Bohuslän has some of Sweden's most spectacular walks: granite cliffs, open sea and quiet forest, all near Lysekil. Five hiking trails we walk ourselves, from easy family strolls to a full day. From our cabins in Lyse, Lysekil is about 15 minutes by car and Nordens Ark about 25 minutes. For stages ending in a different place, plan your return transport.
Quick facts
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Time | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stångehuvud nature reserve | approx. 3 km | Easy-moderate | 1–2 hrs | Year-round |
| Kuststigen (Lysekil–Skal) | 12.5 km | Moderate-hard | 4–6 hrs | May-Sep |
| Gullmarsskogen (Vita leden) | 6.5 km | Moderate | approx. 2–3 hrs | Mar-Nov |
| Kuststigen over Sötorpsberget | 16 km | Hard | 5–6 hrs | May-Oct |
| Town walks in Lysekil | 1.9–5.5 km | Varies | 0.5–2 hrs | Year-round |
Times and recommended seasons are our planning suggestions and depend on pace, route and weather. Check the current trail map before setting off.
1. Stångehuvud nature reserve, a classic cliff walk
Ask anyone from Lysekil where to hike and the answer is always the same: Stångehuvud. The reserve sits just minutes from town, and this is where the Bohus granite has its southernmost outcrop. The area has been a nature reserve since 1982, and granite was quarried here for almost fifty years before it was protected.
The trail takes you across bare, ice-smoothed granite cliffs with views over the open sea, through windswept stands of pine and past rock formations that look like sculptures. The loop is about 3 kilometres, and some steep sections have steps and boardwalks. On a clear day you can see all the way out to the Skagerrak.
Our tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds during peak season. Bring a thermos and enjoy fika on the rocks.
2. Kuststigen, the Lysekil–Skal stage
Kuststigen is one of Sweden's most scenic hiking trails, a total of 376 kilometres split into 44 stages along the west coast. Stage 12, Lysekil–Skal, is about 12.5 kilometres. It passes Stångehuvud, Norra Hamnen and Trälebergskile and ends at the Skal bus stop on the road towards Brastad. Skal is a different place from the coastal village of Skalhamn near our cabins.
Be prepared: The trail is hilly and rocky in places. Good hiking boots are a must. Allow 4–6 hours including fika breaks and photo stops.
Practical tips for Kuststigen
- Start early, the trail takes longer than you think on the rocky terrain
- Pack lunch, there are few food options along the way
- Check the weather forecast, exposed sections can be windy
- Download the map in advance and mark the start and end points, mobile coverage is patchy
- Check the return bus times if you walk the stage one way
3. Gullmarsskogen nature reserve
About six kilometres northeast of Lysekil, near the northern shore of the Gullmarsfjorden, lies Gullmarsskogen. The marked Vita leden ("White Trail") is 6.5 kilometres long and runs through the reserve. The terrain is hilly and varied, and from the highest points a fine view opens up over the southern part of Stångenäset and the fjord.
The Gullmar is Bohuslän's largest fjord and a so-called threshold fjord, with a unique deep-water marine life that makes the area worth protecting. The forest is calm and shady, a good choice on a warm summer day or when you want a real forest feel close to the coast.
4. Kuststigen over Sötorpsberget
For those who want to get up onto the heights, a demanding day stage of the Kuststigen climbs Sötorpsberget, rewarded with a magnificent view over the sea and the Åbyfjorden. According to the stage page at West Sweden Trails, the Brodalen–Nordens Ark stage is about 16 kilometres. The Bohusleden is a separate trail through the inland countryside: according to the trail's official site, about 350 kilometres long, split into 27 stages between Älvsåker in the south and Strömstad in the north.
Be prepared: The stage page estimates about 5–6 hours. Add time for breaks, bring plenty of water and food, and check your transport home in advance.
5. Town walks in Lysekil
Not every walk has to head into the wilderness. From Rosvikstorg in Lysekil, four marked town routes of between 1.9 and 5.5 kilometres lead you past turn-of-the-century villas, the harbour and viewpoints over the Gullmar. Difficulty ranges from easy to hard and hilly. For a pushchair, the accessible Västerhavspromenaden, 1.1 kilometres one way, is a better choice.
Hiking in autumn and winter
Many visitors think of hiking as a summer activity, but Bohuslän is fantastic during the off-season too. Autumn brings dramatic colour changes, wilder seas and almost empty trails.
In winter, the air is crystal clear and the rocks take on a raw beauty. Dress in layers and bring a thermos, you'll have the trails almost entirely to yourself. Keep in mind that ice-smoothed granite gets slippery in frost and wet, and daylight is short, so start early.
Read more about Bohuslän in autumn and winterPacking list for a day hike in Bohuslän
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, the rocks are slippery
- Windproof and waterproof jacket, coastal weather changes fast
- Water and food, there are few kiosks along the trails
- Map on your phone, downloaded in advance since coverage is patchy
- A thermos of coffee or tea for a fika break on the rocks
- Sun protection and a hat, the open coast brings both sun and wind
Stay near the trails
Our cabins are well situated for hikers in Lyse just outside Lysekil. Torpet is surrounded by nature with peaceful forest walks from the door. Småbåtslaboratoriet is about a 20-minute walk from Skalhamn harbour.
Both cabins have kitchens where you can cook a proper dinner after a day on the trails, and Småbåtslaboratoriet's wood-fired hot tub is perfect for soothing tired muscles. Want to combine hiking with seafood and sea swimming? Read our guide to planning a holiday in Bohuslän, or compare both cabins and book direct with us. The current total price and any fees are shown during booking.
What is the best hike near Lysekil?+
We recommend Stångehuvud for granite cliffs and sea views near Lysekil. Its paths cross rocks and narrow passages, with steps and boardwalks on some sections, so choose the distance and route to suit your ability. For a longer walk, the Kuststigen Lysekil–Skal stage (12.5 km) is an option.
Can you hike in Bohuslän in winter?+
Yes. Many trails are open year-round. Stångehuvud and the Lysekil town walks are especially beautiful in winter with fewer visitors and dramatic landscapes. Dress warmly and wear good shoes, the ice-smoothed granite can be slippery when wet or frosty.
Are the hiking trails family-friendly?+
Yes, several trails suit families. The Lysekil town routes vary in difficulty. With a pushchair, we recommend the accessible Västerhavspromenaden. Stångehuvud works well with older children too, but the cliffs require attention with younger ones.
How long is the Kuststigen Lysekil stage?+
The stage between Lysekil and Skal is about 12.5 kilometres and takes 4–6 hours with fika breaks. It passes the Stångehuvud nature reserve and can easily be broken into shorter sections if you want to turn back the same way.
How do I get to Stångehuvud from Lysekil?+
Stångehuvud is a few kilometres west of Lysekil centre. You can drive there in a few minutes (there's a small car park at the entrance) or walk from town in about 30–40 minutes. From our cabins in Lyse it's roughly 15 minutes by car.