A baptismal font believed to date from before the mid-13th century and a 15th-century triumphal cross give Bollebygd Church two distinct historical points of interest. The figure of Jesus on the cross comes from the earlier medieval church. The well-preserved exterior is also noteworthy: it is considered typical of the simple Neoclassical style of the first half of the 19th century.
Discover Local History and Culture
Bollebygd’s oldest centre lies where the valleys meet; this historic core includes the church and the vicarage. The Tingshuset (courthouse) offers another glimpse into the town’s history: it was built in the mid-17th century and used as a courthouse until the 20th century. Sacred art and the building’s former use as a courthouse thus represent different chapters in the town’s history.
Odinslund was a doctor’s villa dating from the mid-19th century. The building later became a cultural centre; today, it houses the library. Another cultural attraction is Galleri Odinslund, located in Bollebygd Library at Odens väg 16 and run by the Bollebygd Cultural Association.
Bollebygd’s local heritage centre preserves buildings and objects from the town’s history. These include a barn, a single-blade sawmill, a smithy and a bell tower. The bakehouse there offers another glimpse into everyday life in the past: bread is baked in a wood-fired oven using old recipes.
Trails Through the Town and Countryside
In the town centre, the Kulturstråket cultural trail combines exercise, history and sights. Vägen till hälsa is a separate loop around Erikstorp, suitable for walking, cycling or running. An information board with a map stands at Gästgivartorget. If you’re walking, you can start or leave the loop at any point.
Gesebol offers seven clearly marked trails of varying lengths for hikes, from 1.9 to 11.2 kilometres. They pass through forests and farmland and by small forest lakes. In Töllsjö, three clearly marked hiking trails of varying lengths start at the local heritage centre. These details give you two specific ways to choose a trail based on its length and the landscape described.
The Sjuhäradsleden trail runs between Hindås and Mullsjö, stretches for 14 Swedish miles and is divided into sections. Section 2 and parts of sections 1 and 3 pass through Bollebygd Municipality. One section starts one kilometre north of Olsfors. There is parking and information at Omegastugan; the nearest bus stop, Olsfors, is 1.5 kilometres away.
There are also opportunities for shorter nature experiences: Bäckravinen is used for walks with dogs, exercise and enjoying nature. You can watch birds there and experience the changing seasons. Rävaberget offers a different landscape, with patches of woodland, rocky outcrops and clearly visible paths. The area is used for walking, playing and exploring. In summer, grazing sheep help keep the landscape open and promote biodiversity.
At Hulta damm, there are places to sit and enjoy fika beside the rapids. Bollebygd also has several lakes with child-friendly swimming spots. For a different kind of exercise, you can cycle the Vägen till hälsa loop; downhill biking is possible at Bollekollen.
The Sjögaredsgrottorna, also known as Töllsjögrottorna, form one of the longest cave systems in Västsverige. Among the large boulders are child-friendly alcoves and passages several hundred metres long. Check the physical conditions on site before visiting. BuaSkogen, an adventure and high-ropes course in a natural forest setting, is located in Olsfors. Check the participation requirements before your visit.
Local Baking Traditions and Getting Around
The bakehouse at the local heritage centre and Vedugnsbageriet Brobacken, near Bollebygd, offer different experiences: the former bakes bread in a wood-fired oven using old recipes, while Brobacken offers a farm shop, fika and wood-fired baked goods made with locally produced ingredients. The local baking culture thus brings together both a historical connection and regional produce.
For local information, the municipal tourist information office is located at the reception desk of the town hall on the square in central Bollebygd.
Discover more destinations: Töllsjö, Bollebygd, Olsfors, Hultafors, Mellerud, Uddevalla, Skövde, Falköping.
For the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.
