Hällekis: Nature, harbor and industrial history on Kinnekulle

Hällekis is a starting point for mountain biking and water sports on Kinnekulle. The Hällekis–Trolmen hiking trail, Hellekis Nature Reserve and traces of early industry add further highlights. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hällekis, you can plan your trip around whether you want to focus on outdoor activities, nature or the area’s history.

Cycling, water and trails

Hällekis is a starting point for mountain biking on Kinnekulle and for water sports on Kinnekulle. This gives you two different activity options: cycling and water sports. The Hällekis–Trolmen hiking trail is another specific way to spend time outdoors. It runs partly along the shore of Lake Vänern, and hikers can swim at several spots along the way. The route therefore combines stretches along the shore with opportunities to swim.

The area’s proximity to the Kinnekulleleden may also be useful for orientation: Hällekis is about two kilometers from this trail. The town also has a train station and good parking facilities. Together with the Hällekis–Trolmen hiking trail, these offer different points of reference for planning, without implying that the two trails are the same.

Nature and scenery on Kinnekulle

Hellekis Nature Reserve is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas network. The reserve preserves mature pine trees that provide nesting opportunities for eagles, ospreys and other large birds of prey. The best way to reach the nature reserve is via the parking lot at Hällekis harbor.

Kinnekulle is also home to Stora Stenbrottet, a former limestone quarry that is 40 meters deep. The site combines a specific measurement with its former use as an extraction site. In the park at Hellekis Säteri, visitors can stroll among unusual deciduous trees, spacious flower beds and a rose garden. These are different points of interest for anyone who wants to consider both activities and landscapes and landscaped green spaces when planning a trip.

Industrial history and preserved sites

Hällekis developed as an industrial town alongside a cement industry established there by Hellekis Aktiebolag in the early 1890s. Cementa operated the industry for many years. Visible remains of around 40 lime kilns and slag heaps have been preserved in the former limestone works area. Today, a fitness trail runs through the former works area. Preserved traces of past activity therefore sit alongside a modern trail through the site.

Hönsäters kapell also has a clearly defined history: Hellekis Aktiebolag gave the chapel to the Österplana parish in 1913. Some of the furnishings from the old church in Österplana are still in the chapel today. These two details distinguish between the transfer of the building and the furnishings that remain there.

Crafts, museums and seasonal offerings

At Falkängarna, preserved workers’ cottages with craft shops form a visitor attraction. Falkängens Hantverksby comprises seven craft shops, two pop-up shops and a gallery featuring art exhibitions in the summer. There are also four museums in a historic former industrial setting. A municipal strategy revised in 2024 reports that Hantverksby receives around 70,000 visitors per year.

For a break, Hellekis Kök & Trädgårdscafé serves baked goods and wild garlic soup. The café’s opening is seasonal, so the time of year is relevant when planning a visit. The gallery’s summer art exhibitions and the seasonal food offering are two different examples of how the time of year can affect the activities available to visitors.

Harbor and practical information

Hönsäter Harbor in Hällekis lies in Sjöråsviken at the foot of Kinnekulle. It has around ten guest berths with fresh water and electricity, as well as parking spaces for motorhomes. Facilities and availability may change; check the latest information before your arrival. The train station and good parking facilities are also useful for getting around the town. Hällekis’s approximate distance from the Kinnekulleleden provides another point of reference for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Götene, Källby, Lundsbrunn.

Return to the main travel overview: Götene.