Nature Experiences
The nature in Skaraborg is varying - you will not less than two national parks, beautiful coastal areas and bewitching forests. Where do you want to go?
Lake Hornborga
Lake Hornborga is mostly known for the large amount of cranes that stay at the south west end of the lake each spring, on their way to their breeding grounds. The lake is one of Europe’s most important bird lakes. You will also find a visitor center in the east of the lake in a building standing on pillars in the water. Lake Hornborga is an approximately 4000 hectare large nature reserve.
Högsåsen nature reserve
Högsåsen is a small nature reserve as far north in west Sweden as you can come. Walk on trails of a varying length and terrain. The nature has a great variation and an enchanting vibe.
Hjoån’s Dalgång nature reserve
The valley of the river Hjoån is a nature reserve in the middle of the town Hjo. The nature trail along the river was one of the most important transport distances in Hjo during the medieval times. Along the walking trail you can visit several beautiful spots, such as Grebbans mill and its waterfall. When the brown trout is playing during the fall you can participate in organized brown trout safaris.
Tiveden national park
The adventure awaits in the national park Tiveden! Experience enchantingly beautiful nature charachterized by mighty boulders, deep mossy valleys and steep mountain ridges. Hike, bike or ride on your own between the lakes and the sights or go on a guided tour.
Photographer: Tiveden Flyfish
Hindens rev nature reserve
Hindens rev outside of Lidköping is a five kilometer long remain from the ice age, that goes straight out in lake Vänern. Follow the walking trail all the way out to the tip of the reef, or go for a swim at the beautiful swimming spot at the foot of the reef.
Gullspång’s nature reserve
Follow the river Gullspångsälven on a 9 kilometer walk towards Åråsviken in lake Vänern. This is the only place in the world where the unique Gullspång salmon plays naturally. You can see different traces from wild animals such as beaver and moose along the way. The distance is easy to walk.
Djurö national park
Djurö national park is an archipelago of 35 islands in lake Vänern. If you have your own boat there are several nice natural harbors to anchor at. During the summer you can go on organized boat trips to the national park, some of them in combination with hiking or paddling. Accommodation with a simple standard is available for booking in two different houses on the main island.
Hökensås nature reserve
Hökensås is a piece of well preserved wilderness with great natural values, deep forests and peaceful tranquility. In some places the nature is as close to wilderness as you can come – a Swedish Lapland in miniature. The sparse pine tree forest and the large amount of lakes makes the area popular for hiking, biking and fishing.
Photographer: Tobias Andersson
Prästberget
Walk through the decidious forest along the shores of lake Örlen. Prästberget is a beautiful place where the ground is covered with liverleaf, cowslip and lily of the valley during springtime. Bring your
Valle
On the west side of the table mountain Billingen you can visit a came landscape with rolling hills. During the spring the area bathes in white cherry blossoms, and you can explore no less than six different nature reserves.
Photographer: Mårten Bergqvist
Silverfallet Karlsfors nature reserve
Several beautiful waterfalls flow over the mountain edge of the table mountain Billingen at Silverfallet Karlsfors. Some are higher and more dramatic while others are lower and more peaceful. In the area there are remains of old industry, and the walking trail Billingeleden passes nearby.
Kinnekulle
Large parts of the table mountain Kinnekulle consists of nature reserves with valuable nature, such as Halla and Munkängarna. Here you can see unique species of plants; wild garlic and different types of orchids such as lady’s-slipper orchid.
Ryds grottor and Ymsingsborg nature reserve
At Ryds grottor and Ymsingsborg you have a wonderful view over the town Skövde and the plains in the east. The dramatic pillars of diabase have broken free from Billingen and stand proud by the viewing point. There is also a bbq-spot with firewood, and close by you can visit the hill fort Ymsingsborg.
Surö bokskog nature reserve
The beech tree forest close to lake Vänern is a nature reserve where the trees are believed to have been planted around the 18th century. With its vivid flora and fauna it is a nature reserve well suited for both children and adults. Explore the walking trails in the forests and by the water, or take a swim in the small sandy swimming bay.
