Lilla Edet lies in the Göta älv valley between Trollhättan and Gothenburg. Its landscape combines a rift valley and valley landscape shaped by the river with uplands, raised bogs, groves, forests, lakes and blooming river valleys. There are also hiking routes and traces of culture, ranging from the history of Lödöse to preserved craft workshops. You can discover the area according to your interests—through its nature, trails or history.
Discover the Landscape and Trails
Svartedalen offers hiking trails, shelters and rest areas, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching and recreational fishing. Longer hikes are among the experiences available there, too. The Ryrsjöleden offers a different perspective on the landscape: this 7.8-kilometre trail follows hilly terrain around Lake Ryrsjön. Swimming, fishing, hiking and canoeing are also possible at the lake; rowing and canoeing competitions are often held there as well.
For a comparison of trail lengths, the Prässebergsleden is shorter than the Ryrsjöleden, at 2.9 kilometres. It winds through varied forests and over ridges, with viewpoints overlooking the Göta älv valley. A waterfall and a Bronze Age burial mound with a viewpoint lie along the trail. The Götaleden runs for about five kilometres along the uplands east of Lilla Edet; the marked Utby Hiking and Cultural Trail is approximately 8.5 kilometres long.
Longer routes also shape the region: two of the Bohusleden’s 27 stages pass through Lilla Edet, from Hjärtum in the north via Västerlanda to Svartedalen in the south. The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv passes through the municipality along the Göteborg–Lödöse, Lödöse–Hålanda and Lödöse–Vänersborg sections. It is recognised as a S:t Olofsled, marked with S:t Olof symbols, and forms part of the European Cultural Routes.
Most hiking trails in Lilla Edet are accessible without a car. The Pilgrimsleden passes through all the towns with regular bus service; from Göta, Lödöse and Lilla Edet, Västtrafik also offers on-demand local transport to trails outside the towns. Check the travel times for the service you plan to use.
Lödöse and Cultural History
In the 12th century, Lödöse was one of Sweden’s most important towns and an important port on the Göta älv. Lödöse Museum is an archaeological museum with exhibitions, events and activities about archaeology and the Middle Ages. In central Lilla Edet, Kulturhuset Eden adds to the cultural offering with events, music, cinema, a library and a cultural school; the programme changes over time.
Further historical details can be found in different parts of the municipality. Västerlanda Church was built in the 13th century; the medieval walls of the nave and a medieval baptismal font have been preserved. Hjärtum Church was probably consecrated as early as the 13th century and also preserves a medieval baptismal font, which comes from Kinnekulle. Tösslandagården dates back to the 16th century. The main building contains original furniture, as well as glassware and tableware from the early 20th century.
In Västerlanda, Sockenmagasinet now serves as a local history museum. The building was constructed as a granary in 1869. Near Prässebo, the forest ruin Lapp-Augusts stuga contains the stone foundations of a former dwelling, outbuildings, a potato cellar and a pantry. A different kind of craft history is represented by the water-powered shingle-making machine in Hålleröd: it has been restored and still works as it did around the turn of the 20th century. Sweden’s first lock, dating from 1607, has also been preserved in Lilla Edet.
Traditions are also part of this history: the traditional technique of shingle-making is demonstrated at the annual Spånhyvelns dag. According to legend, Sankt Olofs Källa is a spring to which people made pilgrimages on Sankt-Olaus Day, Olsok.
Water, Nature and Recurring Experiences
The ravine at Brattorpsån offers a striking contrast in nature: the nature reserve includes a lush deciduous forest with diverse woodland flora, as well as mosses and lichens. Brattorpsån and Grönån are among the Göta älv tributaries with particularly large spawning and nursery areas for salmon and sea trout. The municipality’s three monitored and maintained bathing sites are Bodasjön, Lille Väktor and Borydsjön.
At Rödvattnet near Västerlanda, you can swim and fish with hand-held equipment without a fishing licence; check the local fishing regulations. Salmon fishing in the Göta älv at Lilla Edet is managed by SFK Laxen. Boats and cabins can also be rented through the association; check the current arrangements before making specific plans. Laxens Dag is held every year, with activities and many visitors. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the current dates.
Discover more destinations: Lilla Edet, Lödöse, Nygård, Göta, Prässebo, Karlsborg, Mark, Partille.
For the broader travel overview: Västra Götaland.
