Stage 5 – Västra Vätterleden
Hjo
Stage 5 is a varied walk that takes you from the gentle, scenic cultural landscape by the shores of Lake Vättern to the rolling, conifer-covered terrain of Hökensås.
Along the way the trail passes many traces of historical smallholdings and crofts. The stage is ideal for shorter walks along the valley of the Hjoån river, which lies centrally in Hjo. To the north lies Stage 4, and to the south Stage 5 continues.
Fact about the trail
Length:
Approximately 23 kilometres
Approximate times:
Around 5–7 hours. Your total time will depend on walking pace, pack weight, number and length of breaks, experience and weather. A rough estimate is about 3 km per hour, but this varies with terrain and conditions
Think about:
- Always take great care when using fire. Use designated fire pits only and make sure the fire is fully extinguished. Fire bans always apply in nature reserves and may also be in force across the entire region during dry periods.
- Do not litter. Use the rubbish bins provided along the trail.
- Off-road driving is prohibited in nature and on marked trails.
- Show consideration for local residents and stay on the trail.
- Avoid hiking during the moose hunting season.
- Do not walk across fields with growing crops.
- Fishing is only permitted with a valid fishing permit or the landowner’s consent.
Marking:
The Västra Vätterleden is waymarked with orange paint on trees, signposts and arrows.
Level of difficulty:
The trail is classified as easy terrain, although the sheer distance can be demanding for some.
Start and end:
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Start: Hjo Harbour / Central Hjo, near the playground and Restaurant Castello.
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Finish: Baståsen, by road 193 (towards Tidaholm).
How to get here:
Public Transport: You can take a bus to Hjo (lines 402 and 405).
Getting There by Car: Hjo is approximately 40 minutes north of Jönköping, around 30 minutes east of Skövde and just under two hours south of Örebro by car.
Map:
About Västra Vätterleden
Västra Vätterleden offers a long, varied hike along the western side of Lake Vättern. The full trail is divided into eight stages and stretches through picturesque and historically rich landscapes from Karlsborg in the north to Mullsjö in the south.