A new 105-mile cycling route in Sweden connecting Gothenburg to the rural countryside is launching this May.
The Ljungelen cycle route, translating to the “heather trail”, will run from the city of Gothenburg into small towns and the countryside.
The trail starts at Drottningtorget, outside Gothenburg Central Station.
The cycle path then follows an old railway embankment towards Sjövik, then onwards to small towns such as Gråbo and Floda.
Highlights along the route include Nääs Fabriker, a former 19th-century industrial area by Lake Sävelången that has been regenerated into a destination with cafés, breweries and a hotel in a former cotton mill.
Further along is Alingsås, known as the “capital of fika” – a Swedish cultural ritual which involves relaxing in the company of others with coffee and a sweet treat.
In Alingsås, fika is practised in its many cafes and bakeries.
Cyclists will also pass Dahlbogården, a family farm with a boutique hotel and restaurant that offers meals prepared with locally produced ingredients.
The launch of Ljungleden will also establish a new link between two of Sweden’s best-known long-distance cycling routes: the Kattegattleden on the west coast and the Ätradalsleden in inland Västergötland, allowing for an even longer cycling route across the country.
An official opening of the route will take place on 20 May (although this is weather dependent.)
The West Sweden tourism board has also announced the launch of a new walking route, the Pilgrim Path, from Läckö Castle to Hjo.
For those who prefer exploring on foot rather than on wheels, this 95-mile route, divided into 14 stages, will stretch from Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern, to the country’s second largest, Vättern.
The route forms part of a longer pilgrimage journey towards Vadstena, associated with Saint Birgitta, and passes highlights such as castles, cathedrals, abbeys and nature reserves.
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