Surte: Industrial History, Cycling Tours and Nature

Surte particularly appeals to travellers who want to combine industrial history, cycling and nature during their stay. The history of the glassworks, which shaped the area from 1862 to 1978, is central. In addition, cycling tours and paths lead to natural areas such as Fågeldammarna and the Vättlefjäll nature reserve. This allows you to plan your stay around cultural interests, active days or experiences in nature.

Glass history at Glasbruksmuseet i Surte

Glasbruksmuseet i Surte presents an important era in Swedish industrial history. From 1862 to 1978, the glassworks was the largest and dominant workplace in Surte. The museum displays a wide variety of glass packaging. This includes the oldest surviving bottle from Surte, a beer bottle from 1893. Anyone interested in craftsmanship, regional labour history and historic everyday objects will find tangible points of reference here for planning their own trip.

Individuals also help bring the history of the glassworks to life: Alexander Samuelson learned glassblowing at Surte Glasbruk. The industrial development also includes Surte Kraftstation, which was built in 1943 as a reserve power station for the glassworks. This station and the museum offer different perspectives on the area's former production and its significance.

Cycling between Surte and Bohus

The Bohus–Surte cycling tour runs mostly on cycle paths. It starts at the library in Surte and ends in Bohus or leads back to Surte. This makes it possible to include the route in your travel plans without committing to a fixed loop. The guided cycling tour includes a stop at Glasbruksmuseet. There, you can learn more about the glassworks and the area's former industrial society.

Nature and local history are also explored along the route. An information board beside the route's first pond covers the birds and the history of Surte Bäcken. Anyone who wants to learn about the area's development while cycling, rather than simply cover the distance, can take these topics into account when planning the day's activities.

Fågeldammarna and Vättlefjäll

Fågeldammarna were originally created as water reservoirs for the formerly important mill operations and power station of the Surte glassworks. Their historical purpose therefore remains an important part of their context. You can reach Fågeldammarna by bus to the Bruksvägen stop or by commuter train to Surte station; from there, the route continues via Göteborgsvägen and Bruksvägen.

The Vättlefjäll nature reserve lies in the vicinity of Surte. There are several hiking trails there, and the Bohusleden trail runs through the area. From the north, Vättlefjäll can be reached via Bohus and Surte. Another option is the circular hike around Lake Surtesjön. It starts at a car park by Surte bathing area or at Vättlefjällstugan in Angered and follows an easy circular trail on gravel roads.

Plan your stay in Surte to suit your interests

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Surte, you can first decide on your personal focus. For those interested in culture, Glasbruksmuseet, the history of the glassworks and Surte Kraftstation are the main attractions. Those who want to cycle can consider the Bohus–Surte cycling tour based on its starting point at the library. For days in nature, Fågeldammarna, Vättlefjäll and the circular hike around Lake Surtesjön offer different points of interest and locations to explore.

Other places to compare include Verle, Ale, Älvängen, Nol and Skepplanda. This allows you to assess whether Surte, with its combination of Swedish industrial history, cycling tours and nature, matches your travel interests.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ale.