Family-friendly hikes

Sundsbyleden, Tjörn

At Sundsby, there are several trails of varying length and difficulty. Ivers Skogspromenad (Forest Walk) starts along Karpstigen by the dam; it is 1.3 km and tested by three-year-olds. Have a break at the picnic area to watch the views and climb some gnarled pine trees.

If you want a slightly bigger challenge, the trail to Solklinten, the ravine and caves is for you. It is suitable for prams for the first stretch from the car park, and then you’ll need a baby carrier for those who can’t walk themselves. Solklinten is the highest peak of the mountain, offering a wonderful view of Stigfjorden, and the islands of Tjörn and Orust. Below Solklinten, there is a narrow and deep ravine with steep sides. In a couple of places, there are large rocks wedged in the ravine; in these places one may have to climb under or over the rocks. If it's been raining it can get quite wet. Beyond the ravine, a large cave has been formed by fallen boulders. Here, you’ll find a picnic and barbecue area where you can restore energy levels. Back at Sundsby Manor, don’t miss the great ‘fika’ – that’s Swedish for coffee and something sweet – at the farm café.

Säbyleden and Stenstugan on Säby island, Tjörn

A nice trip of 6 km that can be enjoyed with a stroller or jogger that can handle some hilly terrain. During summer, there are cows in the fields and gates that children can try to open. The Stenstugan stone cottage on Säby island is exciting as it’s situated by steep mountains to climb and a beach to play at. There is a barbecue area at Stenstugan, where you can cook sausages or why not damper? If you want to make it easier, hot dogs in a thermos are perfect for excursions.

Fontin’s nature reserve, Kungälv

Here, a large ‘nature’s playground’ attracts children of all ages. A 900-metre nature trail runs along a gravel road around the dam Svarte Mosse, with information signs about animals and nature that is fun for children. A regular pram is fine along this path. Why not end your visit with a nice coffee or lunch in the café Kotten, where you can also buy bird feed for the birds by the jetty. At Fontin’s, there are five exercise tracks, so if you want to go a bit further, there is opportunity to do so.

Depending on the children’s ages and level of experience, all trails in Southern Bohuslän are suitable for families.

Bottenstugan in Svartedalen, Stenungsund

Svartedalen's nature and recreation area is one of West Sweden's largest contiguous coniferous forest areas. The bedrock landscape is rich in lakes and is dominated by coniferous forest. The area Bottenstugan in Svartedalen, in the eastern end of Lake Ålevattnet is a good starting point if you want to hike with the family. In Bottenstugan you will find toilets, windshields, firepaces and wood. Four hiking trails of different lengths (2.5 km, 4 km, 5 km and 7 km) depart from Bottenstugan. The trails offer many lovely picnic areas with fireplaces and windshields so bring some sausages!

Tips for hiking with children

Expect that it will take much longer to walk with children, plan in lots of breaks and time for play and to explore along the way. Bring a football that the kids can kick in front of them. It’s a good idea to bring a bird book, a plant book, binoculars and loupe or magnifying glass and let the children explore nature. Use the map and show them where you are, where you are going and what you will see along the way. Let the children find the way, lead the way and find the next trail marking.