10 spring experiences

A special atmosphere rests over Varnhem, thousands of years in the making. Varnhem and its abbey ruins, located at the foot of Billingen, were a long-standing major spiritual, political, cultural and economic centre. The well-preserved environment of the abbey church serves as a final resting place for four mediaeval Swedish kings and the founder of Stockholm, Birger Jarl. You can also find Kata Gård in Varnhem, where you can discover traces of the first Christian Vikings and experience the exhibition built over perhaps Sweden's oldest room.

Tips!

• Klostersjön in Varnhem has been restored, so we can now look out over this abbey lake just as the monks would have done in their day. The short footpath around the lake affords fine views of the abbey grounds.
• Don’t miss interior design store Klostergårdens Vandrarhem, or why not enjoy coffee and cakes or a hot meal at Varnhems Klosterkafé, right next door to the church?
• Take a drive along Skaraborg Culture Route, passing through Varnhem. It’s a brown & white signposted tourist route from Karleby to Tidan with numerous interesting sights along the way. Download the app and head out on an exciting road trip!

The Cistercian abbey at Gudhem was a convent founded in the 1160s. It enjoys a beautiful setting with views over Lake Hornborgasjön. Today you can explore the abbey ruins and Gudhem parish church. There is also a small abbey garden and museum. 

Tips!

• Shop for homewares and take a coffee break at Kdesign in Östra Tunhem.
• Hike along the Pilgrimsleden Trail (Falköping to Varnhem), which passes by the abbey.
• Stay overnight at Islanna Trädhushotell, 6.5 metres up a tree.

Did you know that...?

• Gudhem Abbey was where Arn’s betrothed Cecilia spent 20 years of penance, while Arn was sent to fight as a Knight Templar, in Jan Guillou’s Crusades trilogy. 

At Mösseberg in Falköping you can enjoy a variety of wonderful nature experiences, outdoor activities and beautiful views of Falbygden. The tracks and hiking trails on the mountain vary in length and type, and are suitable for walking, running and mountain-biking. You will also find a disc golf course, play areas and a small animal park.  

Tips!

• Lunch or perhaps a spa day at Mössebergs Kurort? Want to stay a little longer? They also offer overnight accommodation in a delightful spa resort setting.
• Small-town shopping in Falköping town centre, with a pleasing selection, charming cafés and first-rate service.
• A large cheese shop and delicatessen, refreshments and a cheese buffet can all be found at Falbygdens Osteria.
• Don’t miss the fascinating exhibition “Ancient times in Falbygden” at Falbygdens Museum with Sweden’s oldest domestic dog, the young Raspberry Girl sacrificed in a bog and the story of the gold collar from Ålleberg.

Did you know that...?

• Mösseberg is 327 m above sea level and forms part of Platåbergens Geopark. Västergötland boasts 15 table mountains. 

The area around the Trandansen site is at its most beautiful in the mornings, with the cranes flying through the often magical dawn light. There are usually also fewer people around, so you have plenty of space for enjoying the spectacle. You can read all about this year’s crane season here!

Tips!

• Early-morning crane-watching by the fire – Saturdays and Sundays between 23 March and 14 April we have a warming fire going from 09.00 until around 10.30 and a local warden on hand to chat and answer your questions. 
• Combine your early-morning ‘Trandansen’ visit with a locally produced breakfast at Löfwings Ateljé & Krog. Open daily 25 March to 21 April 08.00-10.00. Why not book a table?
• Stay overnight at the historic Herrtorps Qvarn.

The historic neighbourhoods in Skara’s picturesque town centre are home to a number of treasures. A visit to the magnificent cathedral is a must when visiting the town, and there is a strong sense of history as you stroll around the area. 

Tips!

• Within the walls of the Old library you’ll find not only Bokäventyret, but also the beautiful 19th-century library with its original flooring and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
• Enjoy a unique art experience at Skara Konsthotell or Skara Stadshotell. The Konsthotell boasts a large, unique art collection, with works by Anders Zorn and others, while the Stadshotell has a number of works by Lars Lerin.
• Visit Västergötland Museum and discover mediaeval Skara, check out the well-preserved Bronze Age shields, explore the fascinating exhibition about the mighty ice sheet and its impact on humans over time, and meet Kata, the woman who was in charge of the large farmstead at Varnhem in the 11th century.

The Trollstigen hiking trail winds its way through forest, past dramatic crags and sweeping vistas on the plateau mountain of Billingen. The trail offers three different route lengths, so you can choose the most appropriate one for you. It’s a trail that not only allows you to experience the unique landscape of Billingen, but also to explore some of its historic sites.

Tips!

• The trail passes through the hidden gem that is Rhododendron Valley. Don’t miss out on exploring this park-like oasis to marvel at the exotic plant life to be found here. The large rhododendron bushes flower in late spring, transforming the area into a magical location.
• Choose one of the two longer routes and stop off to view the impressive diabase pillars at Ryd Caves. From there you can enjoy glorious views of Skövde and the Skaraborg countryside. The ideal spot for a picnic.
• If you fancy a longer hike, you can start the Billingen Trail from the recreation area on Billingen.
• Want to stay a little longer? Stay overnight at Hotell Billingehus with outdoor recreation on hand. Enjoy a delicious evening meal in the restaurant and chill out after an active day on the mountain.
• Stay in picturesque surroundings at Billingens Stugby with exercise tracks and other trails on the doorstep.
  
  

The Åsle Tå heritage centre has ten preserved ‘hill cottages’ (backstugor). Wander along quaint Tågatan, step inside the cottages and experience a unique historic environment dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Café & Restaurang Åsle tå serves home-made refreshments and dishes using locally produced ingredients. 

Tip!

• Several kilometres from Åsle Tå is Wrågården, where you can view elk and bison, visit their farm shop, or enjoy refreshments or home-made pizza. If you want to extend your visit, you can stay overnight in a selection of cottages shaped like elk or bison.

Take a hike through lakeside meadows and cultural landscapes, experience the tranquillity and enjoy the views of Lake Hornborgasjön. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and character close to the lake. NB: Certain trails may be flooded in parts, as the water level is unusually high in Lake Hornborgasjön in spring.

Tips!

• Visit the naturum Hornborgasjön visitor centre, which is built out over the water. It houses an exhibition about the lake and its abundant birdlife. Next door to the visitor centre you can enjoy refreshments accompanied by beautiful views of the lake at Café Doppingen.
• Discover beautiful art indoors and out at Löfwings Ateljé & Krog. They also serve home-made refreshments and lunches. And if you want to stay a little longer in the area, they offer charming B&B accommodation too.
• Other overnight accommodation options in the area include Nästegården, where you stay in a picturesque 19th-century setting with restored period buildings, and Bosgården with its charming cottages

Amundtorp Stone Ship stands on a lush hillside, surrounded by several Iron Age graves. The site boasts sweeping views towards Lake Hornborgasjön and the plain, and as the sun sets over the landscape the site is bathed in a magical evening glow.

Tips!

• Combine it with tasty galettes or refreshments at nearby Mellomgården Café & Gårdsbutik.
• Enjoy refreshments or shop for locally produced goods at Alekärrs Ekologiska Gård.

For opening times and prebooking (if required), please check individual websites.