Discover Lugnås: millstone history and hiking trails

Millstone history and church

There are several points of interest to consider when planning a stay in Lugnås: the history of millstone quarrying, guided tours in the mine and trails on Lugnåsberget. Lugnås kyrka was built from sandstone blocks in the early Middle Ages. A millstone industry shaped the landscape of Lugnåsberget and operated from 1147 to 1918. Qvarnstensgruvan opened to visitors and tourists in 1933.

Guided tours are offered inside the mine at Qvarnstensgruvan. From the car park, a 700-metre footpath crosses a leafy sheep pasture to the mine. The site also includes a museum and a small café. The museum features small exhibitions about working life, geology and bats; the café serves homemade cinnamon buns, waffles, coffee and locally made ice cream. If you plan to take the tour and stop for refreshments, check the current opening times in advance.

Landscape around Lugnåsberget

From Lugnåsberget, the view stretches far towards Kinnekulle, Billingen and Lake Vänern. The protected areas also offer contrasting landscapes. Klosterängen is part of the EU network of protected Natura 2000 sites and lies on the western side of Lugnåsberget, about one kilometre north of Lugnås kyrka. The Lugnås gamla byäng nature reserve is near the summit, just southwest of the church. Its species-rich deciduous and coniferous forest has high conservation value. Oak is the most common tree there; maple, lime and ash also grow in the area.

Trails and geological themes

The Stenhuggarstigen is about six kilometres long and passes through varied natural and cultural landscapes. Signs along the trail provide information about old quarries, village squares, geology, and plant and animal life. The route combines a clearly stated distance with themes from cultural and natural history. Another option is Kvarnstensvandringen: this ten-kilometre hike crosses Lugnåsberget and takes place every year in May. If you are planning a trip for it, check the dates for the relevant year.

On the Lugnås Geologiska Vandring, you can visit three geological information points from the car park at Lugnås kyrka. The Biosfärleden also has a clear connection to the mountain: its seventh stage ends at the church after climbing Lugnåsberget. As trail conditions can change, it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out. The Pilgrimsleden passes through the surrounding area between Mariestad and Kinnekulle via Lugnåsberget.

The wider region

In the area around Lugnås, Lugnåsberget is Västergötland’s smallest table mountain. It is part of Platåbergens Geopark, Sweden’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, designated together with 14 other table mountains in Västergötland. This brings local cultural and geological themes into a broader landscape context when planning a trip. Depending on whether you are more interested in mining history, geological information or hiking, you can choose from different areas of focus.

Discover more destinations: Lyrestad, Ekby, Mariestad, Torsö, Sjötorp.

Return to the main travel overview: Mariestad.