Ätradalsleden connects Falköping in inland western Sweden with Falkenberg on the coast. Presented by West Sweden Trails as Sweden’s fifth national cycling route, it brings together old railway embankments, rural communities and lake landscapes, with a connection to Kattegattleden at its southern end.
From Falköping to Ulricehamn
West Sweden Trails describes the first section as an almost car-free journey along an old railway embankment, passing through rural settlements and a landscape shaped by farming and history. Falköping itself has shops, restaurants and accommodation, while the nearby plateau mountain Mösseberg offers a separate outdoor excursion.
There are several reasons to pause along the way. Luttra passage grave dates from the Stone Age, while Ekehagen’s Ancient Village in Åsarp recreates environments from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. Near Blidsberg, the route passes Baktrågen Nature Reserve; Basta Kvarn offers a mill café beside ponds.
Lakes and railway landscapes towards Tranemo
South of Ulricehamn, the route continues towards Tranemo largely on car-free embankments. West Sweden Trails describes lake views, wooded hills and forests along this section. It also runs parallel to Sjuhäradsrundan, a separate cycle loop whose signs can be followed as far as Tranemo.
After Marbäck, Korpeboberg’s deciduous woodland offers a place to stop, with benches and tables. Vegby has a swimming area and campsite. Further along, Limmared is associated with glassmaking: Glasets Hus combines a glass exhibition with glassblowing and a café and restaurant.
Towards Fegen and the coast
The published itinerary continues from Tranemo to Fegen and then to Falkenberg. Falkenberg Municipality describes the southern part as a mixture of small, lightly trafficked rural roads and former railway alignments. It is mostly asphalt, with some hard-packed gravel, so the experience changes from the northern railway path.
At Falkenberg, Ätradalsleden meets Kattegattleden, giving riders the option of continuing on another national route. Falkenberg’s visitor information also suggests Fegen and several towns farther north as possible places to begin a shorter ride.
Planning a ride
West Sweden Trails divides Ätradalsleden into four sections and provides a planning tool for finding places along the route. Choose a section around the landscapes and stops that interest you: Ulricehamn, for example, has cafés and accommodation, while the northern section combines archaeological sites with rural scenery.
Look for the red-and-white signs bearing number 5. Ulricehamn Municipality says the route is quality-assured by Västkuststiftelsen and maintained locally by the respective municipalities. It also states that the route is not accessibility adapted. Falkenberg’s tourist information offers a route brochure and describes accommodation ranging from farms and lakeside cabins to town stays.