Håcksvik: Church Art, Pilgrim Trails and Nature

If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Håcksvik, the local themes offer a clear direction: historic church art, pilgrim trails and landscapes in the northern part of the Fegen nature area. First consider whether cultural history, a longer hiking stage or the water will be the focus of your travel plans. The places and routes below offer concrete points of reference.

Klockaregården and the Bonad Paintings

Klockaregården is home to unique southern Swedish bonad paintings. Their history is closely connected to a room still found there today: in 1848, Sven Erlandsson painted its walls with 33 panels depicting biblical themes. The paintings are permanently attached to the walls. They are therefore an integral part of the room’s design, rather than a collection of individual, movable pictures.

For those interested in culture, this connection between artist, year and picture panels provides a concrete point of reference: the themes are specifically biblical, and the wall paintings are permanently connected to the room. Alongside the church, Klockaregården is a distinct point of reference for Håcksvik’s cultural heritage.

Church History and a Possible Interpretation

Håcksvik Church was rebuilt in wood in the Neoclassical style in 1826, after its medieval predecessor had deteriorated. The church houses one of two surviving copies of a commemorative publication sent to Swedish congregations to mark the centenary of the 1693 Uppsala Resolution. The resolution and the publication connect the church interior with a specific historical commemoration.

The tower also offers a historical point of reference: it may originally have served as a defensive tower when the former border with Denmark temporarily ran along the Stångån. This is only a possibility. The river also shapes the landscape around Håcksvik, as the Stångån winds extensively through the area.

Hiking Trails and the Landscape around Fegen

The 49-kilometre Pilgrimsleden Kindaholm connects the churches of Kalv, Håcksvik, Östra Frölunda and Mårdaklev. Two stages are particularly useful for planning: Kalv–Håcksvik is 17 kilometres long, and Håcksvik–Östra Frölunda is 14 kilometres. The first stage is therefore three kilometres longer than the second. Along the way, you’ll experience a historic hike through beech forest, agricultural landscapes and spruce forest, as well as alongside Lake Fegen.

Another route option is Kindaholmsturen, which leads to Håcksvik along a route of about nine kilometres. Its approximate distance should be distinguished from the precisely stated stages of the Pilgrimsleden. Håcksvik’s location in the northern part of the Fegen nature area and the winding course of the Stångån give the landscape additional character. Alongside the churches and their stories, the river, forests, agricultural surroundings and lake offer different ways to experience nature in the area.

Industrial History, Canoe Routes and a Bathing Area

At Kvarnagården, the Mårtensson brothers ran a furniture workshop from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. On certain occasions during the summer, the local heritage association operates the machinery there and shows what the business used to look like. Since demonstrations take place only on specific occasions, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates in advance.

A campsite system for canoe routes south from Håcksvik and Östra Frölunda is available; the routes are checked regularly. Check the local rules before setting off. The Skäremosjön bathing area in Håcksvik has a barbecue and a lifebuoy, as well as a sandy beach and a small grassy area. As facilities may change, it’s sensible to check the current details shortly before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Överlida, Mjöbäck, Hillared, Svenljunga, Sexdrega, Kalv, Mårdaklev, Holsljunga

Go to the main travel overview: Svenljunga.