Local flavours and experiences in historic landscapes.

Distances are short between attractions around here. This route suggestion starts in the small town of Lidköping by Lake Vänern, at the heart of the region, with both the Läckö area and Kinnekulle table mountain just a few kilometres away.

 

Day 1:

Start off in charming Lidköping

Lidköping is a pretty little town on the shores of Lake Vänern, dating back to the middle ages. In its charming centre you’ll find a great selection of independent shops with a hand picked range, as well as stores with well known brands.

If you arrive on a Saturday don’t miss the market in Nya Stadens Torg, which has been a tradition for the last couple of hundred years. Have a mooch around and get some bargains both big and little. A stone’s throw away is Mellbygatans Delikatesser, where you can eat lunch and maybe get some tasty locally produced goodies from the deli to take away.

Just a short walk away you’ll also find Rörstrand museum. The Rörstrand porcelain factory has been Sweden’s foremost producer of both beautiful and functional ceramics for 300 years. Talented artists and craftspeople have helped give Rörstrand its renowned reputation in Swedish design, with many classic and timeless series. In the museum you can see both temporary exhibitions and permanent collections, with objects from the 18^th century to the present day.

If you fancy something sweet we recommend a tasty fika at Garströms konditori (said to be one of Sweden’s oldest cafes), the classic Rådhuskonditoriet or at Café Bella Mi.

Nearest stop: Lidköping resecentrum

 

 Travel on to Läckö Castle on Kållandsö

Just north of Lidköping is Kållandsö, where perched on the tip of a rocky headland is Läckö Castle, a beautiful example of baroque architecture with unique nature and history experiences.The 17^th century castle is of course an experience in itself, but you’ll also find a fascinating kitchen garden and the Naturum Victoriahuset visitor centre where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.

In addition to the visitor centre, which is named after Sweden’s crown princess, the building houses a hotel. Check in then go for a walk in the surroundings, or if you’re tired after a long day have a rest in your room and admire the view of the castle and lake.

Day 2:

Spend the morning at Läckö Castle

After a lovely breakfast with local produce, it’s time for a proper exploration of Läckö Castle. The enclosed courtyard, interior paintings and furniture, armoury with medieval weapons, gold and glitter in the treasury, and even the castle’s informal rooms all make for a fascinating trip back in time.

After a few hours in the castle you’ll be ready for lunch at Café Stallet in the little wing on the castle rampart, right next to the beach.  If anyone in your party is a golfer then why not play a round after lunch, at scenic Läckö golf club.

 

 Travel on to Spiken fishing village

Your destination for the afternoon is Spiken fishing village, just a few kilometres away from Läckö Castle. This bustling harbour, dotted with jetties and boat huts, is full of fishermen, tourists and local craftspeople.  Don’t miss the opportunity to buy some freshly smoked fish and the famous Vänern bleak roe.

What could be nicer than to then eat dinner in an old boat hut which used to be an ice cellar? Nowadays it’s home to Restaurang Sjöboden, serving carefully made dishes using ingredients sourced locally from the lake and land.  When it comes to drinks with the food, the restaurant likes to feature small-scale dedicated winemakers.

Nearest stop: Spiken

Day 3:

Explore Kinnekulle

After another night at Victoriahuset it’s time to travel on to Kinnekulle, just east of Lidköping. Sometimes called “the flowering mountain” it has a rich natural and cultural history. The area has a rare flora, lots of medieval churches, and some lovely stately homes on the shores of Lake Vänern. Take the opportunity to visit Smedja Therese and the Ouroborus Sculpture Park along the road to Kinnekulle. 

Stop for fika or lunch at Café Klostret which is in a rustically renovated old barn in Blomberg. The atmosphere of the place and food made with local produce make a little stop into a big experience. Another option for lunch is Hellekis Trädgårdscafé & Kök located in the old orangery at Hellekis Manor.

Stations on Kinnekulle: Blomberg station, Forshem station, Hällekis station

 

 Next stop, Handens hus

Are you looking for something unique to take home? Or on the hunt for a really personal present for someone you like?

Then Handens hus is the perfect place to head to. You’ll find hand woven textiles, antiques, country crafts and lots more. Take the opportunity as well to go for a walk on lovely Kinnekulle itself. In Mörkeklevs cave there’s a freshwater well where you can almost always quench your thirst with cold spring water.

 

Have dinner at Forshems Gästgivaregård

Check in at historic Lundsbrunn Resort & Spa in the afternoon, where people have been travelling to since the 1700s to recuperate and heal. This former health resort has been renovated and is now a modern spa hotel. Alternatively you could stay in the elegant Lidköpings stadshotell, or in your own cabin on the shores of Lake Vänern, at Läckö strand.

In the evening, an extra special dining experience awaits in the little village of Forshem. At historic Forshems Gästgivaregård, Sweden's oldest inn, local ingredients and food traditions take centre stage. The venison comes from Kinnekulle, the fish from Vänern,  and the vegetables, fruit, berries and mushrooms from the forest and local growers. Bon appetit!