Götene: Nature, Trails and Culture

The municipality of Götene has a 50-kilometre stretch of shoreline along Lake Vänern. Most of the coastal areas are untouched by development, and nature experiences are possible both on the water and on land. Kinnekulle is also known for its natural features: the mountain is considered one of the few places in Sweden where an unusually large number of different natural habitats come together.

Hiking and landscapes through the seasons

The Kinnekulleleden, also known as the Kinnekulle hiking trail, runs through the area around Götene. The 48-kilometre trail is of moderate difficulty and is suitable for three days of hiking. Along the way, deciduous forest, flower-rich pastures, dense spruce forest and rocky sections alternate. There are several hiking trails in Munkängarna, and the Kinnekulle hiking trail also passes through the area. In early summer, wild garlic grows abundantly there, its leaves giving off a strong onion smell.

Martorpsfallet carries the most water in spring; during dry summer months, the waterfall can dry up completely. The path there passes former pastures that have since become overgrown and are now covered with forest featuring a variety of shrubs and trees. The scenery therefore changes with the seasons. Near Götene is also Stora Stenbrottet, a former limestone quarry 40 metres deep. Its exposed limestone strata reveal fossils of ancient marine animals. There are picnic tables, permanent barbecue areas and an outdoor toilet. As visitor facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit if needed.

Cycling on and around Kinnekulle

Vänerleden is a national cycle route around Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake; shorter cycling trips are also possible. Kinnekulle has mountain biking trails of five different lengths and difficulty levels, with options for beginners and experienced riders. Four of these trails start at Kinnekullegården. Note the local regulations: cycling on Kinnekulle is permitted only on the marked Kinnekulle hiking trail and on explicitly marked cycle routes at the summit.

Another option is the easy-to-ride, 33-kilometre cycling tour in Kinnekullebygden, which passes natural attractions and historic sites. This means there are several different ways to cycle: a route around Lake Vänern, shorter excursions, mountain biking trails of varying difficulty, and a tour through Kinnekullebygden.

Churches, local history and museums

Around Götene kyrka, the town’s early history as a church village and its agricultural surroundings are still evident. Some buildings from the old village settlement and the course of the historic main road through the town have been preserved. The town centre has numerous well-preserved buildings from the first half of the 20th century. Götene kyrka has retained much of its external appearance since it was built in the 12th century. Inside, the rib vaults and extensive 15th-century lime paintings on the walls and ceiling of the choir stand out. The Madonna in the north window and the altarpiece also date from this century.

The church can be reached on Västtrafik bus route 106 from Lidköping to Götene; get off at the Götene Västerbyvägen stop. As timetables may change, check the connection before travelling. Götene museum provides information about early Swedish history and the development of the municipality. Exhibits include late 19th-century photographs by Karl Johansson, described locally as Götene’s founder, as well as objects from the old farming society.

Near Götene, Forshems stenmuseum preserves funerary art spanning seven centuries. Works made from local sandstone and limestone from Kinnekulle include stone crosses, cross-slab gravestones, portrait gravestones and lily stones; they date from the 11th century to the late 18th century. Fullösa stenmuseum displays 12th-century Romanesque stone art in the porch of Fullösa kyrka. Also nearby is Husaby kyrka: its distinctive three-towered building dates from the 11th century and is considered Sweden’s first bishop’s church. Medieval wall paintings and objects from the Middle Ages are among its furnishings. The nearby ruins of Biskopsborgen in Husaby include a tower house, a stone circular wall, and adjoining timber-framed and brick buildings.

Art, walking trails and local products

Götene’s market square is home to Tina Frausin’s work “Helenas hus”: two blue houses that are softly illuminated in the evening, and a pond clad in limestone from Kinnekulle. For a walk in Götene, a footpath runs from Badhusparken along the Göteneån towards Lindplanteringen and the allotment gardens, where there is a walking path. There is an adventure playground for children of all ages at Solbacken.

Near Götene, Falkängens Hantverksby is set in an attractive historic former industrial environment. There are art and craft shops, a café and four museums. During the season, the craftspeople demonstrate their crafts several times. REKO-ringen Götene is a digital marketplace for local produce and food from the surrounding area. Examples of products offered there include potatoes, root vegetables, eggs, lamb products, beef, honey, bread, cheese and seasonal vegetables.

Bio Göta Lejon is located in Götasalen, in the basement of Centrumhuset at Torggatan 4. Films are usually shown on Wednesdays and Sundays; additional screenings at other times are often added. As the programme may change, check the current schedule if you are planning a cinema visit.

Discover more destinations: Hällekis, Lundsbrunn, Götene, Källby, Lysekil, Lerum, Gothenburg, Mölndal.

For the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.