Societetshuset – The Old Bathhouse, Hjo Town Park

A Spa by the Lake

In the late 19th century, Hjo Town Park was home to a flourishing spa resort. The Hjo Spa Company (Hjo Vattenkuranstalt AB) was founded by four influential locals: landowner Harald Röhss (Munkeberg), Count Gustaf Sparre (Almnäs), merchant Gustaf Sjöstedt, and the newly arrived provincial physician Dr Wilhelm Baggstedt.

They acquired a rural estate – what is now the park – and began building with great ambition. Their vision was based on the idea that Hjo, with its lakeside location and clean air, had enormous potential as a spa town. The arrival of the railway in 1873 made Hjo more accessible, and in 1878, the spa officially opened with grandeur.

The Heart of the Resort

The Bathhouse was the centrepiece of the spa – a lavish structure that gave the resort its prestige. Here, guests received a variety of treatments: massage, physiotherapy, electric light baths, and Nauheim baths with floating carbon dioxide. Some came with prescriptions from their doctors, others came for on-site diagnosis and healing.

The spa specialised in treating ailments such as rheumatism, anaemia, sensitive skin, chronic stomach and intestinal conditions, kidney and gallstones, nephritis, and gynaecological disorders. Guests could enjoy both hot and cold baths.

Then and Now

Originally, the Bathhouse featured two symmetrical wings and a grand wrap-around veranda – all of which were removed after the spa’s closure in 1935. Today’s building is smaller but still houses echoes of its luxurious past.

It has since been home to various attractions, including a Vättern aquarium and a butterfly museum. Nowadays, it hosts an interactive science centre for children and adults alike.

Prices and Social Life

During the spa’s heyday, guests paid according to class:

First class:

• Registration fee: 6 SEK (valid for entire stay)

• Weekly fee: 11 SEK (paid in advance)

Second class:

• Registration fee: 75 öre

• Weekly fee: 6.50 SEK

All guests received free medical consultations.

Life at the spa wasn’t just about treatments – it was also about meeting people, enjoying life and culture. Parties, concerts, bazaars and theatre were regular events. On the second floor of Societetshuset were lounges and a fine restaurant.

A Day at the Spa, Around 1905–1910

Author Halvar Hasselrot captured the spirit of the place in his 1963 text "Fågelås confirmands on a town trip with their vicar", published in Guldkroksbygden II. He writes:

“You passed Hotel Royal and the station, crossed the semicircular bridge to the harbour, passed the doctor's villa with Restaurant Bellevue in the background. The Karlsborg military band was just starting its concert and crowds had gathered on the café terrace. People strolled in the park, chatting, sitting on benches, watching the youth play tennis and croquet. Piano music drifted from the lounge in the bathhouse.

But the destination was Miss Anna Beckman’s kiosk – hidden in greenery at the far end of the park. All tables were full of spa guests and townsfolk. Still, a spot was found, and juice and biscuits were served. And what biscuits! Miss Beckman’s cognac rings and Uppsala bread – has there ever been or will there ever be such cakes again?”

The End of an Era

In 1932, the Railway Hotel burned down – where today’s Hotel Bellevue now stands. This event marked the beginning of the end for the Hjo Spa Resort. The facility closed in 1935. Much of the original Bathhouse – including its wings and veranda – was removed shortly after.

Read More

You can learn more about Societetshuset in Hjo Stadspark och dess byggnader by Per-Göran Ylander. The book is available at Hjo City Library, or for purchase at Hjo Bookshop and the Tourist Information Centre.

Self-Guided Tour

Take a stroll and explore the historical architecture and craftsmanship of Hjo at your own pace.

Quick Facts

• Number of stops: 17

• What to do: At each stop/sign, scan the QR code

• Starting point: Any stop

• What you need: Mobile phone and QR code scanner

• Duration: Around 1 hour

• Walking distance: Approx. 1.5 km

• Season: All year round

• Price: FREE