Discover Grästorp

Medieval, Neo-Romantic and Art Nouveau elements come together at Grästorps kyrka. Elsewhere in Grästorp, churches, trails by the Nossan and landscapes also tell different stories about the area. You can shape your stay around cultural heritage, nature or outdoor activities—or combine these themes.

Walking trails and nature by the Nossan

Two promenades offer a clear comparison in terms of distance and route. The “Forshallspromenaden” route forms an approximately four-kilometre stretch of Västgötaleden. It follows the Nossan towards Forshall and passes a nature reserve with numerous flower and tree species. Forshalls Naturpark offers riverside nature; in spring, asp spawn in the Nossan at Forshall. There is also a recreation area around Forshall waterfall, with opportunities for fishing.

The “Tengenepromenaden” route is shorter, at approximately 3.3 kilometres, and runs along the eastern bank of the Nossan. It starts at the Ågatan-Ängsvägen intersection near Johanneberg, connects to Rönnvägen and Hallonvägen, and leads to Tengene kyrka. The Nossan offers opportunities for coarse fishing between Forshall and Tengene. This gives you a choice of different river stretches and route lengths for a walk, without confusing the two routes.

Skubbet also combines exercise and nature: it has a 2.4-kilometre floodlit running track and a 5.2-kilometre training track. The forest has areas for walks and nature experiences such as mushroom picking; old trees and hollows support rich wildlife. Grästorps Mountainbikespår has routes of 4.5 and 7 kilometres, with the longer route extending the shorter one. There is a barbecue shelter at the start and finish area, with a view over the pump track.

Churches, history and culture

The churches offer different historical connections. At Tengene kyrka, original features date from the early Middle Ages. Its furnishings include a Romanesque sandstone baptismal font from the 12th century, decorated with a tree of life and animal figures, as well as a lily stone from the same period. A runestone is built into the north-eastern chancel wall of Ås kyrka; its inscription dates from the second half of the 11th century. A runestone and a bautastone stand in the cemetery at Flo kyrka, and there has been a church at the present site since the Middle Ages. A runestone from the 11th century stands outside the southern cemetery wall at Sal kyrka.

Fridhems kyrka also preserves various historical objects: a bell from the mid-14th century, a large bell from 1772, and a baptismal font made from two sandstone bowls dating from the 12th century. Hyringa gamla kyrkplats is situated on a prominent ridge of hills and gravel, with views over the surrounding landscape. The site may have been used as a pre-Christian place of worship and burial before the church was built—a possible historical interpretation, not a confirmed fact.

The collection at Särestads Landsbygdsmuseum includes more than 3,000 objects and tools. Exhibits show historical rural household practices such as dairy processing, baking, butchery and crafts. The museum also has an 18th-century sheep shelter, described as the only one of its kind in Sweden. Holkkvarnen was moved in the 1920s by the local heritage association Åse och Viste Hembygdsförening from Bransölet in Särestad to Marknadsberget, and restored in 1950. It is one of the few mills now located outside Skansen.

Platåbergens Geopark became Sweden’s first UNESCO Global Geopark in 2022. It explores the connections between geology, biology and cultural history. You can also learn more about geology at Lilla Bergaparken, a family activity park in central Grästorp.

Birdlife, leisure and local treats

Dättern is a shallow, nutrient-rich lake bay connected to Vänern and Brandsfjorden via Frugårdssundskanalen. It is an important area for migrating and breeding birds. A birdwatching tower stands at Sjöryd in Dättern Nature Reserve. For planning your nature outings, the area combines a distinctive landscape with a specific place to explore birdlife.

Other leisure activities include swimming and playing in the pools at Lunnevibadet. Swimming lessons and water aerobics are also offered there; schedules may vary. Ekarnas GK offers beginner courses that lead to the Swedish Green Card, or Gröna Kortet. The Nossan flows through the golf course on its way to Vänern.

For everyday culture, Kulturhuset Grästorp has a café, a library and free cultural evenings featuring talks, exhibitions and concerts. Grästorps Konserthus offers cinema, theatre and concerts. At Lilla Konstgården, you can visit Kristiina’s open studio and see works by her and other Swedish artists. A short art walk leads through the surrounding forest; at selected times, visitors can also create their own works using watercolours and clay.

Mäjens makes ice cream using locally produced ingredients and seasonal flavours. The range also includes homemade meringues, pastries, cakes and bread. One special event is the Nossan Ljusfestival, held annually in Grästorp since 2007. For one week, areas around the Nossan are illuminated. The programme includes a troll forest for children, a haunted forest, and entertainment and music on several stages; individual events may vary between editions. Check the dates if you want to plan your trip around the festival.

Grästorp has commuter connections to larger cities in the region. If you are planning a connection for your trip, check travel times and timetables separately. When choosing your hotel, you could first consider whether you would rather spend your days on the trails by the Nossan, exploring cultural history or attending an event.

Discover more destinations: Grästorp, Falköping, Stenungsund, Mellerud, Lerum, Dals-Ed, Tjörn, Lysekil.

Back to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.