Sweden is set to launch a new cycling trail opening from May 2026, taking riders from the country’s second biggest city along coastlines, through forests and countryside, to the town of Falköping in the northwest.
Named for the wildflowers — a regional symbol — that grow along the way, the Ljungleden trail, or “heather trail” covers 170 km and takes mostly asphalted, dedicated cycle paths and low-traffic roads, with some gravel sections, making the itinerary suitable for both experienced and casual cyclists. And with accommodation options and rail connections en route, it can be tackled as a complete adventure, or broken into segments that offer single days out.
The cycling path starts in Drottningtorget, a prominent public square in the heart of Gothenburg that serves as a major transport hub, with the city’s central train station nearby. It’s a strategic location that is usually an ideal starting point for exploring the city of Gothenburg. But cyclists heading out of town will soon find themselves taking a former railway embankment towards the village setting of Sjövik.
In addition to the spectacular scenery of Västergötland, culinary highlights are promised along the way, such as the Folket på Garveriet bakery and cafe 30 km in at Floda, where a historic castle filled with Arts and Crafts also awaits. Or why not indulge in the tradition of fika, with a tour and the ultimate coffee and bun, in Alingsås, known as Sweden’s fika capital.
Further along, you can explore Swedish cycling history with a visit to an exhibition dedicated to the Fåglum brothers, who won medals in the Giro d’Italia, World Championships and Olympic Games in the 60s and 70s. Regional produce and specialties provide the fuel at Dahlbogården, part of the Taste of Sweden network, and at Herrljunga’s farm shop, where you can take the produce away with you as you reach the end of your trip.
For those who wish to carry on the two-wheeled adventures, the new route provides a new connection between two other popular cycle trails. Awarded ‘European Cycle Route of the Year’ in 2018, the Kattegatleden sea path in Gothenburg—a 390-km-long itinerary from Helsingborg in the south to Gothenburg in the west—takes riders along the coast, through idyllic fishing villages, beautiful gardens, and iconic bathhouses, as well as offering up Kullaberg nature reserve, where other outdoor pursuits like hiking and rock climbing can be tried.
Alternatively, the Ätradalsleden route goes inland, along car-free, disused railway embankments, passing peaceful fields, lakes, and plenty more farm cafés and local produce shops. A special mention here must go to Torpa Stenhus, a private estate and one of the country’s best-preserved medieval castles, situated on the shore of Lake Åsunden, which is open for guided tours and exhibitions during the summer.
