Free activities

THE CULTURE QUARTER

In the Culture Quarter you can explore our historical exhibitions and learn more about Hjo, the wooden town and its time as a health resort. Temporary exhibitions throughout the year also highlight current themes, art and design. Young and old alike can get creative in the craft workshop, visit our library and tourist office, borrow computers, play games, read the newspaper, use free WiFi, enjoy a coffee or just hang out for a while. A vibrant part of town – all year round. And best of all – it’s completely free!

OUTDOOR CHESS

Challenge your family to a game of chess in Hjo City Park. On the Bellevue Terrace you’ll find a giant outdoor chess set, free to use.

OUTDOOR GYM

Located in the heart of Hjo City Park, this outdoor gym offers you the chance to work out in beautiful surroundings. Build strength, improve your fitness, flexibility and balance – no matter your previous experience.

HJO RIVER VALLEY NATURE RESERVE

Follow the riverside nature trail all the way from Hjo harbour up to Lake Mullsjön, just west of town. The walk is about four kilometres and offers wonderful nature experiences year-round. For a more tranquil outing, try the sculpture walk along the Hjo River. Between Ringvägen and Grebbans Mill, you'll meet animals and characters from storybooks – a lovely way to discover the nature reserve. Maps are available at the tourist office.

DISCOVER HJO BY BIKE

Explore Hjo on two wheels with our shorter cycling routes around the town. The route maps, available to buy at the tourist office, are easy to follow. The three tours are 14, 21 and 22 kilometres, each with different levels of difficulty. You can also download the maps online. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one. Visit the tourist information centre at the culture quarter for assistance.

OUTDOOR ART

Enjoy art outdoors around Hjo. A map showing the locations of the artworks is available, along with information about the artists and craftmakers featured in the Cultural Guide. You’ll find the guide at the tourist information centre and at participating artists’ studios.

EXPLORE THE WOODEN TOWN OF HJO

Hjo is one of five medieval towns in Skaraborg – over 600 years old! In 1990, Hjo was awarded the Europa Nostra Honourable Mention “...for the remarkable preservation of the wooden town of Hjo, which has helped retain its unique character and charm.”
Take a self-guided city walk to experience the beauty of Hjo at your own pace. Learn more about the town’s history at each stop as you stroll along charming cobbled streets, past leafy gardens and delightful wooden verandas. Come by the tourist information centre in the culture quarter for a free self-guide broschure available in English, German and Swedish. 

ACTION PARK

Start your day with a visit to the action park near Guldkrokshallen. Here you'll find both bowl and street-style areas with smooth transitions – ideal for inline skates, skateboards or scooters. Right next door is a sand court where the whole family can play beach handball, beach volleyball or a game of football. 

CENTRAL PLAYGROUNDS

There are two main playgrounds in Hjo’s town centre.
At the mouth of the Hjo River, with a view of Lake Vättern, you’ll find the “Boat” playground with playhouses, climbing frames and spring rockers.
The second central playground is in the historic Hjo City Park, right next to the outdoor gym – so kids and adults can play side by side. Check out the playground map here >>

GULDKROKSBADET

In the middle of the harbour lies Guldkroksbadet. Swim in the heated outdoor pool or take a dip directly in Lake Vättern from the sandy beach. The pool area also has a kiosk, changing rooms, a paddling pool and a play area for younger children. For all swimming in Hjo, check out this link >>

CYCLE AROUND LAKE VÄTTERN

The full Vättern Cycle Route stretches 411 kilometres, taking you along quieter roads through varied and scenic landscapes. The trail is marked with blue signs and can be combined with the Västgöta Trail and the Sweden Trail. Come see us at the tourist information centre for more information and maps.