Gullspång: River Landscapes, Hiking Trails and Culture

The Gullspång River flows through Gullspång, connecting Lakes Skagern and Vänern. The destination offers nature reserves and hiking trails, as well as cultural attractions and summer events. You can plan your time around a range of interests, from routes through nature to a visit to Hova or a look at the region’s history.

Hova: A jousting week with historical roots

Hova Riddarvecka has been an annual summer tradition since 1990. The event centres on the historic Battle of Hova, fought in 1275. During the festival week, Hova hosts events including jousting tournaments, and the programme also features a medieval village with craft stalls. Individual events may vary. Food options include cabbage soup and “galen galt” at Ladulås lada; the annual food selection may also vary. Check current event dates and the programme before your trip.

Timber church and cultural history

The reconstructed Södra Råda timber church represents one of Sweden’s best-preserved medieval timber churches. Its magnificent murals date from the 14th and 15th centuries, and the church was reconstructed using medieval methods. The old church site and permanent outdoor exhibitions are open for independent visits year-round. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays in summer; exact times may vary by season.

The Frans G Bengtsson Memorial Library displays books from the author’s personal collection, his rustic desk, and original letters and work notes. A visit offers a different perspective on cultural history from the church’s architecture and paintings.

Hiking trails and nature reserves

Högsåsen Nature Reserve has marked hiking trails ranging from 1.2 to 10 kilometres. The range of trail lengths makes it easy to choose a route that suits your preferred distance. Högsåseberg reaches 216 metres above sea level; on clear days, Billingen and Kinnekulle can be seen.

Folkeberg Nature Reserve has a marked 1.6-kilometre hiking loop through a forest of very old trees. The reserve also contains a well-preserved Bronze Age cairn. There is a picnic area at Kvarnfallet, as well as a starting point for trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The trails pass remains of the charcoal-burning tradition, including a charcoal-burning platform and a charcoal burner’s hut.

In Gullspång, Hälsans stig is an accessible three-kilometre hiking loop. The route starts and ends at Dressinparken; Gullspång bus station is across the street. For local tips and inspiration on exploring the area, contact the InfoPoints in Gullspång Municipality.

River, fishing and waterside activities

The salmon ladder in Gullspång can be visited year-round. The best opportunities for viewing are usually during the salmon and trout spawning season in October and November. An information board explains the site, and tables and benches provide a place for a picnic. Wild Gullspång salmon and trout depend on spawning grounds in the Stora and Lilla Åråsforsarna.

Fishing for several species using various sport-fishing methods is possible in Lake Vänern year-round. Check fishing rules and protected areas before setting out. Vänern Outdoor offers kayak rentals, courses, and guided and self-guided tours in Gullspång Municipality. Rental and tour availability may vary by season; check before making plans.

Disc golf, bike park and rail-bike route

Getryggens Activity Park has a 12-hole disc golf course and an easier six-hole course. The park also includes a bike park with downhill and technical trails, pump tracks and MTB trails. Golf enthusiasts will find the nine-hole Ribbingsfors golf course in a manor estate landscape by Lake Skagern.

Trelänsbanan is a 38-kilometre rail-bike route from Gullspång via Konsterud in southern Kristinehamn to Degerfors. Seasonal booking details may vary; check them before making plans. The rail-bike house in Gullspång is about a 200-metre walk from the bus station.

Explore more places

Explore more places: Gullspång, Hova, Gårdsjö, Otterbäcken, Skagersvik, Södra Torp.

Discover more destinations: Svenljunga, Tidaholm.

Back to the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.