Hjo Brewery

Hjo Brewery – Today a Residential Area

On the southern side of the river once stood Hjo Brewery, founded in 1870. The drawing shows what the brewery looked like before it was demolished in 1973.

Later, the residential area Källängen was built on the site, colloquially known as “Pilsnersvackan” – roughly, “the Pilsner Dip”.
The dotted outlines on the illustration show where two of today’s apartment buildings now stand.

From a Commemorative Publication

In a 1944 commemorative publication by the Hjo Association of Crafts and Industry, the following was written:

“Over the years, the brewery has gradually expanded, and its market area has continued to grow. Turnover has increased, and various improvements and modernisations have been made. Today, the company operates with fully modern and up-to-date equipment, producing both beer and soft drinks that are distributed across a wide region.
Its products are sold not only in Hjo and the surrounding area, but also in more distant places such as Tidaholm, Jönköping and Karlsborg.
At present, 33 people are employed by the company.”

Rich and Resourceful Ground

Hjo Brewery was not the first industry on this site. From the early 1800s until 1870, there were two distilleries here – Stora Bränneriet (the Large Distillery) and Lilla Västra Bränneriet (the Small Western Distillery).

It is likely no coincidence that breweries and distilleries were located just here. On the 1696 map, the land is described as "Kielle soug wall" – where kielle means "spring", soug indicates “spring-rich soil”.
In the slope down toward the river, there were likely freshwater springs with clear, clean water – an essential ingredient for both brewing and distilling.

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