Photos by Eddie Westergren

  • Råda Lake

    Råda lake photo
    Rådasjön is a lake in Härryda municipality, Sweden

    Rådasjön,

    often referred to as Råda Lake, is a serene and picturesque body of water located in Mölnlycke, a small town just outside of Gothenburg, Sweden. This lake is part of a larger natural reserve, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking tranquility close to the city. Surrounded by lush forests and scenic walking trails, Rådasjön offers a perfect escape from urban life while still being easily accessible.

    The lake itself

    is relatively large, with clear, calm waters ideal for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. There are several spots along the shore where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and in the summer months, Rådasjön is especially popular for picnics and sunbathing. The area around the lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and fish, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

    One of the key attractions near Rådasjön is Råda Säteri, a historic estate that dates back to the 14th century. The estate’s park and gardens are open to the public, offering a glimpse into Sweden’s architectural and cultural history. The surrounding woodlands are crisscrossed with well-maintained trails, perfect for hiking and exploring, particularly in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and red.

    For those interested in longer excursions, the lake is connected to a network of trails that extend throughout the region, offering opportunities for extended hikes and bike rides. Rådasjön also serves as a gateway to nearby nature reserves like Gunnebo House and Gardens, another cultural landmark in the area.

    Overall,

    Råda Lake provides an ideal combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural history, making it a popular retreat for both locals and tourists looking to experience the Swedish countryside near Gothenburg.

  • Färjenäsparken

    Färjenäsparken is a well-visited city park with several different play and activity areas and walking paths. In the park, for example, there is one of Hisingen's largest playgrounds, an outdoor classroom, a 1,400-meter exercise loop, a soccer field, a skate park, a court for street basketball, and viewing and picnic areas with built-in barbecue grills.

  • Inc cap

    Inc cap mushroom photo

  • Säve road by night

    Säve by night
    säve by night

  • Forest

    tree from below

    Sunset Through the Forest Canopy

    As the sun begins its slow descent toward the horizon, the forest transforms into a world of golden light and deepening shadows. Its rays slip gently through the branches, casting long, dappled patterns on the forest floor. The tall trees, once vibrant green under the midday sun, now glow in warm hues of amber, copper, and crimson. Each leaf seems to catch fire with the setting light, fluttering softly in the evening breeze.

    The forest is quiet, hushed by the closing day. Birds sing their final songs before nightfall, their voices echoing faintly among the trees. The air cools, and the scent of moss, earth, and pine deepens. Shafts of sunlight pierce through gaps in the canopy, creating beams of brilliance that feel almost sacred, like the forest is holding its breath in awe of the dying day.

    Wherever the light lands, 

    it lingers, wrapping tree trunks in golden outlines and setting spiderwebs aglow like strands of silk. The underbrush glimmers briefly before falling into darkness again. Shadows stretch longer, merging into one another, until only slivers of light remain. The sun sinks lower, and the forest seems to lean into it, savoring the last moments of warmth.

    In these final minutes before dusk, the world slows. Time feels suspended. A deer steps quietly between the trees, barely visible in the twilight. The rustle of its movement is soft, blending seamlessly with the whisper of leaves.

    As the sun finally 

    slips below the edge of the world, the sky above the trees blazes one last time in orange and violet. Then, darkness begins to settle in, and the golden forest becomes a silhouette—a memory of light that lingers only in the mind. The magic of the sunset fades, but its quiet beauty remains, etched in the hush of the coming night.

  • Winter in Björlanda

    Vinter in Björlanda

    Frost-covered cliffs by the sea and snow-laden birches and junipers in the forest – winter hiking can be fantastic. Here you can walk quite undisturbed and look at the sea and the rocks. The proximity to public transport from central Gothenburg is a big plus.

  • Plug out the lake

    Fontin lake when someone drug out the plug.
    Plug out

  • Eye in cloud

    Eye in heaven

  • Eye in tree

    Eye in tree
    Eye in tree

  • Hawk eye

    eyes in wall photo
    Hawk eye watching you on the top of the stairs to Gothenburg art museum.

    Hawk eye photo

    The stairs leading up to the Art museum on Götaplatsen in Gothenburg on the hawk eye photo are more than just a functional means to ascend; they are a symbolic ascent into the realm of art and culture. As one approaches Götaplatsen, the grandeur of the stairs becomes apparent. Wide and imposing, they command attention, inviting visitors to ascend and immerse themselves in the world of creativity and expression that awaits at the top.

    Constructed with elegant simplicity, the stairs are a fusion of form and function. Made of smooth stone, they exude a timeless beauty, while their sturdy construction ensures the safety of those who climb them. Each step is a testament to the craftsmanship of those who designed and built them, a testament to the dedication to excellence that pervades the cultural landscape of Gothenburg.

    It’s a journey upstairs

    Ascending the stairs, one can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The journey upward is not just physical but also metaphorical, a progression from the everyday world below to the realm of art and inspiration above. With each step, the cares and concerns of the outside world seem to fade away, replaced by a sense of wonder and possibility.

    At the top of the stairs, the Art museum beckons, its modernist façade a striking contrast to the classical elegance of the stairs themselves. Yet, somehow, the two elements complement each other, creating a harmonious whole that speaks to the unity of tradition and innovation in the world of art.

    From the vantage point of the museum entrance, one can look out over Götaplatsen, taking in the bustling energy of the city below. Yet, despite the activity all around, there is a sense of serenity here, a quietude that seems to envelop visitors as they prepare to explore the treasures that lie within.

    In many ways, the stairs leading up to thge Art museum on Götaplatsen are a metaphor for the journey of artistic discovery itself. I can’t help fealing watched by the hawk eye when I climb up those stone steps. The exploration of art requires patience, determination, and an openness to new experiences. And just as the view from the top of the stairs offers a fresh perspective on the world below, so too does art have the power to transform our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.