Discover Tidaholm: Industrial history and riverside scenery

Tidaholm combines the history of the match industry with a townscape shaped by the Tidan River. The river runs through the town, and most of the central parks are on its banks. At the museum, in the old forge and on the historic town walk, you can explore different aspects of the town’s history. There are also riverside paths, parks and activities at Hellidsberget, so you can combine culture and exercise to suit your travel interests.

Industrial history at the museum and forge

The Tidaholm Museum is housed in the former factory premises of Vulcan on Vulcanön. Its permanent exhibition explains how the Vulcan match factory and industrialisation shaped Tidaholm. The museum also tells the story of how Tidaholm developed as an industrial town, bringing together the town’s development and industrial history.

Vulcan’s old forge offers a different perspective on working life. This living industrial monument preserves a working environment from around 1900: food, tools and work surfaces show how people worked there. Blacksmithing courses are also held at the forge; availability may vary by season. In the museum’s C-Magazine, the exhibition “Cars from Tidaholms bruk” features nine surviving vehicles.

Tidaholm Art Gallery is also connected to the town’s industrial history: it is housed in a former turbine house built on the Tidan River in 1898. Changing art exhibitions are on display there in spring, summer and autumn. A visit combines a look at a historic building with contemporary art.

By the Tidan: riverside walk, parks and cultural heritage

Turbinhusön is a preserved cultural landscape on the banks of the Tidan in central Tidaholm. A long riverside promenade is part of its character. The Museistugan offers a glimpse of life in the 18th and 19th centuries in several furnished blacksmith cottages; the cottages can be visited in summer. Also on Turbinhusön, Handelsboden sells locally made products and handicrafts during the summer.

The historic town walk takes you through the stories, buildings and places of Tidaholm. Turbinhusön is one of its culturally and historically interesting stops. You can also get to know the island as part of a walk that explores different aspects of the town’s history.

At Bruksvilleparken, you can stroll along the Tidan, take a coffee break or use the barbecue area with its tables and seating. In summer, entertainment is held on the outdoor stage. Strandpromenaden runs between Östra Drottningvägen and the Tidan River; tall trees, lawns and plantings line the route.

Exercise and nature around Tidaholm

At Hellidsberget, Aktivitetsrundan is a 2.5-kilometre activity trail with twelve signs and exercises for children and adults. There is also an easy, ten-kilometre mountain bike loop. It starts at the trail centre by SISU-stugan. In winter, trails at Hellidsberget are prepared for cross-country skiing, depending on conditions and local operations.

Norra Rundan takes you through a different landscape of forests, open fields and pastures. Its varied wildlife includes grazing cows and rare bird species. If you want to fish in the Tidan in central Tidaholm, you need a fishing permit; check the current regulations before fishing.

Getting around and getting here

Visit Tidaholm is centrally located on Vulcanön and can be reached on foot. There you can get information about nature experiences, local culture, events and practical tips for your visit. For travel, Västtrafik line 302 connects Tidaholm and Falköping, while line 303 connects Tidaholm and Skövde. The timetables are valid until 12 December 2026; check the latest departures before travelling.

Discover more destinations:Tidaholm, Sunnersberg, Skövde, Töreboda, Alingsås, Grästorp, Dals-Ed, Sotenäs

For the full travel overview: Västra Götaland.