The forest nearest to Gårdsviken climbs up the mountain slopes and consists of oak, beech, pine, and spruce. Here, mushrooms and berries grow, and where the trees thin out at the highest rocky outcrops, there are breathtaking views over Havstensfjorden. The forest has always been an important resource for the farm, both for its wood and timber, but also as a food supply and place for recreation. A stone’s throw from the facility is a hundred-year-old beech forest, whose light green foliage creates a magical room in spring that is well worth a visit.
Hiking
In our area, you will find many miles of hiking trails with varying landscapes and levels of difficulty. Both Kuststigen and Bohusleden pass nearby, and on Bredfjället, there are several trails. We are happy to assist with a picnic basket and transport if you wish. We also have a ready hiking package for those who want everything booked and ready. The hikes described below are arranged by proximity to Gårdsviken.
More tips and detailed information about hikes can be found here
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Viewpoint trail and walks
Take the viewpoint trail from the reception, through the dense spruce forest, and up to the highest point of Mount Vätten. From there, you have a breathtaking view of Havstensfjorden, all the way to the Uddevalla Bridge and Hafsten Cliff. Waiting for the sunset from here is magical. It is said that the cairn at the highest point of the mountain is one of many signal beacons in the coastal signal system and that its bonfire could be seen all the way from Marstrand’s fortress. There are several shorter walks through the forest, on gravel roads, or along the sea, starting from our reception.
The coastal path
You don’t need to take many steps from us to be on a well-established hiking trail. Right outside our reception passes the coast path hiking trail that stretches from Tjörn in the south all the way to Moss in Norway. The trail is well-marked, and a comprehensive guide to the hike is available both digitally, as an app, and for sale at our reception. With us, you can choose either to go north on Etapp 4 of The coastal path which, after passing through the former Lyckorna spa resort with its turn-of-the-century charm, goes along the promenade past Ljungskile and north along the coast. This route can be combined with taking the archipelago boat from our jetty one way. If you instead take the trail south (Etapp 5) “…you follow small gravel roads through forests and agricultural landscapes until you reach the ferry terminal in The coast path.
Bredfjället and Bohusleden
The extensive Bredfjället rises to a height of almost 200 meters like a wall east of Ljungskile and separates the sea bay from the Göta River valley. Bredfjället is an expansive and partially inaccessible forest landscape with elements of marshland and lakes. Up here on the mountain, during the 1600-1700s, hardworking farmers lived who couldn’t afford to buy more fertile land, so they had to cultivate the poor soil on the mountain. Today, only a few farms remain, but you can see remnants of crofts, cattle paths, and root cellars that testify to the past. Through the area run hiking trails and paths, among others Bohusleden’s Stage 11 Hasteröd-Vassbovik. The hiking guide ‘Bredfjällsguiden’ describes several tours of varying lengths and also tells about the nature and life on the mountain as it was in the past (the book is available for purchase at the reception). One of our favorite tours is Stora Skarsjön around, which is an 8 km day trip with both barbecue areas, swimming opportunities, and breathtaking views over the lake. The tour around Skarsjön starts about 5 km from our reception. Parking is available. The parking lot for the outdoor facility at Bredfjället is about 8.5 km from our reception Read more about Bredfjället here.
Guided tours
Anfasteröd gårdstur
Join us on a guided tour about the farm’s development, from the 14th-century agriculture to today’s forestry. It is a transformation that has sometimes taken alternative paths through activities such as a guesthouse, ice export, and the establishment of a spa resort..
Lyckorna
Join a hike that tells the story of how Robert McFie’s dream of a spa resort at Anfasteröd came true when ”Lyckorna Climatic Spa Resort and Sea Bathing Establishment” was founded in the 1870s. The hike goes between the grand summer villas from the turn of the century, along the promenade, past the steamboat dock where summer guests arrived, and to the beautiful church by the sea. If you prefer to hike on your own, the history of Lyckorna is also digitally and that audio guide via ”On Spot Story”.
Other hikes in West Sweden
Read more about hiking trails in West Sweden here.
Yoga Walks
We offer yoga walks in beautiful nature with experienced instructors. Such a tour begins with a calm walk through the beautiful nature to a tranquil spot where we practice yoga with a focus on stillness and presence. After the yoga session, we have breakfast or a picnic together before walking back through the forest and along the water. During the walk, we tune in with nature, ourselves, and each other using the tools of the yogic tradition. You are guided all the way, and no prior knowledge is required.
There is an opportunity to book the hike for a private group or to join an already planned event. Event can be booked via the website here.
