Kungälv between Wooden Town, Hiking Trails and Cultural History

Kungälv combines a historic wooden town with new districts and a modern travel centre. Between the town’s rich history, expansive natural areas and marked trails, the place presents a varied picture.

Nature

The Fontin nature reserve can be reached directly on foot from the centre of Kungälv. The area includes woodland, pastureland and Lake Svarte Mosse. The area around Kungälv also includes Svartedalen, one of the largest contiguous coniferous forest areas in western Sweden, which invites visitors to hike. Five hiking trails, ranging from 1.9 to 4 kilometres in length, begin at Bottenstugan at the eastern end of Ålevattnet.

Kastellegårdsskogen is located near Kungälv and is a popular recreational area between Komarken and Ytterby. Ragnhildsholmen is also situated nearby; it is a well-known and frequently visited bird area where, among other species, nightingales and rosefinches can be found. Ragnhildsholmen lies on the Nordre älv and also has a castle ruin.

Bodies of water are also part of the municipality’s recreational offering: Kungälv has six seaside bathing spots, two lakeside bathing spots, outdoor pools and an indoor swimming facility.

Hiking

The Bohusleden is a 370-kilometre hiking trail between Lindome and Strömstad. Two of its 27 stages in total run through Kungälv Municipality. The Fontin–Grandalen section is 19 kilometres long and complements the shorter trails in the Svartedalen area with a considerably longer route.

For cycling, the Kungälv cycling map shows cycle paths and roads suitable for bicycles. Along the continuous path to the Iron Age burial ground at Stora Smällen, information boards stand on the hill by the southern and northern cattle grids. These cattle grids provide access to the sheep pasture and the burial ground.

Culture

The older centre of Kungälv is of national heritage-conservation interest as a well-preserved wooden town structure. Västra Gatan and Torget formed the route connecting the town, which was established at the end of the 17th century. Gamla rådhuset stands on Stora Torget and is considered a symbol of old Kungälv. The building was constructed between 1762 and 1767 and originally also housed the customs house.

Other historic sites include Stora Smällen at Västra Porten in Ytterby. The Iron Age burial ground comprises 160 archaeological features. Uddmanska huset at Västra Gatan 9 is one of Kungälv’s buildings of cultural and historical value and was constructed at the end of the 18th century.

The church in the centre of Kungälv is a Baroque wooden church, construction of which began in 1679. Hembygdsgården is located on Fästningsholmen; it was formerly the town’s vicarage. It was moved from Västra Gatan to this location in the winter of 1930–31.

Bohus fästning is a medieval fortress associated with bloody sieges and power struggles. Guided tours are offered there, including a self-guided tour via an app that is included with the admission ticket. Archery and raft trips across the pond are also offered at Bohus fästning.

Art and Everyday Life

Mimers Konsthall presents changing exhibitions, including watercolour, ceramics and children’s exhibitions. Mimers Teater hosts performances, concerts, theatre, dance and lectures. At Mimers Café, visitors can enjoy fika or eat light meals.

The town overview also includes Kungälv, Kovikshamn, Kärna, Romelanda, Harestad, Marstrand, Tjuvkil and Kode.

For the higher-level travel overview: Västra Götaland.