Stora Härsjön & Lerum

A local's guide to the lake, the forest and day trips – 30 minutes from Gothenburg

Stora Härsjön is a forest lake in Lerum, just east of Gothenburg in Västra Götaland. Our two lakeside stays – Villa Häcken and Lakehouse Getaway – sit right on its shore. These are the places we recommend to our guests, whether you want to spend every day on the water or combine nature with the city.

On and around the lake

Hike around Stora Härsjön
Follow the black-and-white trail markers for a 16 km loop around the lake through the Härskogen outdoor area – or paddle it instead.
Beaches and islands
Swim from the beaches on the east side of the lake or row out to the small islands. Guests love early-morning dips.
The canal to Härsjödammen
Explore the small canal in the southern part of the lake by canoe or SUP.
Fishing
Guests have caught pike here. Buy a fishing licence online before you go.
Berry picking
In late summer the forest is full of blueberries and lingonberries – free to pick under allemansrätten, the Swedish right to roam.

Activities near Lerum

High Adventure
Climbing and zip lines through the forest.
Vattenpalatset (Actic Lerum)
A small indoor water park – perfect on a rainy day.
Skidome
Cross-country skiing indoors, all year round.
Beach Center
Indoor beach volleyball.
Kåhögs Gårdsbutik
Buy milk and produce directly from the farm.

Day trips to Gothenburg

Liseberg
Gothenburg's famous amusement park – a great day out with kids.
Universeum
Science centre with rainforest, aquarium, exotic animals and dinosaurs.
Slottsskogen
A large city park with moose, seals and penguins – free of charge.
Gothenburg Botanical Garden
One of the larger botanical gardens in Europe.
Gothenburg Museum of Art
An extensive collection of Nordic art.
The archipelago
Take the tram to Saltholmen and the ferry out to Gothenburg's car-free southern archipelago.

Where to eat in Lerum

Aludden Park & Restaurang
Closest to the cabins, with good food and a lake view.
Brasserie Stationen
Modern neighbourhood pub with good food and wine in a relaxed setting.
Piano kvarterskrog & bar
Bouillabaisse, a real carbonara and a glass of Barolo.
Gobi Sushi Lerum
Our pick for the best sushi in Lerum.
ICA Kvantum Lerum
The nearest large supermarket (with recycling station) – stock up on the way.

Getting here

By car
About 30 minutes from central Gothenburg. The last 3 km is a narrow gravel road with passing places.
By train and bus
Commuter train from Gothenburg Central Station to Aspen station in Lerum, then bus 530 to Häckenvägen and a 3 km walk on an unlit gravel road. Weekend buses must be pre-booked with Västtrafik.
By taxi
Easy from Aspen or Lerum station, or book through the Bolt app.

What to pack

Keep it simple
Food, a change of clothes, good walking shoes, a rain jacket and an extra layer, thick socks, a good book – and a headlamp, because it gets properly dark in the forest.

New to Sweden? Read our first-timer's guide too.

See the stays and book directly