The Sjuhäradsleden Trail – Hike through Sjuhärad

The Sjuhäradsleden starts in Hindås and leads via Bollebygd, Borås and Ulricehamn to Mullsjö – a stretch of 140 kilometres. Since 1991 the Sjuhäradsleden trail has been part of the international long distance path Europaled 1 which starts in Italy, and in Sweden passes between Varberg and Grövelsjön.

10 places to see along the Sjuhäradsleden

There are lots of exciting places to discover along the Sjuhäradsleden. Enjoy cosy fika stops, historic sights and access to the all the conveniences you can expect in nearby towns. Here are our tips for ten places you shouldn’t miss.  

1. Hjortviken Country Club

The Sjuhäradsleden starts in Hindås so why not start with a luxurious dinner at Hjortviken Country Club? This hotel is really quite unique, with a style redolent of an American glamour film from the 50s. The establishment even boasts an impressive pool club.

Take the opportunity to visit some of the culture on offer in Hindås, like Hindås Keramikverkstad and the Gyllene Hinden gallery.

2. The fantastic view of Lake Viaredssjön

One of the most spectacular viewpoints along the trail is the one with the appropriate name of Stora utsikten (The Great View). Up on the hill there’s a picnic area with a shelter, and you get a magical view of Lake Viaredssjön, at the bottom of the steep slope, from there.

The viewpoint is along the third stage of the Sjuhäradsleden, between Hultafors and Sandared.

3. Rya Åsar

The Rya Åsar Nature Reserve in Borås is a beautiful area, with high ridges and panoramic views. The whole area is a living history book – people have worked the land here for centuries, which has created a culturally historic environment, with many interesting remains. Hike through grazed pastureland and past old farmhouse gardens surrounded by dry stone walls and flowering meadows. 

On the way down from Rya Åsar you’ll pass the river Viskan, close to Borås Camping, the Knalleland shopping centre, Abecita Popkonst & Foto art gallery, the Upzone adventure park and Borås Zoo.

4. The centre of Borås

The Sjuhäradsleden passes to the north of Borås, but anyone wanting to explore more of the town can make a detour of a few kilometres into the centre. If you walk south from Borås Camping it doesn’t take long before you get to the Textile Museum and Navet Science Center.

Keep going along the river Viskan to get to Stadsparken and Sandwalls Plats, and a large selection of restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels. Dotted around the centre of Borås there’s public art in the form of street art and sculptures, and at Borås Konstmuseum you’ll find even more contemporary art to view.

5. Raska-Minas cottage

This charming little 19th century croft near Tvärred is a popular place to stop along the Sjuhäradsleden. The cottage was occupied by Wilhelmina "Mina" Rask, who lived alone there until 1943. She became known in the area as a gossip, because many walked past her cottage every day and got to hear the latest news about people in the village.  

Nowadays Raska-Minas cottage is open to the public and it’s a great place to stop and eat your picnic. Have a look in the croft and imagine what life here could have been like a hundred years ago.

6. Brunns church ruins

At Brunns church ruins you can truly feel the echoes of the past. The church was probably built in the 12th century, but all that remains now is a stone ruin. It was restored in the 1930s and is in relatively good condition, with what’s left of the walls preserved.

The graveyard is thought to be the last resting place of around 13 000 souls, and some stone crosses and grave slabs remain. You’ll find the church ruin on stage 7, just west of Ulricehamn.

7. Ulricehamn

You’ll pass through the charming little town of Ulricehamn along the Sjuhäradsleden. The town lies on the north shore of Lake Åsunden, where the trail turns north towards the ski and cycle centre SkiBikeHike, but a short detour takes you into the centre of Ulricehamn.

In the town you’ll find shops, restaurants, and hotels, and a lovely shoreline promenade with a jetty out to the cold bath house. If you want to stay over we suggest Hotell Bogesund and Hotell Nyboholm. The Lilla Söder restaurant is a lovely place to eat.  

8. Jordkulan in Nöre

Jordkulan in Nöre is a fascinating 19th century cottage in the middle of the Fredsskogen forest outside Dalum. With its stone walls, a tamped earthen floor and a little roof window it gives a clear glimpse into how simple and at the same time how tough life could be in the past.

The cottage was occupied until 1885 and has been caefully restored by the local neighourhood association. It’s now open for visitors – a nice place to stop and rest your legs along the Sjuhäradsleden.

9. Årås Manor & Gardens

Nestled between lakes Jogen and Vållern lies Årås – a place combining beautiful scenery, history, food and accommodation. The lakes are connected by the river Tidan which has been an important feature for the working of the old mill here. Årås nature reserve consists mainly of deciduous woodland and farmland.

You’ll also find Årås Manor & Gardens here, where you can pause for a fika in the leafy garden, check into the hostel or just stop to enjoy the lovely surroundings. If you want to explore more of the area you can walk the whole or parts of the Vildmarksleden Wilderness Trail that starts from Årås.

10. Ryfors bruk

Just west of Mullsjö lies Ryfors, which used to be home to an ironworks. There was a thriving industry here during the 19th century and a manor house and estate were built around the ironworks. Nowadays Ryfors is a popular destination, with many historic buildings and a renowned golf course. The nine-pin bowling alley next to the English villa is still in use.

If you make a short detour from the Sjuhäradsleden and follow the road past the old smithy you’ll soon get to Ryfors ancient woodland, which can most closely be described as a genuine enchanted forest. Some of the trees here are over 300 years old.

Tips before your hike

Clothes & equipment: For single stages you’ll need good walking boots, a rucksack and a packed lunch, a water bottle and clothes suitable for the weather. For the whole walk you’ll need a change of clothes and accommodation plans.

Remember: Some sections of the trail include paths and slopes that can be slippery in wet weather. Be careful and take a change of clothes/dry socks even on shorter day stages.