Sculpture Park Ouroboros and Smithy Therese
Kinnekulle

Fabolous Art and Craft

Located between Lidköping and Götene in the scenic Vänerskärgården and Kinnekulle Biosphere Reserve, this cultural gem and visitor destination is known as Skulpturpark Ouroboros* / Smedja Therese (Sculpture Park Ouroboros).

Owners Therese and Niclas Engdahl opened the sculpture park on May 1, 2021, but their journey began in 1999 when they moved from Bohuslän to the former retirement home in Husaby at the foot of Kinnekulle. Therese’s mother, known as “Echset,” had discovered this beautiful house a few years earlier and opened a café and craft shop in one of the wings. The other wing was expanded and transformed into a smithy: Smedja Therese!

Smithy and sculpture park

The smithy is the heart of the operation, where Therese and Niclas combine their skills to create unique forged works. Therese, an award-winning master blacksmith, designer, and artist, has won several championships in blacksmithing. Niclas began working with metal early on and quickly developed his skills as a construction blacksmith, sheet metal worker, and welder. They produce everything from beautiful jewelry and sculptures to large decorative items, interior furnishings, and garden features. Their work caters to private clients, larger companies, and churches alike.

Their daughter Ronja also works in the smithy and park. During park season, her main role is to keep the garden tidy and guide visitors through the lush grounds, sharing stories about the sculptures and their creators.
As the smithy is a working space, visits are only permitted by booking a guided tour in advance.

A new sculpture park every year

At Sculpture Park Ouroboros, awe-inspiring artworks captivate visitors from every direction. Each year, both new and returning artists are invited to exhibit their sculptures, giving the park a fresh, exciting look and feel annually. The 7,000 m² garden is like an amusement park for art lovers and bon vivants. Check the website for opening hours and admission prices.

Homemade Fika and boutiques

The site also includes two small boutiques and Café Nyfiket. The café, decorated mainly in purple and black, is run by Therese’s mother, “Echset.” Enjoy a good cup of coffee with homemade sponge cake, a hearty sandwich, or the house specialty: Bohuslän-style egg cheese with queen’s jam – delicious!
In the boutiques, you can shop for crafts and smaller forged items – or perhaps place a custom order for something special from Smedja Therese?

Want to try blacksmithing?

Curious about how blacksmithing works? In the smithy, materials are heated to around 1400°C and shaped with a hammer, anvil, and other tools. Joints are typically made through riveting, wrapping, or forge welding – often turning into beautiful decorative features on the final piece.

If you’d like to learn more about blacksmithing, there are guided tours, courses in forging and welding, and even “Try-it-yourself” blacksmithing sessions – a fun activity for bachelor/bachelorette parties, friend groups, corporate events, or adult birthday celebrations. Welcome!

*Ouroboros

The Ouroboros symbol – "The serpent biting its own tail" – is a cosmic symbol of cycles and eternity. It is believed to originate from a Greek alchemist's manuscript (Cleopatra's Chrysopoeia) about goldmaking. The original glyph can be loosely translated as “All in All” or “One in All” – a reference to the Philosopher's Stone and the alchemical formula where duality unites in the "chemical wedding" – Beauty in Union. Alchemist Cleopatra is said to have succeeded in creating the Philosopher’s Stone – the Elixir of Life.

Take the "Last Mile Car" to Us

The Last Mile Car is the future of public transportation – going where traditional public transport doesn't. Available for booking Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–11 PM. Simply book at www.sistamilenbilen.se, and a taxi will pick you up at your chosen location. Booking must be made at least 3 hours in advance.

• 1 person: 500 SEK

• 2 people: 250 SEK/person

• 3 people: 170 SEK/person

• 4 people: 125 SEK/person