5 Ways to enjoy spring in Hjo
- Source: 5 Things to do in spring
As nature awakens and the sun returns, Hjo is the perfect place to welcome the season. Whether you're into relaxing walks, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the fresh air, here are five inspiring ways to experience spring in Hjo.
1. SPRING HIKE ALONG RIVER HJOÅN
Experience the Hjo River Valley Nature Reserve in springtime. Follow the scenic nature trail stretching just over four kilometers, from the harbor all the way up to Lake Mullsjön. This time of year, the valley is carpeted with spring flowers like wood anemones, lily of the valley, golden saxifrage, lungwort, yellow and blue anemones.
Along the trail, you'll encounter remnants of old water mills and dams, and can read more about their significant role in Hjo’s industrial past. Keep an eye out for the two carved figures – the fox and the rabbit – near Grebban’s Mill.
📍MAP: Nature Trail
📌 Stop #1 – Hjo River Valley
2. ENJOY THE SUNSET AT LAKE MULLSJÖN
Bring friends or family to enjoy a peaceful sunset at Lake Mullsjön, a small lake just west of central Hjo. At the beach area known as Stämmorna, you can have a picnic or cook over the barbecue area. Why not try a Swedish favorite – krabbelurer (sweet fried pancakes) – or something else tasty?
At Stämmorna, you'll also find a composting toilet and an info board with facts about the local bird and fish species.
Take a deep breath, enjoy the view and let spring wash over you.
📍DIGITAL MAP
📌 Stop #2 – Lake Mullsjön
3. SAUNA BY LAKE VÄTTERN
In 1913, architect Lars Kellman sketched out nine small bathing huts under the name “Hjo Strandbad.” More than a century later, these iconic huts still line the shore – a beloved part of Hjo’s townscape.
Inside one of them, you’ll find the new Bathing Hut Sauna – offering a unique and relaxing sauna experience with stunning views of Lake Vättern and the harbor. The sauna is open to the public during set hours, but can also be booked for private sessions. It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends or family.
For an extra memorable experience, take a refreshing dip in Vättern’s clear waters between sauna rounds. With a shared sauna space, separate changing rooms, and access to showers and toilets in the harbor area, everything is in place for a smooth and comfortable visit.
📌 Stop #3 – Sauna by Lake Vättern
Photographer: Visit Hjo - Pauline Nolegård
4. MTB AT HÖGALIDEN
At Högaliden Outdoor Recreation Area, you'll find several exciting and challenging cycling and MTB trails, along with an MTB arena featuring specially designed trails. Bring your bike to Högaliden and experience forest cycling at its finest!
The MTB arena consists of various MTB trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, as well as a compact area with prepared tracks (trails) featuring pump tracks, banked turns, bridges, jumps, and other technical challenges. The starting point for both the trails and the MTB arena is at the clubhouse in Högaliden. On-site maps and signs will help you find your way.
📍FIND YOUR WAY HERE
📌 Stop #4 – MTB at Högaliden
5. WOOD ANEMONE BLOOM IN HJO TOWN PARK
Hjo Town Park was originally created in the 1870s as part of the Hjo Spa Resort – a 19th-century “all-inclusive” with hot baths, treatment rooms, salons, restaurants, and accommodations.
Today, the park is a peaceful haven, and in springtime, its northern and more wild section transforms into a sea of white wood anemones. The bloom usually occurs in April and May.
Fun fact: Did you know that the wood anemone opens during the day and closes again at night?
📍HJO TOWN PARK
📌 Stop #6 – Wood Anemones in the Park