Pilgrim Trail Läckö Castle – Forshem 86 km
Kållandsö - Lidköping - Kinnekulle

One of Two

The Läckö-Kinnekulle region is part of Sweden’s historical cradle and has long been significant, especially during the Middle Ages. Thus, two different pilgrimage routes pass through the area, guiding you to medieval churches and other historical sites alongside a varied and beautiful landscape. This route takes you from Läckö Castle, a medieval fortress turned baroque castle to Forshem, home to the Nordic region’s only tomb church. You can also walk it in reverse. For those wanting to continue further, another trail connects in Forshem and leads toward Mariestad via Lugnås.  

Through Forests, Coastal Meadows, and Alvar Land

Beyond historical landmarks, the trail passes several types of nature, several protected by nature reserves. The first part runs on Kållandsö with Lake Vänern’s shoreline and beautiful forests. Along the way are several medieval churches, notably Råda Church and Strö Church. Another highlight is the stately Stola Manor with its intriguing history.

The trail continues through lovely beach walk  towards the town center with its charming cobblestone streets. Stop by the main square and the Old Town Hall and Limtorget before heading toward Östra Sannorna Nature Reserve, which offers untouched forest and panoramic views over Kinneviken and Kinnekulle.

Through the villages of Filsbäck and Källby, the trail ascends toward Kinnekulle and the Halla Nature Reserve, featuring ancient pines and oaks. Kinnekulle’s western side is one of Europe’s most valuable oak areas, as seen in the Blomberg Nature Reserve.

The path will take you pass Lasse´s Cave, where Swedens last cave dweller lived for 30 years with his wife Inga. After there is an option to take a short detour to Husaby church, a must-visit with it´s twin towers from the 11th century, a bishop’s castle, and Saint Sigfrid’s spring, where Sweden’s first Christian king, Olof Skötkonung, was baptized. From here, another pilgrimage route, Husaby–Skara begins.

The path continues onto the Kinnekulle plateau and Österplana Hed, featuring alvar terrain usually found on Öland. Here you will find Martorpsfallet, which is during spring teeming with lively water that makes its way down the steps. As the alvar ends, Skagen Nature Reserve takes over with its pastures and meadows, It is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including orchids. Finally, you reach the old stone quarry village Gössäter before arriving at Forshem, the final destination.

Stage 1: Läckö Castle – Riddaregården (20 km)

The first stage takes you over the island of Kållandsö and towards the mainland with the Kålland peninsula. You can get to Läckö Slott by bus 132 during the summer (the rest of the year the bus stops in Spiken 4 km away where the trail also passes). You can also reach Riddaregården by bus, line 130.

Stage 2:  Riddaregården - Råda church (19 km)

This stage takes you through lush countryside and past several of our many medieval churches, ending with one of them, Råda Church. From here, a city bus connects if you want to head into central Lidköping for food and overnight accommodation, which is recommended.

Stage 3: Råda church - Husaby (24 km)

This tour is close to Lake Vänern and offers wonderful views of the lake with Kinnekulle in the background. You pass through Lidköping as well as the smaller villages of Filsbäck and Källby. You then begin your ascent of Kinnekulle, passing a couple of nature reserves before reaching Lasse's Cave, from where you can continue less than a kilometer to Husaby to find accommodation for the night.

Stage 4: Husaby - Forshem (23 km)

Here you begin in a medieval pilgrimage mecca, make your way through several nature reserves and places rich in fascinating history, and end at another key pilgrimage site, Forshem Church. From Forshem, you can also take the Kinnekulle Train back to Lidköping, and even all the way to Gothenburg or Örebro. However, we recommend ending your hike with a gourmet meal at Forshem's inn and then resting at Pensionat Karlslund, Falkängens Logi, or Marias Logi before starting your journey home.