Bohuslän offers some of Sweden's most spectacular hiking, dramatic granite cliffs, open ocean views and peaceful forest walks, all within easy reach of Lysekil. Here are six trails we recommend, ranked from easy family strolls to challenging full-day hikes. All lie within a 20-minute drive of our cabins in Lyse.
Quick facts
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Time | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stångehuvud nature reserve | approx. 3 km | Easy-moderate | 1–2 hrs | Year-round |
| Kuststigen (Lysekil–Skalhamn) | 12.5 km | Moderate-hard | 4–6 hrs | May-Sep |
| Gullmarsskogen (Vita leden) | 8 km | Moderate | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Mar-Nov |
| Saltö nature reserve | 3–5 km | Easy | 1–2 hrs | Apr-Oct |
| Bohusleden to Sötorpsberget | 16 km | Hard | 5–8 hrs | May-Oct |
| Town walks in Lysekil | 1.6–5.5 km | Easy | 0.5–2 hrs | Year-round |
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, sea-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 the steep sections are made easy going with 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–Skalhamn stage
Kuststigen is one of Sweden's most scenic hiking trails, a total of 376 kilometres split into 44 stages along the west coast. The stage between Lysekil and Skalhamn is about 12.5 kilometres and takes you from cliffs to fishing villages, from forest to open waves, passing the Stångehuvud nature reserve on the way. Skalhamn is the same small harbour where our villa Småbåtslaboratoriet sits, so this is a trail you can walk right up to the door.
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 vandringsleden ("White Trail") runs through the reserve for about 8 kilometres. 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. Saltö nature reserve
Saltö is one of the county's most visited nature reserves and a favourite for anyone who wants to combine hiking with swimming. Winding trails lead through heather, pine forest and over boulder beaches, with wide-open views toward the archipelago and the sea. The trails through the pine forest are easy going, and you decide whether it becomes a half-hour stroll or a full day.
Around the island there are lovely rock-bathing spots with smooth slabs and small sandy coves, and many anglers fish for sea trout and mackerel from the western cliffs. Perfect for a day when the whole family wants to get out but not everyone is up for a full-day hike.
5. Bohusleden to Sötorpsberget
For those who want to get up onto the heights, the Bohusleden runs just a few kilometres inland. The Bohusleden is 342 kilometres long, split into 27 stages between Lindome in the south and Strömstad in the north. A demanding day stage of about 16 kilometres climbs up onto Sötorpsberget, Lysekil's highest point, rewarded with a magnificent view over the sea and the Åbyfjorden.
Be prepared: This is the toughest trail on the list, with hilly terrain and longer stretches. Allow 5–8 hours, bring plenty of water and food, and check your transport home in advance.
6. Town walks in Lysekil
Not every walk has to head into the wilderness. From Rosvikstorg in Lysekil, four marked town routes of between 1.6 and 5.5 kilometres lead you past turn-of-the-century villas, the harbour and viewpoints over the Gullmar. It is an easy, year-round walk that suits a rainy day, a stroller, or a warm-up before the bigger trails.
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 sea-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 perfectly situated for hikers, right between the trails in Lyse just outside Lysekil. Torpet is surrounded by nature with peaceful forest walks from the door. Småbåtslaboratoriet sits by the harbour in Skalhamn, where the Kuststigen Lysekil stage passes.
Both cabins have fully equipped 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, no platform fees.
What is the best hike near Lysekil?+
Stångehuvud nature reserve is the most popular hike. It's just minutes from central Lysekil and offers dramatic granite cliffs and ocean views on an easy-going loop of about 3 kilometres. For longer hikes, the Kuststigen Lysekil–Skalhamn stage (12.5 km) is a strong choice.
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 sea-smoothed granite can be slippery when wet or frosty.
Are the hiking trails family-friendly?+
Yes, several trails suit families. Saltö nature reserve and the Lysekil town walks are both easy and short enough for children, and Saltö combines a walk with swimming. 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 Skalhamn 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.
Updated: 1 July 2026