Ale: Nature and Cultural Experiences in Sweden
Accommodation in Ale
Ale combines a diverse landscape with cultural sites and trails. Alvhemsstigen is a three-kilometre hiking trail where archaeological remains point to a long history of settlement. It passes through an oak forest that was formerly agricultural land. The trail is mostly easy to walk, but has short steep sections and is not suitable for wheelchairs or walking frames.
Nature
The three Kvarnsjöarna lakes lie in a row and are surrounded by a partly dramatic landscape of slopes, steep cliffs and boulders. Old spruce and pine trees grow there, along with several rare wetland plants. Verleskogen Nature Reserve covers just over 80 hectares of gently undulating terrain consisting of rocky areas and marshes. More than 50 bird species have been recorded in the area. A well-signposted circular trail starts at the car park.
Fågeldammarna is located on the ridge above Surte, directly on the edge of Vättlefjäll. Trails with information boards run around the ponds. Wild birds rest there during the spring and autumn migrations. From the birdwatching tower near Stora Viken, there are views of the meadows along the banks of the Göta älv; more than 150 bird species have been recorded along the river.
Prästalund is a grazed oak landscape with nine round stone settings and five stone circles from the Iron Age cultural landscape. Cattle grazing keeps the open habitats open, allowing old meadow plants to thrive. Prästalund also has a local heritage museum with around ten historic buildings. Björkärrs äng has been preserved as a hay meadow and continues to be mown with a scythe to preserve its flora.
Culture and History
Ale Vikingagård is a reconstructed Viking Age farmstead with a large longhouse. The site is open to the public for walks and visits; the longhouse remains closed when no one from the association is present. At Stugåsberget, a three-metre-long ship depiction and a wagon figure are carved into a steep rock face.
The Repslagarmuseet i Älvängen preserves a fully intact ropewalk with two rope-making machines from the 1920s that are still operational. Rope-making takes place there whenever the museum is open. The museum can be reached by train to Älvängen station or by bus to the Älvängen travel centre.
The burial ground at Skepplanda contains more than 60 graves from the Late Iron Age. Kilanda has a church of medieval origin. Kilanda estate dates back to the 15th century. The avenue in Kilanda has existed since the 18th century; the area was therefore classified in the highest nature-value category.
Trails and Activities
Several hiking and pilgrimage trails pass through Ale in the wider visitor area around the Göta älv. There are four municipal bathing areas: Vimmersjön, Hålsjön, Surtesjön and Hultasjön. They are maintained and cleaned throughout the bathing season. The fishing permit area extends from Gothenburg to Jordfallsbron in Bohus.
At Furustugan in Alafors, the Ale 90 IK association has created a 2.3-kilometre mountain biking trail. In addition to the hiking trails, there is therefore also a designated mountain biking trail, as well as waterways and bathing areas in the municipality.
More destination pages: Älvängen, Nol, Skepplanda, Nödinge-Nol, Tranemo, Kungälv Municipality, Ulricehamn Municipality.
For the broader travel overview: Västra Götaland.
