A clear-water lake covering about 32 hectares, wooded heights and coastal coves showcase the varied natural landscapes of Stenungsund. At Gårdsjön, you can explore the landscape on a circular trail of about six kilometres. Unusual species are also found in the area, including osprey and capercaillie. Information boards along two trails of different lengths near Gårdsjön provide information about the research being carried out there, as well as local plants and animals.

Forest, views and coastal scenery

Svartedalen is one of the largest continuous coniferous forest areas in western Sweden. Several owl species have territories there, and you can also spot hazel grouse. Börs Flåg offers a different landscape: this 150-metre-high mountain is characterised by steep slopes, coniferous forest and farmland. From the summit, views stretch across Lake Hällungen and much of southern Bohuslän.

On Stenungsön, nature trails link deep forests with views of the coast. The longer trail is 3.3 kilometres long and passes the Stora Huvudet viewpoint, above the road tunnel to the Tjörn Bridge. Another nature trail is about two kilometres long and circles an island that seems small. In the Södra Stenungsön Nature Reserve, you’ll find other swimming coves in addition to Hawaii Beach. The flora is particularly diverse in some places, such as along shallow shores and on nutrient-rich rocks influenced by seepage water. Parts of the reserve belong to the Natura 2000 network.

Ramsön, together with Keholmen, also combines natural and cultural landscapes. The traditional cultural landscape is maintained through grazing by sheep and cattle. The area is home to breeding woodland and coastal birds, including a colony of up to 500 pairs of herring gulls. Important for planning your visit: there are no regular boat services to the nature reserve.

Trails for different kinds of discovery

If you want to hike in Svartedalen, use Bottenstugan as a landmark. It is the starting point for several hiking trails and has parking, an information board, a toilet, and three wind shelters with barbecue areas. The Bohusleden trail passes by: stages 8 and 9 start or end at Bottenstugan, while sections of stages 9 and 10 run through the Municipality of Stenungsund.

Another short trail option is Gröna spåret utmed Ålevatten. The circular route is 1.9 kilometres long and runs alongside Ålevatten and its bathing area. The trails differ not only in length, but also in the landscapes they pass through: at Ålevatten, the lake and bathing area are part of the scenery, while the routes on Stenungsön link forest and coastal views.

At Hawaii havsbad, sandy beaches meet rocks. The bathing area also has a jetty with a diving tower, a large grassy area for sunbathing and picnics, barbecue areas and a playground. If you’d like to combine a stay by the water with a nature walk, Stenungsön also has the trails described above, winding through forest and coastal scenery.

Art and history on your doorstep

Stenunge by is home to the remains of a medieval village and two half-timbered houses dating from the 18th century: Mariagården and Västergården. Mariagården was built towards the end of the 18th century, is designated as a historic building and has been restored using traditional craft techniques. It is about a 12-minute walk from Stenungsund railway station, with parking beside the building. Stenunge by is also home to a reconstructed grain mill that can grind flour when there is enough water.

On Stenungsön, a cultural walk follows in the footsteps of the artists’ group Göteborgskoloristerna. A brochure is available for self-guided walks; information signs can be found at the Stenungsöns parkering car park and at Stenungsögård. The 1.5-kilometre-long Stenungsunds konststråk also follows the waterfront.

In central Stenungsund, a pedestrian tunnel contains a legal wall for free street art and graffiti. People of any age or experience can express themselves artistically there. The stated walking times are ten minutes from the Stenungsund vårdcentral bus stop and 15 minutes from Stenungsund railway station; these times may vary slightly. If you prefer to experience art indoors, Kulturhuset Fregatten has an art gallery with exhibitions by well-known and local artists. RUM1, also in the cultural centre, is a creative workshop for making films, recording music and creating art. Audio stories about sculptures and murals in the centre are available through the Storyspot app; the app and its content may change.

Stenungsund’s guest harbour makes it possible to stay for a short or longer visit close to shops, services and entertainment. If the harbour is relevant to your plans, check the latest operating information and services.

Discover more destinations: Jörlanda, Stenungsund, Stora Höga, Svenshögen, Ucklum, Ödsmål, Spekeröd, Vänersborg.

For the broader travel overview: Västra Götaland.