Hälsans Stig is a 3-kilometre, pedestrian-friendly loop through the centre of Åmål and past Gamla Staden; signs mark every kilometre. The route gives a walk a clear structure and passes a place that brings the town’s history to life. There are also riverside trails, cultural attractions and seasonal events – different options you can include in your stay planning according to your interests.

Gamla Staden and Åmål’s architectural history

Gamla Staden survived the great fire of 1901 and preserves historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. If you would like to explore the neighbourhood on foot, you can also take a circular route there at your own pace. Hälsans Stig also passes Gamla Staden, so you can combine the signposted loop with a look at the historic townscape.

Other periods are reflected in named buildings and ensembles. Gamla Kyrkan was built between 1666 and 1669. Plantaget and the buildings around the park are among Sweden’s best-preserved 18th-century ensembles. Together, these places give an impression of the different ways Åmål’s history is represented – from a preserved neighbourhood to a park ensemble.

On foot, by bike and in nature

For finding your way on foot, Hälsans Stig is the clear choice: the 3-kilometre loop is in the centre and is marked kilometre by kilometre. A circular route through Gamla Staden at your own pace offers another way to explore the neighbourhood. These two options can help you decide whether you would rather follow a marked route or go at your own pace.

Several scenic cycle routes run along the Åmålsån and connect different neighbourhoods with the centre. Here, the focus is on the connections between the neighbourhoods and the centre, while Hälsans Stig is described as a 3-kilometre loop. Åmål also has numerous hiking trails in scenic natural areas. You can choose between a signposted town loop, trails along the river, cycle routes between neighbourhoods and hikes in natural areas.

Culture and events

Åmål’s Kulturhus comprises a library, an art gallery and Europa Direkt Fyrbodal. These three facilities give the cultural centre a range of cultural and public-service functions. You can combine a visit here with Åmål’s historic townscape or seasonal events, without having to follow a set itinerary.

Åmålstravet also has a distinctive profile: it is one of five 800-metre tracks in Sweden and the country’s only racetrack where races are run clockwise. Race days take place in spring, summer and autumn. Åmål’s annual blues festival is one of the town’s best-known events. If you plan to time your trip to coincide with a race day or the blues festival, check the event dates in advance.

Water, islands and seasonal activities

Åmål’s yacht harbour and marina are right in the town centre. The Vänern is not far from Åmål: in summer, passenger boats travel through the archipelago, and you can hike between the islands along the lake. The Örnäs area, also not far from the centre of Åmål, has beaches. This means there are several ways to enjoy the water: a yacht harbour in the middle of town, beaches at Örnäs, and boating and hiking opportunities by the lake.

For a seasonal comparison, summer is the shared season for passenger boats through the archipelago and race days at Åmålstravet; race days also take place in spring and autumn. The exact dates are essential for planning. Tollebol summer café is another seasonal option, serving waffles, freshly baked goods and coffee.

More destinations and starting points

Tollebol’s mill and farm date back to the Middle Ages. The Lilla Tollebolsturen starts at the tourist information office in Åmål.

Discover more destinations: Ånimskog, Edsleskog, Tösse, Fengersfors

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