Essunga: Trails, Churches and Cycling Routes

Explore Essunga through trails and churches from different eras. In Nossebro, there are marked walking trails and cycling routes; in Furet, sunken lanes wind through a historic landscape. There are also churches with medieval roots and architectural styles dating from the late 17th to the early 20th century. You can choose from short loops, longer routes and cultural attractions to plan your visit.

Trails and Experiences in Nossebro

The disused railway line between Nossebro and Essunga station is widely used as a walking and cycling path. In Nossebro, Hälsans Stig is a five-kilometre loop with markers at every kilometre. At Högaberget, there are hiking loops of 0.7, 2 and 2.5 kilometres, as well as a lit path; a section of the Strandpromenaden route also runs through the area. The different route lengths provide a practical guide when choosing a trail, without implying a specific walking time.

The Kulturvandring in Nossebro also combines exercise with local culture: this walk is about two kilometres long, is considered easy, and is adapted for bicycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs. At Högaberget, on the other side of the suspension bridge, there is a barbecue area by the large oak tree that you can use.

The Nossebro Marknad is another reason to visit. It takes place on the last Wednesday of each month; dates and opening hours may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit. The market offers crafts, locally produced ingredients and carefully selected delicacies. The selection may vary from one market day to another.

Furet and the Historic Trails

Furet is a 55-hectare woodland. Several metres-high and long sand dunes have formed there from fine, sand-like material deposited during the Ice Age. A section of the centuries-old Skara–Lödöse route has also been preserved. A short hiking loop through the sunken lanes takes you through this historic landscape; the lanes are registered ancient monuments. They are public spaces and accessible year-round. Still, check local conditions before setting out.

The 12-kilometre Essungaleden starts in the centre of Nossebro, passes through Furet and the sunken lanes, and returns to Nossebro. The entire route can be walked. Cycling is also possible on most of the route, except for the section between the sunken lanes and Essunga kyrkby. If you plan to cycle the route, take this restriction into account when choosing your route. A barbecue area in Furet can be reached from Nossebro on foot or by bicycle via the old railway line.

Churches with Different Historical Traces

The churches in Essunga tell stories of different eras. The present-day building of Kyrkås kyrka dates from the late 17th century. It is described as a votive church: travellers and the sick from near and far gave offerings to the church in the hope of receiving help in times of need. Fåglums kyrka is one of Sweden’s oldest churches, with origins in the early Middle Ages. Inside is a medieval image of the Madonna. Bärebergs kyrka also has medieval roots; a church and cemetery were already there in the 13th century.

The present-day Essunga kyrka was built between 1903 and 1905 in the Neoclassical style, with a tall, pointed tower. There has been a place of worship at the site since the Middle Ages. An old bell dating from the 15th century hangs in the bell tower, built in 1963. The architecture, history of the site and bell each offer a different perspective on local church history.

Culture and Cycling Tours

At Stationshuset i Nossebro, railway history is presented through photographs and objects from the narrow-gauge railway era. You can also see how the stationmaster lived. Visiting arrangements may change, so check in advance if you plan to visit. Biograf Stjärnan in Nossebro shows films and live broadcasts of operas. It opened in the 1920s and has retained its retro style and original atmosphere despite modern technology. Check the current programme for a specific film or opera broadcast.

For cycling tours through Essunga Municipality, there is also Norra cykelturen in the northern part and Södra cykelturen in the southern part. Both pass through varied natural and cultural landscapes and are described as easy cycling tours. Södra cykelturen is about 45 kilometres long. By comparison, Essungaleden is a 12-kilometre loop starting in the centre of Nossebro that can be walked in its entirety. The route type, length and mode of travel can help you choose the right tour for your plans.

Discover more destinations: Nossebro, Härryda, Åmål, Svaneholm, Ale, Sunnersberg, Västerlanda, Mariestad.

For the broader travel overview: Västra Götaland.