Hjo's Jungle
Hjo

Easy walk, approximately 4 km, from Hjo Harbour to Stämmorna, Lake Mullsjön

Would you like to explore Hjo's very own jungle? The Hjoån Valley is a green and family-friendly nature trail in the heart of Hjo, where you can follow the stream through lush woodland, flowing water and fascinating surroundings. Wander along winding paths through a leafy ravine, past old mills and beside the water's edge. Just a few minutes from the town centre, you'll find yourself in a completely different world.

What is Hjo's Jungle?

The Hjoån Valley – or "Hjo's own jungle", as locals often call it – is a scenic walk that takes you from Hjo Harbour through the lush Hjoån Valley Nature Reserve towards Lake Mullsjön.

Along the way, you'll follow the small Hjoån stream through deciduous woodland, ravines and open clearings – a landscape that feels both wild and welcoming at the same time.

This is the perfect route for anyone looking to combine a nature experience with an easy walk, especially families with children who enjoy exploring as they go.

A simple outing in nature that feels like a small adventure.

PRINTABLE MAP

How does the walk work?

Start in central Hjo by the Hjoån stream.
Follow the signs marked "Nature Trail".
Walk as far as you like and turn back whenever it suits you.

You can walk the entire route or choose a shorter section – it's easy to adapt to suit your family.

How does the Hjoån Valley become a natural playground?

The Hjoån Valley is more than just a walk – it's a place to discover together.

Here, nature becomes a playground where children and adults can move freely, explore and use their imagination. Along the trail there are plenty of opportunities to stop and turn the walk into something more than just a stroll.

For example, you can:

Balance your way across logs and stones
Look for plants, trees and birds along the trail
Play hide-and-seek in the woodland
Stop for a picnic beside the stream
Discover historic mills such as Grebban Mill

This makes the walk an experience where every step can become a small adventure.

Why choose Hjo's Jungle?

This walk combines the best of two worlds:

Easy access from the town centre
The feeling of being surrounded by nature

For families, it's an easy way to spend time outdoors without having to plan a longer excursion.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the walk start?

The trail begins by the Hjoån stream in central Hjo. Free parking and public toilets are available at Kulturkvarteret Pedagogien, close to the start of the route.

Do I have to walk the entire route?

No. The trail is easy to adapt to your needs. You can walk the full 4 km route to Lake Mullsjön or choose a shorter section and return the same way.

Is the trail suitable for children?

Yes. The trail is family-friendly and offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature along the way. Some sections include steps, slopes and uneven ground, so younger children may need assistance.

Are there any picnic or rest areas?

There are several pleasant spots along the trail where you can stop for a break, enjoy a picnic or simply listen to the flowing water. Benches and natural resting places can be found at various points along the route.

What time of year can I walk the trail?

The trail can be enjoyed all year round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and abundant birdlife, while autumn brings beautiful colours to the valley. Conditions may vary during winter depending on weather and snow.

History with every step

A walk along the Hjoån stream is more than a nature experience – it is also a journey through Hjo's history.

For nearly a thousand years, the stream and its valley have played an important role in the town's development. Early on, the area served as a harbour and anchorage. Later, mills, workshops and industries grew up along the water. As dams and industrial buildings gradually disappeared, the valley regained its lush green character – but traces of the past can still be found throughout the landscape.

To deepen your experience along the trail:

Explore the information boards located along the route

It adds another dimension to the walk, where nature and history meet step by step.

Fact about the trail

Approximately 4 km from Hjo Harbour to Lake Mullsjön.

You can easily choose a shorter section and return the same way.

Approximately 1 hour.

The Hjoån Valley is a green corridor that follows the Hjoån stream through the entire town, from Lake Vättern and the harbour up to Lake Mullsjön. It is an important part of Hjo's natural environment and offers an unusually varied landscape, including dense deciduous woodland, open spaces and flowing water.

The valley is also a popular recreation area for both residents and visitors. Here, nature, history and accessibility come together, making it easy to experience the outdoors right in the heart of town.

Before you set off

Wear comfortable footwear – surfaces vary along the route
Bring water and something to eat
Keep children under supervision on steeper sections
Adapt the length of your walk according to weather and energy levels

The Right of Public Access

Sweden's Right of Public Access applies within nature reserves, although additional local regulations may apply to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats. It is your responsibility to check the rules in place, which may include restrictions on fires, camping or dogs.

The Right of Public Access in the Hjoån Valley Nature Reserve

Special regulations: Please check the information boards at the reserve entrance.

Camping: Not permitted within the reserve.

Open fires: Strictly prohibited throughout the reserve.

Dogs: Must be kept on a lead at all times.

Plants and wildlife: Several protected species live here. Please do not break branches or pick flowers.

You will mainly be cycling on gravel roads, where there may be some traffic, occasionally including tractors. There is a moderate amount of traffic on the paved country road. For a safer ride, feel free to dismount when vehicles pass. On our printer-friendly map, you can see the types of roads you will be cycling on.

The route is marked throughout with wooden signs labelled "Nature Trail", guiding visitors from Hjo Harbour to Stämmorna by Lake Mullsjön.

Easy walking, although some sections include hills and steps.

Most of the route follows woodland paths
Some sections include stairs and steeper passages
Uneven ground occurs in places
Suitable for most visitors, although extra care may be needed with younger children

The trail is easy to follow and suitable for both shorter outings and longer walks.

Please note that the route is not suitable for pushchairs, walking frames or wheelchairs.

Begin and end your walk at the car park behind Kulturkvarteret Pedagogien.

Free long-term parking is available, making it easy to leave your car for the day.

Public transport

You can travel to Hjo by bus (routes 402 and 405). Public transport in the Västra Götaland region is operated by Västtrafik.

Travelling with a bicycle on board? Read more here >>

By car

Hjo is easy to reach by car. The town is located approximately:

40 minutes north of Jönköping
30 minutes east of Skövde
Just under 2 hours south of Örebro

Toilets

Free public toilets are available at Kulturkvarteret Pedagogien. Additional public toilets are available throughout Hjo all year round.

For a map of public toilets, see here >>