Family adventures along Sjuhärad

The path is completely car free during 12 of the 15 miles. The other 3 are on low-traffic roads. You cross old railway bridges and beautiful station buildings, and sometimes it feels as if you are cycling over the top of the trees. Choose the distance you want to ride. There is a lot to discover and see, for both the young and old.

Day one: Ulricehamn - Torpa / Hofsnäs (29 km)

Begin your cycling adventure from Ulricehamn. If you do not have your own bikes, you can hire bicycles down at Bryggan’s Rental Center, and do not miss the beautiful cold bathhouse located on the pillars, down by the water. On the other side of the street is the tourist office, just in case you want some tips on what Ulricehamn has to offer your family.

The bike ride starts on the old train tracks and goes towards Skottek (which used to be the border area between Sweden and Denmark). Here you will find the campsite Skotteksgården, which offers a children-friendly swimming area, boat rental, kiosk and a restaurant with beautiful lake view.

The journey continues through Marbäck to the stunning forest landscape of Korpeboberg. You can take a pause at Café Nyfiket, if you are in the mood for a coffee break. There is a fun playground for kids to run around and play, there is also miniature golf and other fun childrens’ activities.

The bike trail then takes you through Månstad. Here you can make a short detour onto a beautiful winding road towards Hofsnäs Herrgård (6km). The restaurant here is ‘Taste of Western Sweden’ certified, and offers great food with raw materials and produce from the farms around Sjuhärad, with fantastic views over the lake. There is also the opportunity to overnight at Hofsnäs Herrgård in Hofsnäs’s small lake cabin, here you have access to a sauna and wood-fired hot tub, as the perfect reward after an active day.

If you still have energy left in your legs, there are great opportunities for hiking on easy-hiking nature trails in the beautiful Torpa-Hofsnäs nature reserve. There is also a nice swimming area with a sandy beach and jetty. Hofsnäs’s large garden and playground are also a popular play area for children after their meals.

From Hofsnäs you can continue to cycle over the isthmus, you will soon reach Torpa Stenhus (4 km), which is another great suggestion for an overnight stay. Torpa Stenhus is one of Sweden's best-preserved mansions from the 16th century and well worth a visit. Let the children explore the castle as a prince, princess or knight. (Clothes are available to borrow). There are very exciting things to see like armor and prison caves. Why not listen to exciting stories about the castle ghosts?

Day two Torpa / Hofsnäs - Svenljunga (41 km)

Before the journey continues, you must shop for some fresh Western Swedish produce in Hofsnäs’s small grocery store or pick up some locally produced handicraft from the Craftsmen at Torpa. The first stop on the way should be Glasets Hus in Limmared (15 km). Glasets Hus was created to preserve the 300-year history and craftmanship of the glassblower. All Absolut Vodka bottles are manufactured here in Limmared. See the glass blowers hard at work, or why not try testing the art of glass blowing yourselves (must be booked in advance). Are you hungry? Glasets Hus has a café and there is also great food at Limmared’s Wärdshus. Other fun attractions are Limmared’s Manor, with farms that have local produce from Sjuhärad. In Limmared there is also a skating park and many secondhand shops.

After Limmared you can continue along the path to Tranemo (6 km). Here the children, as you can understand from the name, can look out for cranes and other birds at Tranemo Lake. Adjacent to the lake is a nice swimming and picnic area, complete with a beach volleyball court. Feel free to take a detour from the trail to Ambjörnarp, where you can try trolley cycling on the old railway line to Sjötofta. Don’t forget to book in advance if you want to take a food basket with you on your trip.

If you continue along the Sjuhärad’s Circular Bike Trail you will pass Uddebo, where you can take a pause and paddle canoe, instead of cycling. In Uddebo, the Sjuhärads Bike Trail is divided, and it is recommended to choose the quieter and signposted route through Ulvshult. Here the gravel road is beautifully hilly and you pass many beautiful city views and idyllic farms. As you approach Svenljunga, you can relax and enjoy the breeze blowing through your hair, as most of the work is already done. Right next to the trail, car enthusiasts can look forward to visiting Bynander's motor museum, which also has a cozy café to quench your thirst or grab a small snack.

Once in Svenljunga you can enjoy a well-deserved ice cream at Ätran, after such an adventurous day. As a balm for both body and soul, a visit to the Moga Fritid wellness center, with a bath and steam room, may be the best thing to do.

Day three Svenljunga - Borås (38 km)

From Svenljunga, all the way to Borås, you cycle mostly on an abandoned railway. This is Kindsbanan, which is one of Sweden's most short-lived railways. Here, freight trains operated from Borås to Svenljunga, between 1885 and 1902.

The first bit of the bike path is lined with beautiful flowers and here are many types of beautiful butterflies to observe. Do not miss the chance to taste the wild strawberries that thrive along the path. Patting a cow or a horse can be a great highlight for the children and along this stretch there are several rolling hills with both cows and horses.

The bike trail goes through the little town called Sexdrega, and if you are hungry there is a pizzeria here. You can also shop for a picnic at Larsson's Shop. A little further ahead you will pass the Lockryd’s Center where you can also fill your empty stomachs with some tasty food from Köksträdgården Restaurant. Here you can also find Lockryd’s Cabin with the opportunity to stay overnight.

A perfect picnic stop on this trip is at beautiful Sandsjön where there is also a nice swimming area to cool off. Part of the course falls on hard packed gravel and here you cycle above the treetops as the bank is 15 meters high. Just before Borås, you can stop at the Borås Golf Club with both a café and a restaurant. If someone in the family wants to swing their club, there is "pay & play" here. You have yet another possibility to go swimming at Transås Lake. You can also try fishing for a rainbow trout or simply take a stroll around the beautiful lake.

Once in Borås, there are lots of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. Catch the chance to see a bear swimming at Borås Zoo, design your own garment at the Textile Museum or let the children play in the popular city park. The choices are endless!