Autumn in Hjo

1. A SWEDISH FIKA 

In the autumn, when the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring down, we Swedes enjoy our fika just a little bit extra. It is a time when we hang out indoors, with friends a family or perhaps alone with a good book, a nice cup of coffee or some yummie hot chocolate at hand. Visit one of our cafées located right in the middle of our historical, quaint little town, and just enjoy. Here we list Hjo's cafés >>.

2. HIKE AND BIKE 

Hjo offers good opportunities when it comes to hiking and biking. The several kilometer long nature trail up to the small lake Mullsjön, just west of Hjo, not only offers a nice evening dip, but also provides the opportunity to experience flora, fauna and cultural history along the way. You can also hike along the trails Västra Vätterleden or Pilgrimsleden, cycle around Vätternleden, or canoe in the river Tidan. The Sanna outdoor area, just north of the town center, as well as Högaliden, west of Hjo, offer illuminated trails, summer and winter. 

3. PICK MUSHROOMS AND BERRIES 

The Right of Public Access in Sweden gives you the right to freely pick wildgrowing berries and mushrooms in forests and in the countryside. In the forests around Hjo, you can find a lot of both berries and mushrooms at this time of the year. We suggest you visit the forests around the outdoor area Högaliden west of Hjo, the forests around the small lake Mullsjön or near Mofalla. You can also hike along one of the hiking trails Västra Vätterleden or Pilgrimsleden.

Read more about the right of public access here >>

Read more about roaming freely in the wild here >>

4. STAY OVERNIGHT OFF THE GRID 

The founders of InForest, Jesper and Petra, believe in sustainable nature tourism, and live by the philosophy that "the forest helps people to relax, calm down and find peace". The result, well - off the grid accommodation of course! In their three tiny houses Ebbe, Vilgot and Esther, you can stay overnight in comfortable and well designed cabins that are self-sufficient, right in the middle of the forest.

5. CAMPFIRE COOKING IN THE FOREST 

At the wind shelter Lingonudden, just south of Hjo, you can spend the night and enjoy an evening with cozy campfire cooking with friends and family. The wind shelter is located right next to the small pond Erikssonsdammen, near the hiking trail Pilgrimsleden, which stretches between Hjo and Kungslena in Tidaholm, and offers an campfire cooking area. 

The location by the pond also makes the spot suitable for bird watching, as many birds nest by the pond.

By car you can drive up to about 2 kilometers from the wind shelter. Then you have to walk - an easy walk on gravel road and finally a forest path.

PS. Don't forget to bring your own firewood if you are planning on having a campfire.

You will find a map and information about the wind shelters in Hjo, including Lingonudden, here >>.

6. TROUT SAFARI IN THE NATURE RESERVE BY THE RIVERE HJOÅN 

Would you like to do something out of the ordinary? Then we suggest you join in one of our Trout safaris taking place in the nature reserve along the river Hjoån. The safaris are held from mid-October to mid-November, the time when the trout swim up streams. During these 2-hour safaris, which are held in the darkness of the evening, you will get to see the trout up close accompanied by your guide for the evening, who will tell you more about the trout, the nature reserve and the river. An exciting adventure when you get to see the fish in full action! The evening ends with coffee in Grebbans Kvarn (a mill), located along the river. 

Safaris are held in Swedish, but could be pre-booked for exclusive groups in English. 

7. FLOATING SAUNA IN HJO HARBOUR 

Experience the tranquility, the heat, the view and the fresh water of Lake Vättern on board the floating wood-fired sauna, in the middle of Hjo harbor. A wonderful experience and a perfect activity during the autumn. To cool off during you sauna experience, you just take a dip in lake Vättern. Large panoramic windows guarantee you a beautiful view over the lake and the harbor. 

8. MAKE A FARM SHOP TOUR

This time of the year our farm shops are filled with fruits and veggies from nearby farms in the countryside. Freshly harvested potatoes, lettuce, onions, carrots, beets, garlic are some of the goodes you can purchase. In addition, many places also offers locally produced honey and meat, such as bison, beef, lamb and pork. At the the farm Almnäs, just south of Hjo, you can also buy cheese. Almnäs Almnäs has been producing cheese consistently since the 1830s, except for a short break between 1961 and 2008, and have the oldest registered cheese brand in Sweden, “Wrångebäck Sweden,” registered in 1889.

9. FISHING LAKE VÄTTERN 

Lake Vättern is a fantastic fishing lake. There are no less than 31 fish species plus crayfish found in the lake. In the autumn, which is perfect time to fish lake Vättern, you can join a guided fishing tour with the fishing expert and guide Ove Johansson and Charterfiske >>. On one of his tours you will get a great of chance of catching char, trout and salmon.

You can also fish from land here in Hjo. As a private person, you can fish freely from the shore. Good places to stand are, for example, on the southern pier in Hjo harbor. You can also try fly fishing at one of the beach areas near Hjo harbor. 

10. SLEEPING OUTDOORS UNDER THE STARS 

Sleeping outdoors under the stars in the fall is among the best there is. Around Hjo there are several beautiful spots where you can overnight. According to the Swedish Right of Public Access, you can put up a tent for one night. So head out, find your spot and enjoy the night and the stars.