Grayling in the Hjo river

Grayling Spawning: April to May

Lake Vättern is home to Sweden’s southernmost natural population of grayling. The fish spawns both in the lake and in its tributaries – and the stream-spawning grayling is known to grow significantly larger.
Each spring, grayling migrate into the Hjo River to spawn during April and May. The eggs are deposited into gravel beds where the current is right. Thanks to the relatively warm water temperature, the eggs hatch quickly.

Migration into Lake Vättern

After hatching, young graylings live off the yolk sac attached to the egg. Once the sac is depleted, they leave the river and begin their journey into Lake Vättern – typically before Midsummer.
As adults, graylings spend most of their lives near the shore, where they feed primarily on insects and insect larvae.

Quick Facts

• Latin name: Thymallus thymallus

• Maximum weight: 2 kg

• Highly prized as a sport fish

Follow the Nature Trail

The nature reserve is a green oasis in the heart of the town, offering wonderful outdoor experiences all year round. Follow the Nature Trail along the Hjo River, from Hjo Harbour all the way up to the small lake Mullsjön, just west of the town.
This lush and leafy path takes you on a historic walk through wild landscapes, rich in birdlife – right in the middle of Hjo.

You can easily find the trail by following the wooden signs marked “NATURSTIGEN” along the river.
The full walk is approximately 4 km, from Hjo Harbour to Stämmorna at Lake Mullsjön.

Trail Information

• Waymarking: Clearly marked nature trail with wooden signs: "NATURSTIG"

• Length: Approx. 4 kilometres

• Food along the trail: YES – restaurant Stampens Kvarn

• Toilets: Dry toilet at Stämmorna, Mullsjön

• Open: Year-round

• Managed by: Hjo Municipality

• Protected area: Part of the EU’s ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000