Hillared: Around Såken, Nature and History

The 18-kilometre Såken runt circular trail runs around Lake Såken in Hillared. There are swimming spots along the route. If you choose the trail for a day of hiking, consider the terrain as well as the total distance: some sections have significant elevation changes or steep stretches.

Hiking by Såken: The Circular Trail and Detours

At the start of the circular trail, you can see the remains of an old hydroelectric plant used by the Almedal factories. A detour from Sågviken leads to glacial potholes formed during the Ice Age. A detour to the northwest leads to old clearance cairns, beech forest and oak trees near Hagö. Along the way, you will encounter traces of past land use as well as geological and landscape features.

When planning, it helps to distinguish between the swimming spots along the route and the destinations specifically described as detours. The information about steep stretches is also relevant when deciding how to time your hike; no specific walking time is given.

Historic Buildings and Traces of the Past

Nättlegården is a donated smoke cottage cared for by Hillareds Hembygdsförening. The building was moved from old Nättlebo to its current location. Its western loft area is an approximate copy of a part of the building that was demolished in the early 20th century. There is also an authentic shoemaker’s workshop in a building next to Nättlegården.

Hillareds Kyrka is a medieval church dating from the 12th century. For a time, it served as both a church and a defensive structure. Another kind of historical trace can be found in Läggared in Hillared, where there is an area with well-preserved archaeological remains. Together, these places offer different perspectives on Hillared’s history: a historic building that has been relocated and is cared for, a medieval church and archaeological remains.

Swimming, Fishing and Cycling

There are swimming spots along Såken runt. Hösjön lies south of the built-up area of Hillared, just east of Läggared. The swimming spot there has a dry toilet, barbecue area, benches and a jetty. At the Hagö nature reserve, there is a wind shelter for overnight stays in the outdoors.

Fishing is another option in the area: there are several places along the Ätran where you can fish for trout and fish in flowing water. The Forsa–Veka fishing stretch runs from the area below the outlet from Åsunden at Forsa Mill in Dannike to the remains of the mill dam at Veka in Hillared. If you are interested in a cycling trip, you could consider the Sjuhäradrundan cycle route, which passes through the area around Hillared.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

For Såken runt, the most convenient parking is in Hillared or just north of the village; Sågviken harbour is one example. There are bus services to Hillared from Svenljunga and Borås. The Solvägen bus stop is 900 metres from the trail. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Håcksvik, Östra Frölunda, Mårdaklev, Svenljunga, Mjöbäck, Örsås, Holsljunga, Överlida

Go to the main travel overview: Svenljunga.