Experience the culture and beauty of western Sweden on this private full-day tour from Gothenburg to Borås and the scenic Ätradalen Valley. Blending culture, design, and natural beauty, this experience takes you from the vibrant street art and textile heritage of Borås to the quiet forests, rivers, and historic estates of Ätradalen. With a private driver-guide, tailored stops, and flexible pacing, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine urban creativity with countryside charm, all in a single, enriching day away from the city. Here’s a sample itinerary to show you what to expect from a Borås & Ätradalen Valley day trip From Gothenburg

Borås & Ätradalen Valley Private Day Tour Itinerary

Your private driver-guide will meet you at your hotel in Gothenburg for a relaxed start to the day. Settle into a luxury vehicle and begin your journey eastward through the picturesque Swedish countryside. As you leave the city behind, the landscape shifts to a rolling patchwork of forests, meadows, and lakes, with traditional red wooden houses scattered along the way.

Your guide will share stories about the industrial boom that shaped Borås, the deep traditions of the rural Västergötland region, and some local wildlife to watch out for along the route. This hour-long drive sets the tone for a day of quiet discovery, history, and natural beauty.

Borås

The first stop of the day is the town of Borås. Once a major textile manufacturing center, Borås has reinvented itself as a design, art, and sustainability hub. Some highlights of your morning in Borås include:

Textile Museum of Sweden (Textilmuseet) – Located in a beautifully restored industrial building, the museum takes you through the rise of Sweden’s fashion and textile industry. See working 19th-century looms, try hands-on exhibits, and learn how Borås led the way in everyday fashion and high-end design. The museum also features rotating exhibits on tech fabrics, sustainable fashion, and textile innovation—a fascinating stop for anyone interested in design or sustainability.

No Limit Street Art Trail – Borås is also an open-air art gallery. Your guide will take you on a walking tour to see massive murals painted on the sides of buildings during the city’s “No Limit” street art festivals. See works of artists from around the world, such as INTI, DALeast, Herakut, and PichiAvo. Along the way, enjoy hidden sculptures, local cafés, and boutique design shops.

Abecita Museum of Modern Art – This hidden gem in Borås is an excellent addition to your private tour itinerary. Walk through what used to be a textile factory and enjoy the museum’s rich collection of modern photography, prints, and pop art.

Lunch: City Bistro or Countryside Café

Choose a lunch experience based on your mood and pace. You could enjoy lunch at a stylish city restaurant that serves fresh, locally inspired dishes. If you’re looking for something quieter, your guide could take you to a lakeside farm inn serving traditional Swedish meals. Our local tour planners will work with you to learn what sort of food and restaurant you’re interested in and find a suitable option. If you want to try something new, consider everyday Swedish meals like creamy fish stew, grilled vegetables, or Swedish meatballs with lingonberry.

Ätradalen Valley

After leaving the busy city behind, you’ll head into the peaceful countryside of Ätradalen, a beautiful river valley in western Sweden. Ätradalen Valley is known for its green forests, rivers, and charming villages. Admire the red Swedish cottages as you travel the winding roads through open fields. It’s a glimpse into real rural Sweden, where life moves at a slower pace.

Your first stop in Ätradalen is Hofsnäs Herrgård, a beautifully preserved manor estate on the shores of Lake Yttre Åsunden and one of the most scenic stops in the valley. The grounds are open to the public and surrounded by Torpanäset Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy easy walking trails through old-growth forests, lakefront marshes, and scenic glades. While walking, look out for deer, herons, cranes, and even moose if you’re lucky.

Depending on the season, you may find craft markets, small exhibitions, or food stalls in the courtyard. The on-site café also offers excellent fika or light refreshments in a lovely lakeside setting.

Ulricehamn Village

Your next stop in Ätradalen Valley is a quiet, charming town that feels like it’s from a Scandinavian storybook. Nestled along the shores of Lake Åsunden, this small town offers some wonderful lakeside walks and great opportunities for photos with your travel group.

It’s also worth exploring the old town, walking through narrow, cobbled streets lined with pastel timber buildings, old storefronts, and restored cottages. Browse locally owned boutiques, antique shops, and artisan stores where you can pick up some unique souvenirs.

Ätradalsleden Trail

As you continue exploring the Ätradalen Valley, your guide can take you to a picture-perfect stretch of the Ätradalsleden, a well-marked walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river Ätran. Stop at a scenic viewpoint or rest area, where you can take in sweeping views of the valley and the river bending through the trees. The river is crystal clear, and you may even spot trout swimming near the surface. If you want to enjoy a gentle 15-minute walk to stretch your legs before heading back to Gothenburg, the Ätradalsleden Trail is a final opportunity to immerse yourself in the peaceful side of Sweden’s countryside.

Return to Gothenburg Accommodation

It’s now time to leave the scenic valley for the journey back to Gothenburg. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the drive home as the sun sets as you return to Sweden’s 2nd biggest city. Your private guide will drop you back at your Gothenburg hotel or your chosen location.