Top 7 Lakes around Surtesjön

The lakes in the Vättlefjäll nature reserve, including Surtesjön, offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, swimming at equipped bathing spots, canoeing or paddling through interconnected lakes, and fishing (with a yellow license). The area is also excellent for nature appreciation and wildlife spotting.

Yes, the area around Surtesjön is very family-friendly. Lake Surtesjön itself has benches, small beaches, and tranquil spots. There are also shallow, sandy-bottomed beaches perfect for small children. Many trails, like the Wooden boardwalk along the lake and Forest Path Along the Lake, are suitable for families. Additionally, the Vättlefjäll Barbecue Area provides a great spot for family picnics by the lake.

You'll find diverse hiking trails around Surtesjön. The popular 'Surtesjön runt' is a 7-kilometer trail, mostly gravel paths, encircling the lake. Other trails, like the Forest Path Along the Lake, take you through sparse coniferous forests with lake views. The broader Vättlefjäll nature reserve also hosts parts of the Bohusleden, Vättlefjällsleden, and Pilgrimsleden. For easy hikes, consider routes like the 'Around Lake Surtesjön - Vättlefjäll Nature Reserve' or the 'Vättlestugan Red Trail' found in the Easy hikes around Surtesjön guide.

Surtesjön offers three equipped swimming areas, two in Lövgärdet and one in Surte. One of these is an EU-designated bathing spot with sand and cliff beaches, grassy areas, and a prepared barbecue spot. There's also a shallow, sandy-bottomed beach ideal for children. Other lakes in the region, like Lake Bergsjön and Stora Mölnesjön, are also popular for swimming.

Yes, there are cycling opportunities. The 'Surtesjön runt' trail, while primarily for walking, has sections that are hardpack gravel paths suitable for gravel bikes, offering beautiful views. For more dedicated cycling, you can explore routes like 'Angeredsbron Bridge – Eljusspåret Rail Trail loop from Surte' or 'Bohus Fortress – Small Forest Lake loop from Surte' as detailed in the Cycling around Surtesjön guide.

The lakes are set within the Vättlefjäll nature reserve, characterized by natural forests, especially to the east. You'll find diverse shorelines with sand beaches, rocky sections, and flat grassy areas. The reserve is known for interesting and rare bird species, as well as unique plants like marsh gentian and bog lily. There are also viewpoints offering stunning vistas, such as those along the Wooden boardwalk along the lake.

Absolutely. Canoeing and paddling are popular activities. Canoes can be rented at Vättlestugan, located at the southern end of Surtesjön. The lake system allows for easy portage to Gäddevattnet, connecting you to a network of canals and other lakes like Stentjärnen, Skyrsjön, and Stora Kroksjön, offering extensive exploration opportunities within the Vättlefjäll nature reserve.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and paddling. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the changing foliage. The Vättlefjäll nature reserve provides shelters for overnight stays, making it suitable for longer trips in milder weather.

Yes, there are several spots for barbecues and picnics. The Vättlefjäll Barbecue Area is located right by the lake with great views. Additionally, wind shelters and barbecue areas with free pre-cut wood are available along the lakes within the Vättlefjäll nature reserve.

Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of Lake Surtesjön, appreciating the peaceful atmosphere between the forest, rocks, and water. The Wooden boardwalk along the lake is also highly praised for its stunning views and unique experience of walking directly above the water.

Yes, the region offers mountain biking trails. You can find routes like 'View of Lake Svartvattnet loop from Bohus' or 'Orrekärr – Lysevattnet loop from Bohus' which provide moderate challenges. For more options, refer to the MTB Trails around Surtesjön guide.

Beyond Surtesjön, the Vättlefjäll nature reserve is home to many other beautiful lakes. Some of the larger ones include Stora Björsjön, Mollsjön, and Holmesjön. These, along with Gäddevattnet, Stentjärnen, Skyrsjön, and Stora Kroksjön, form an interconnected system popular for canoeing and fishing.