Cliffs and archipelago, lakes and green forests shape Uddevalla’s varied landscape. The waterfront promenade offers a way to experience this diversity: the 9.3-kilometre route is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, and runs from Skalbankarna through the town centre to Lindesnäs. The forest, town and beach sections each give the route a different character.
Trails through town and countryside
Signposts and information boards line the waterfront promenade. The Kuststigen trail also runs through Uddevalla, from Skalbankarna along the award-winning waterfront promenade. One possible combination is to take the m/s Sunningen from Södra Hamnen in the town centre to the steamship landing stage at Ammenäs, then return on foot along the Kuststigen on the south shore of Byfjorden. Check the current timetable when planning your trip.
For a shorter walk, the Emauspromenaden is about 600 metres long and is also suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and pushchairs. Vindsvalan offers a different kind of route: the circular trail is about 4.2 kilometres long, has a gravel surface and includes moderate ascents and descents. The options therefore differ in both length and route.
In the Herrestadsfjället area, two nature reserves invite visitors to hike, pick mushrooms and berries, ski and fish for sport. The Bjursjöområdet has several mountain biking trails on paths of varying difficulty. The Lelångenleden also runs through the area, following the railway embankment of the disused Lelångebanan railway line.
Discover nature, explore history
At Skalbankarna, you can follow hiking trails and visit the Skalbanksmuseet. Fossilised shells of molluscs that lived more than 10,000 years ago are found there. The site combines a walk with a glimpse into the distant natural history of the area.
The ruins of Ture Malmgrens borg preserve local history and offer lovely views. They can be visited year-round. From the car park by the tennis courts on Dalstigen, it is about 400 metres to the circular trail. Gustafsberg can also be visited year-round: it is Sweden’s oldest seaside resort and spa, dating back to the late 18th century. You can stroll there along the easily accessible waterfront promenade.
Another historic site to discover is Bokenäs gamla kyrka, one of the oldest surviving medieval churches in Bohuslän. The nave, chancel and apse date from the 12th century. The building’s history can be traced through its clearly defined parts, without having to follow a long route.
Uddevalla and Bohuslän at the museum
At the Bohusläns museum, permanent exhibitions on the history of Bohuslän sit alongside changing exhibitions and contemporary art. The exhibition “Uddevalla genom tiderna” presents more than 500 years of the town’s history. Lectures, music evenings, themed days and exhibitions are also part of the museum’s cultural programme. Here, you can explore both the town’s history and a changing range of cultural themes.
A trip to Bassholmen
The nature reserve on Bassholmen has walking trails and barbecue areas. A boat museum featuring older types of boats is housed in former shipyard buildings. In summer, the island can be reached by excursion boat from Uddevalla; check the timetable before setting off. Visiting the museum and exploring the reserve’s trails offer different ways to enjoy your time on Bassholmen.
Local produce
If you would also like to discover local produce, a farm shop run by Systrarna Frukt och Grönt stocks seasonal produce, home-baked goods and other local products. The selection and opening arrangements vary by season. Checking the current details before your visit will help you plan this stop.
Discover more destinations: Herrestad, Uddevalla, Ammenäs, Ljungskile, Lane-Ryr, Hogstorp, Högås, Kärlingesund, Kamperöd, Stan, Dramsvik.
See the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.
