Discover Ale: Trails, Nature and Culture

The three-kilometre Alvhemsstigen trail passes through an oak forest that was formerly farmland. Along the trail, archaeological remains point to a long history of settlement. The trail is mostly easy to walk, but has short steep sections and is not suitable for wheelchairs or walking frames.

Hiking and Landscapes

The three Kvarnsjöarna lakes lie in a row. They are surrounded by a partly dramatic landscape with slopes, steep precipices and boulders. Old spruce and pine trees grow in the area, which is also home to some rare wetland plants.

Several hiking and pilgrimage trails pass through Ale in the wider visitor area around the Göta älv. At Furustugan in Alafors, the Ale 90 IK association has also created a 2.3-kilometre mountain bike trail.

Nature and Birdwatching

The Verleskogen nature reserve covers just over 80 hectares and comprises a gently undulating landscape of rocky areas and marshes. More than 50 bird species have been recorded there. From the car park, a well-signposted circular trail leads through the area.

Fågeldammarna is located on the ridge above Surte, directly on the edge of Vättlefjäll. There are paths with information boards around the ponds. During the spring and autumn migrations, wild birds stop there to rest.

From the birdwatching tower near Stora Viken, you can look out over the shore meadows along the Göta älv. More than 150 bird species have been recorded along the river.

The management of traditional landscapes is also part of the character of the area. Cattle grazing keeps the open habitats of Prästalund open, allowing old meadow plants to thrive there. Prästalund is a grazed oak landscape with nine circular stone settings and five stone circles from the Iron Age cultural landscape. Björkärrs äng has been preserved as a hay meadow and is still mown with a scythe to preserve its flora.

Bathing Areas and Water

Ale has four municipal bathing areas: Vimmersjön, Hålsjön, Surtesjön and Hultasjön. They are maintained and cleaned throughout the entire bathing season.

The fishing permit area extends from Gothenburg to Jordfallsbron in Bohus.

Culture and History

At Stugåsberget, a three-metre-long ship depiction and a chariot figure are carved into a steep rock face.

Ale Vikingagård is a reconstructed Viking Age farmstead with a large longhouse. The grounds are open to the public for walks and visits; the longhouse remains closed when no one from the association is on site.

The burial ground at Skepplanda contains more than 60 graves from the Late Iron Age. Kilanda has a church of medieval origin, while Kilanda estate has origins dating back to the 15th century. The avenue in Kilanda has existed since the 18th century; the area was therefore classified in the highest nature value category.

The Repslagarmuseet i Älvängen preserves a fully intact ropewalk with two still-operational rope-making machines from the 1920s. Ropes are made there whenever the museum is open. The museum can be reached by train to Älvängen railway station or by bus to the Älvängen travel centre.

Prästalund also has a local heritage museum with around ten historic buildings.

Ale includes the localities of Skepplanda, Älvängen, Surte, Nol, Ale and Verle.

To the overview of the wider destination: Västra Götaland.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Tidaholm, Lerum.