Hjo: Wooden Town, City Park and Nature Trails

Hjo is one of Sweden’s best-preserved wooden towns. The historic wooden town follows a street layout dating from the late 14th century, centered around the medieval market square and the church. Stora torget has been the heart of Gamla staden for several centuries and is one of the country’s best-preserved older small-town squares. In 1990, Hjo received the Europa Nostra Medal of Honour for the remarkable preservation of a cohesive wooden town structure. Historic gateways, courtyard buildings and wooden houses remain along Hamngatan and Långgatan. The square, street layout and individual historic buildings each reveal different aspects of the town’s history.

Church, City Park and Kulturkvarteret

Hjo’s present-day stone church was built towards the end of the 18th century, retaining the existing floor plan. Despite later changes, the church interior has preserved its late Gustavian character. The building’s history can therefore be read both in its basic form and in the design of its interior.

The City Park also has a long history: landscape architect Johan Joseph Sternemann designed it in 1877. Towards the end of the 19th century, it was home to Hjo Vattenkuranstalt, a health resort that was then one of the leading facilities of its kind in inland Sweden. The City Park and its buildings were granted special protected status in 2018, as the site is believed to be one of the best-preserved of its kind in inland Sweden. Its design, former use and current protected status make the park a chapter in Hjo’s history in its own right.

Kulturkvarteret Pedagogien hosts rotating and permanent exhibitions throughout the year. The building was formerly Hjo samrealskola, which operated from 1898 to 1964. A visit to Kulturkvarteret therefore connects the town’s school history with exhibitions exploring different themes throughout the year.

Trails and nature in the Hjoån Valley

The Hjoån Valley is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Walking and cycling paths run throughout the valley. One specific hiking option is “Hjo’s Jungle”: this easy route is about 4 kilometres long and leads from Hjo harbour to Stämmorna on Lake Mullsjön. Along the way, it follows the Hjoån stream through deciduous forest, ravines and open clearings. When planning your visit, you can distinguish this short, easy-rated hike from the trails that extend throughout the valley.

Sport fishing is permitted in the lower section of the Hjoån. The rules of the protected area apply, along with any required permits. Hjo Tourist Information sells fishing permits and also books admission tickets and guided tours. If you’re planning to fish, you can ask there about the appropriate fishing permit as well as other booking options.

Harbour, sauna and seasonal boat services

Guldkroksbadet is centrally located at Hjo harbour. The Badhyttsbastun at Guldkroksbadet offers sauna sessions with views of Lake Vättern throughout the year. A private beach hut can be rented year-round at Hjo’s beach bathing area. These offers have different focuses: the Badhyttsbastun combines the sauna with lake views, while the beach hut can be rented for a stay at the bathing area.

The S/S Trafik is also part of the harbour’s history and seasonal offerings. The steamship was built in 1892 for the route between Hjo and Hästholmen. Today, it has been fully restored, is listed as a protected vessel and is classified as a heritage ship. In summer, it sails from Hjo harbour to Visingsö, Vadstena and Hästholmen. If you’re planning a trip, check the timetable in advance, as the service is seasonal.

Local brewing tradition and getting here

Hjo Bryggeri has been brewing Svagdricka using a traditional recipe since 1926. Today, it is Sweden’s only wood-fired brewery.

Bus 402 takes you from Resecentrum in Skövde to Hjo in about 40 minutes. Check the timetable before you leave so you can plan for the approximate journey time and choose a suitable departure.

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