Hjo Sik
Hjo
At Hjo Sik you will find a varied selection of fresh and smoked fish every day. They also have a smaller restaurant. Enjoy the view over the wharf from the beautiful panorama window inside the shop or choose a spot at the outdoor seating.
Fish from Hjo Sik
Depending on the season, you can buy different kind of fish from Lake Vättern at Hjo Sik – whitefish, char, salmon, pike, perch, and Vättern crayfish, among others. You can also find seafood such as herring, cod, plaice, and mussels, depending on availability and season. At times, there are also different varieties of pickled herring, marinated fried herring, pâtés, and sauces. Klas can also help you place special orders for fish and seafood of your choice.
Photographer: Jesper Anhede
Lunch service
During certain periods, Hjo Sik also offers lunch service. You can enjoy a delicious pie, homemade potato salad with salmon, or other tasty dishes.
History
Hjo Sik was founded by Bengt Ahlner in the late 1950s. Initially, the main business was wholesale sales of fresh Vättern fish and selling both sea and freshwater fish from a "Volkswagen bus." There was no physical store at the start—Bengt traveled between farms in the Skaraborg region, selling fish directly from his bus.
In 1966, Bengt started smoking fish, coinciding with the launch of "Sikens Dag" (Whitefish Day) by Tage Bjuredal. During the 1970s and 1980s, wholesale sales declined, and the store in Hjo harbor became the main focus.
At first, fish was sold directly from the boathouse. In 1975, the first proper shop was built, which remained in use until 2011 when the current store was constructed.
Today, Hjo Sik is owned and operated by Bengt’s son, Klas Ahlner.
Photographer: Visit Hjo