Hjo: Wooden Architecture, Stadspark and Lake Vättern

You can get to know Hjo from many different perspectives: from the history of Stadspark and its well-preserved wooden architecture to trails, swimming spots and outdoor activities. This lets you choose between culture, nature and exercise during your stay, without any one theme defining the character of the town.

Park, wooden architecture and culture

Hjo Stadspark was established in the 1870s as the spa park of Hjo Vattenkuranstalt. In the summer of 2018, the park and its buildings became Hjo’s first listed buildings. These two milestones tell different stories about the town: its original function as a spa park and the later recognition of its buildings. If you are interested in Hjo’s history, this is a tangible starting point before turning your attention to the other cultural attractions.

Stadspark has tennis courts, mini golf, chess, a large playground and a free, illuminated outdoor gym. The options range from exercise on the courts to chess and outdoor play. Depending on your interests, you can plan to visit the park as a historic place or for its range of leisure activities.

Hjo’s well-preserved wooden architecture is also a distinctive part of its cultural heritage: it received a Europa Nostra Medal for the preservation of shared cultural heritage. Another cultural attraction is Kulturkvarteret Pedagogien. It has a library, exhibitions, tourist information and a cinema; spaces are also available for events, concerts and conferences. The Kvarterskvällar at Pedagogien are free public evenings that may include talks, exhibition openings and entertainment. As the individual programmes vary, check the dates if you would like to plan your visit around one of these evenings.

Trails, swimming and sauna

The Hjoån Valley is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Walking and cycling trails run throughout the area. You can also include trails through a protected landscape in your stay; choose whether to explore on foot or by bike based on your own plans.

Vättern, Guldkroken, is a sandy beach in the middle of Hjo harbour. The bathing area has changing rooms, bathing cabins available to rent and a wheelchair ramp down to Lake Vättern. If you plan to use any of these facilities during your visit, check the local information about the bathing area before you arrive.

Another option by the water is the Badhyttsbastun at Guldkroksbadet, where you can enjoy a sauna with views of Lake Vättern all year round. You can combine the sauna with a swim in the lake. So, alongside a beach visit, you can choose to enjoy a sauna and swim as one activity.

Leisure in Högaliden

The Högaliden outdoor recreation area offers year-round activities such as leisurely walks, running, mountain biking, disc golf and outdoor workouts. When there is snow, cross-country skiing and sledging are also available. This distinction between year-round activities and those that depend on snow is useful for planning: winter activities are subject to snow conditions.

The Högaliden MTB Arena starts at the clubhouse in the outdoor recreation area. Maps and signs help you find your way around the trails. The mountain bike trails vary in length and difficulty; developed areas include pump tracks, berms, bridges and jumps. These features give you specific points to consider when planning, without treating length, difficulty and technical elements as if they were the same.

Getting here and seasonal excursions

In summer, Ångaren Trafik services depart from Hjo harbour and travel to Visingsö, Vadstena and Hästholmen. As the service is seasonal, check the specific sailing dates if you would like to include a crossing in your stay. Hjo can also be reached by train via the nearby larger town of Skövde, followed by a bus from the station, or Resecentrum. As routes and timetables may change, it is a good idea to check current connections before travelling.

For a local food recommendation, the local food guide recommends Almnäs’ award-winning cheese. If you would like to include it in your travel plans, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Grevbäck, Hjo, Vara, Skara, Åmål, Tibro, Mellerud, Tranemo.

For the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.