CYCLING TOUR – LAKE HORNBORGASJÖN EAST
Axvall

42 km

Quick facts

Length: 42 kilometres

Time required: approx. 3 hours of cycling, excluding breaks

Level of difficulty: easy

Terrain: tarmac and gravel roads

TRAIL MAP

This 42 km or so trail takes you through beautiful and well-maintained cultural landscapes on the eastern side of Lake Hornborgasjön. Along the way you will pass a number of detours with connecting hiking trails that take you out to bird observation towers with fine views towards Lake Hornborgasjön. Your destination is Fågeludden, where the octagonal Naturum Hornborgasjön visitor centre stands on pillars out in the lake. You can easily spend several hours at the centre. It houses an exhibition about the lake and is the starting point for several hiking trails and boardwalks leading out over the water and to the hides so you can view the birdlife up close. Near Naturum is a barbecue area with a wood store, perfect for outdoor dining. 

Photographer: Anders Eriksson

Once fed and watered, we recommend a short hike, either to Ängsladan (2.6 kilometres there and back) or the trail to Bolums lider (3.8-kilometre circuit). If you would like a map of the hiking trails in the area around the Naturum visitor centre, you can find one here.

On the way back to Skara you will pass Vingsjön bathing spot just south of Axvall, which is a popular stop on this tour. Why not take a dip and wash off the dust from the trail? 

Accommodation & dining 

This cycling tour starts from central Skara. Here you have a choice of staying in a hotel Best Western Jula Hotell  or a Bed & Breakfast Järnvägshotellet.

If you don’t want to carry a packed lunch, Café Doppingen is located right beside the Naturum visitor centre. NB Check opening hours. Café Doppingen on Facebook

In the community of Axvall, en route to Lake Hornborgasjön, you will find a pizzeria and an ICA store, and just outside Axvall, in Norra Lundby, is Mellomgården Café & Gårdsbutik , a welcoming spot offering light lunches, delicious coffee and cakes and an excellent farm shop. 

If you take a detour to Varnhem Abbey, Varnhems Klosterkafé can be found in the park alongside.

For tips for more picturesque day-long cycling tours in Skaraborg, visit www.skaraborg.se

Facts about the trail

Length:

42 kilometres.
The trail is a complete circuit. 

Estimated time:

The actual cycle route takes roughly 3 hours, but don’t forget to plan for stops. You can easily while away several hours at Naturum Hornborgasjön visitor centre and/or Varnhem Abbey.

Markers:

The trail is not marked. Follow the map directions for Cycling tour – Lake Hornborgasjön East.

Level of difficulty:

The cycle route is easy and level and runs on both tarmac roads and gravel roads. 

Start and finish:

Start and finish in central Skara (Skolgatan).

Getting here:

Skara is located in West Sweden between Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern.

By car
Follow signs for the town centre. Long-stay parking can be found by the Västergötland Museum.

By train
Take the train to Skövde, along the main line with frequent services, and then a bus to Skara. 

By bus
For buses to Skara, visit www.vasttrafik.se

Contact information

Skara Tourist Office

Södra kyrkogatan 2

532 30 Skara

Tel: +46 511 325 80

E-mail: turistbyran@skara.se

Website: skara.se/turism