Habo: Nature, Hiking Trails and Culture

Habo is defined by a dramatic bedrock plateau, lush beech forests and a stark, mountain-like landscape. The municipality has 23 nature reserves. Those looking to combine nature and exercise will find a range of routes and protected areas, while churches, local history and swimming spots offer other ways to experience the area.

Nature Areas and Hiking Trails

Stages 7 and 8 of the Västra Vätterleden trail pass through Habo Municipality, from First Camp Hökensås via Fagerhult to Mullsjö. The Norra S:t Sigfridsleden trail also passes through the municipality and is part of an extensive European network of pilgrimage routes. The Högamoleden trail runs through Domsand and the Domneån Nature Reserve. The routes can therefore be distinguished by their course and the destinations mentioned for each.

The Domneån Nature Reserve has a circular trail just over 1.5 kilometres long, with rest stops and viewpoints. With a little luck, you may spot beavers and grazing moose there from time to time. Grey wagtails nest by the water; occasionally, you may see dippers diving for insects. Wildlife watching is part of the area’s special appeal, though sightings depend on what you encounter in nature.

The boardwalks in Dumme mosse stretch for ten kilometres, five of which have been adapted for wheelchair users. The circular trail in Fiskebäck Nature Reserve is about one kilometre long, with the first 200 metres adapted for wheelchair users. These details show that the trails vary in length and each has a limited accessible section.

Baremosse covers almost 400 hectares, consists mainly of marshland and serves as a breeding ground for several bird species. In April and May, with a little luck, you can watch black grouse displaying in flight. This seasonal wildlife experience offers a different focus from wildlife watching at Domneån: here, the marshland and birdlife take centre stage.

Churches and Local History

Habo Church is an unusually grand rural church with richly painted interior decor. In Brandstorp, Brandstorp Church preserves one of the very few wooden churchyard fences remaining in the country. At Fiskebäck Chapel, it is believed that a wooden church was already built there in the 12th century. Together, the churches offer different insights into the municipality’s architectural and local history.

Eight buildings of local historical interest stand in the scenic parkland of Habo heritage centre. They were moved there from different parts of the municipality. One of the local heritage farms serves homemade fika, with seven varieties of cake. Among its five buildings are a smithy and a unique wooden pavilion that was displayed at the 1876 World’s Fair in Paris. The museum includes, among other things, an exhibition about shipping on Lake Vättern.

Swimming Spots by the Water

On Lake Vättern, Domsandsbadet has a long sandy beach and two bathing jetties. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets and a kiosk, as well as a small adjacent marina. Furusjöbadet is a family-friendly swimming lake with shallow water, bathing jetties and a large playground. A ramp into the water is available for wheelchair users. Baskarpsbadet adds another option, with a long sandy beach and clear water.

More Ways to Enjoy an Active Day

At the Gränsenstugan outdoor recreation area, there is a three-kilometre illuminated ski trail. When there is enough snow, it is groomed for cross-country skiing. Parking is next to the cabin and the trailhead; there is also an outdoor gym and a barbecue area. Snow conditions determine whether the trail can be used for cross-country skiing.

From April to September, Habo Discgolf welcomes anyone interested, including non-members, to a weekly round of golf. You can go riding Icelandic horses at Kyrkekvarn. The activities range from seasonal cross-country skiing and a regular disc golf round to horse riding, while the nature reserves and historic sites offer further reasons to visit Habo.

Discover more destinations: Brandstorp, Habo, Gislaved, Månsarp, Sävsjö, Gnosjö, Tranås, Vetlanda

For the main travel overview: Jönköping.