Vårgårda: Cycling Routes, Nature Reserves and History

The municipality of Vårgårda has six nature reserves of varying sizes. Well-preserved agricultural landscapes, with impressive stone walls, prehistoric fields and other historic traces of cultivation, also show how closely nature and past land use are connected here. Cycling routes, nature reserves and traces from different eras give your trip a variety of themes.

Cycling and choosing a route

The regional cycling route Ljungleden passes through the municipality and is 170 kilometres long in total, running from Gothenburg to Falköping. A shorter route is “Roadtrip i Utvandrarnas spår”: it is about 60 kilometres long and can be travelled by bicycle or car. Along the way, you can visit several filming locations from the 2021 Utvandrar film. The different route lengths and the choice between bicycle and car make these two clearly distinct options for planning your trip.

Västtåget stops at several places along Ljungleden. Bicycles may be taken on board, subject to available space. Check the train and bicycle transport conditions before your trip. Kesberget Bikepark offers around ten different downhill runs; operating conditions may vary depending on the season and weather. An exhibition about the four Fåglum cycling brothers tells the story of the brothers who conquered the world of cycling.

Trails through natural and cultural landscapes

The “Nature and Cultural Trail” circular route introduces Vårgårda’s natural and cultural history. Along the trail there are rest areas, benches and information boards, including at Tumberg, Flaskeberget and Kyllingsån. There is also an approximately four-kilometre walking trail in the archaeological area of Hols gärde and Hols hed. The area is the largest and most significant prehistoric monument area in the Säveån valley.

At Mängsholm in the parish of Siene, the oak pastures are among the largest and most beautiful in the county. The Säveån flows through Mängsholm Nature Reserve. At Yxnås Nature Reserve, cultivation, mowing and grazing preserve the character of a historic smallholding landscape that was intensively farmed. At the centre of the reserve is an old soldiers’ cottage. Visitors can enter it and sign the guestbook; check access information before your trip.

Ljungås Nature Reserve includes a forester’s cottage dating from the 19th century. The Ljungåsrummet is also located there and is open to visitors at all times. Check access information before your trip.

Archaeology and regional history

The first church in Södra Härene is believed to have been built in the 13th century. The church in Södra Härene was looted and burned down in 1612 by Danish soldiers fighting for Kristian IV during the Kalmar War. At Jättakullen, the Södra Härene stone cist is considered the largest stone cist in the Nordic region; it is believed to be up to 4,000 years old.

Vårgårda Museum presents the history of Vårgårda from 8,000 BC to the present day. It is housed in Tumberg’s former elementary school. The Nårungabygdens Mission History Museum tells a different regional story: it focuses on the revival movement and its influence on the region. Advance booking is required for a visit; check access information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Vårgårda, Dals Rostock, Sotenäs, Grästorp, Mellerud, Bengtsfors, Herrljunga, Nödinge-Nol.

Back to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.