Mark: Hiking Trails, Waterfalls and Textile History

Mark is characterized by deep forests, shimmering lakes and winding gravel paths. In the Ramsholmen Nature Reserve, walks take you through a varied cultural landscape of oak pastures and grazing land, with views of Lake Öresjön along the way.

Hiking Trails, Lakes and Viewpoints

From the summit of Hyltenäs kulle, you can enjoy far-reaching views across the surrounding landscape. A three-kilometre hiking trail starts there, following Lake Öresjön through a leafy mixed forest; along the way, there are wind shelters and a place to swim. The route to Hyltenäs kulle is signposted from Highway 41 near Sundholmen; from Kinna or Skene, get there via Örby and Torestorp. Check the current signs before setting off.

The Ramhultafallet Nature Reserve stretches for just over 1.2 kilometres along the northwestern shore of Lake Lygnern. The waterfall is over 50 metres high and is described as one of Sweden’s highest waterfalls. The reserve has gravel paths, platforms near the waterfall and an accessible viewpoint. From Sätila, drive about four kilometres towards Fjärås, then follow the signs from Fjäråsvägen; check the directions before your visit. There is a car park in the lower area for people with disabilities and families with pushchairs.

Hikes with Different Route Profiles

The Flohult Trail is 6.6 kilometres long, suitable for pushchairs and starts at the Lygnevi sports ground. In Rydal, an eight-kilometre trail loops around Lake Mjögasjön. Soft moss, views of the lake and sturdy tree trunks characterize the route. These trails offer different landscape experiences: the Flohult Trail is suitable for pushchairs, while the route around Lake Mjögasjön circles the lake.

For longer hikes, there are trails with significantly different distances to choose from. The Hyssnaleden is 40 kilometres long and runs through Mark Municipality in southern Västsverige; in the Stomsås Nature Reserve, it passes through beech forests. The 50-kilometre Kurirleden runs from Örestens fästning outside Örby to Kinnahus in Östra Frölunda. Its name comes from a route that may have existed 600 to 700 years ago, along which couriers rode with mail between the two fortresses. At 18 kilometres, the Viskastigen falls between these two lengths. It runs from Agnbäck in the south to Öresten just before Skene in the north, partly following a medieval road that led from Halland through Västergötland and on to the capital.

Textile History in Rydal

Rydal’s industrial character is considered to be of national interest. The workers’ housing, schoolhouse, director’s residence, power station and spinning mill have been preserved; some buildings are also listed. Rydals Museum is located in Sweden’s best-preserved spinning mill complex and offers exhibitions in a historic industrial setting. The permanent exhibition TEXTIL MARK presents the history of Rydal and the textile district of Mark through projections, animation, sound and lighting design, and interactive elements. Check the current opening hours before your visit.

A signposted 750-metre historical trail explores the history of the area’s people and buildings; some sections are adapted for accessibility. Rydal also has a natural area with several hiking trails, as well as opportunities for swimming, fishing and canoeing. This means historical insights and outdoor activities are available as different options for planning your day.

Explore Mark by Bicycle

Förläggargårdsturen is a cultural and historical cycling tour through the textile heritage landscape of Sjuhärad. Hyssnaturen is 38 kilometres long and passes through open plains and deep forests around Kinna, Rydal and Hyssna. A 41-kilometre cycling loop goes through Torestorp, Älekulla and Öxabäck; the tour is characterized by beautiful views, tranquil countryside and rich cultural history. Around twenty signs along Ekleden provide information about the area’s nature, culture, people and history.

A seasonal option is Hittaut in Mark: use a paper map or the app to find checkpoints for free. The activity can be done on foot, running, by bicycle or in a wheelchair, and is open around the clock. Check the current edition and checkpoint map before taking part.

Discover more destinations: Istorp, Björketorp, Horred, Hyssna, Kinna, Sätila, Torestorp, Älekulla, Öxabäck, Fritsla, Tostared, Hajom, Fotskäl, Skephult.

For the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.