passes over Kokullen, Meteberget and Höga kullen. Lilla Härsjörundan is nine kilometres long and follows gravel paths or gravel roads. Stora Härsjörundan is 13.5 kilometres long; it mostly follows roads and easy-to-walk trails, but some sections have roots and stones. The area lies by Stora Härsjön and Lilla Härsjön on the municipal boundary between Lerum and Härryda.
Other protected areas have their own distinctive features. Rammdalen has a wilderness-like landscape with a rift valley, steep cliffs and Lake Rammsjön. Several rare lichens and mosses, as well as plant species such as Gotlandsag, Kambräken and Kärrbräken, are part of its natural environment. Risvedenspåret starts in Sjövik and continues through the protected area towards Ljusevattnet and Klevsjö Loft. In Hulan, meanwhile, a mature oak forest characterises the nature reserve; it was formerly used as a park and grazing land. The slopes towards Aspen are of cultural-historical value and represent the summer-house landscape of the second half of the 19th century. The easiest way to reach Hulan is from Aspen station or via the road along the shore between Lerum and Jonsered.
The Lerum–Floda section of the Gotaleden starts in the centre of Lerum. Lerum station is about 20 minutes from central Gothenburg by train or car. Other trails provide additional options: an approximately five-kilometre hiking trail runs through the Säveån nature reserve and can be reached from Floda and Stenkullen stations. In Lerum Municipality, Säveån also offers opportunities for walks and sport fishing. Lake Mjörn adds to the landscape with its large expanse, archipelago, shores, and diverse fish and bird life.
Discover more destinations: Gråbo, Floda, Sjövik, Lerum, Tollered, Björboholm, Jonsered, Öjersjö, Stenkullen.
For the overview of the wider region: Västra Götaland.
