Lilla Edet: River Valley, Hiking Trails and Culture

Lilla Edet lies in the Göta älv valley between Trollhättan and Gothenburg. The immediate urban area includes Lilla Edet, Lödöse, Göta, Prässebo and Nygård. The landscape combines a river-shaped rift and valley landscape with uplands, raised bogs, groves, forests, lakes and blooming river valleys.

Landscape and Nature

The Brattorpsån nature reserve contains a lush deciduous forest ravine with a rich forest flora as well as mosses and lichens. Brattorpsån and Grönån are among the Göta älv tributaries with the largest spawning and nursery areas for salmon and sea trout. The Svartedalen area offers hiking trails, shelters, rest areas, nature observation, recreational fishing and extended hikes.

Hiking and Trails

The Ryrsjöleden is around 7.8 kilometres long and leads through hilly terrain around Lake Ryrsjön. The Götaleden runs for approximately 5 kilometres along the uplands east of Lilla Edet. At 2.9 kilometres, the Prässebergsleden is shorter; it leads through varied forest landscape over ridges with viewpoints overlooking the Göta älv valley. Along the way, the trail passes a waterfall and a Bronze Age burial mound with a viewpoint.

Two of the 27 stages of the Bohusleden run through Lilla Edet: from Hjärtum in the north via Västerlanda to Svartedalen in the south. The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv passes through Lilla Edet along the sections Gothenburg–Lödöse, Lödöse–Hålanda and Lödöse–Vänersborg. It is recognised as a S:t Olofsleden, marked with S:t Olof symbols and part of the European Cultural Routes.

Most hiking trails in Lilla Edet can be reached without a car. The Pilgrimsleden passes through all the localities with regular bus services; Västtrafik also offers demand-responsive local transport from Göta, Lödöse and Lilla Edet to the trails outside the localities. There is a cycle connection between Lödöse Södra railway station and Lilla Edet, except for a 1.3-kilometre section on a minor road.

Water and River

There are three supervised and maintained bathing sites in Lilla Edet Municipality: Bodasjön, Lille Väktor and Borydsjön. Swimming, fishing, hiking and canoeing are possible at Lake Ryrsjön; rowing and canoeing competitions are frequently held there. At Rödvattnet near Västerlanda, you can swim and fish along the Bohusleden.

Laxens Dag takes place in Lilla Edet every year, with activities and numerous visitors. Salmon fishing in the Göta älv at Lilla Edet is managed by SFK Laxen; boats and cabins can also be rented through the association.

Culture and History

Lödöse museum is an archaeological museum with exhibitions, events and activities focusing primarily on archaeology and the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, Lödöse was one of Sweden's most important towns and an important port on the Göta älv. At the annual local event Spånhyvelns dag, the traditional technique of shingle making is demonstrated.

Sweden's first lock, dating from 1607, is preserved in Lilla Edet. The water-powered shingle planing machine in Hålleröd has been restored and continues to function as it did around the turn of the 20th century. Lapp-Augusts stuga is a forest ruin near Prässebo, where the stone foundations of a former dwelling, outbuildings, a potato cellar and a pantry remain.

Västerlanda kyrka was built in the 13th century; medieval nave walls and a medieval baptismal font have been preserved. Tösslandagården has origins dating back to the 16th century; the main building contains original furniture as well as glassware and crockery from the early 20th century. Hjärtums kyrka was probably consecrated as early as the 13th century and preserves a medieval baptismal font made of stone from Kinnekulle.

In central Lilla Edet, Kulturhuset Eden offers cultural events, music and cinema as well as a library and a cultural school.

Local

Lilla Edet Bryggeri produces unfiltered and unpasteurised beer.

To the higher-level travel overview: Västra Götaland.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Sunnersberg, Dals-Ed, Mellerud.