Hjo City Park combines a history as a spa destination with a wide range of outdoor activities. It was established as the spa park of Hjo Vattenkuranstalt in the 1870s. Today, the park has tennis courts, mini golf, chess, a large playground and a free, illuminated outdoor gym. The variety of things to do makes it a place you can discover through its history as well as through exercise and play.
Spa history and wooden architecture
In the summer of 2018, Hjo City Park and its buildings became Hjo’s first protected historic site. Hjo’s well-preserved wooden architecture also reveals another facet of its built heritage: it received a Europa Nostra medal for its preservation. The award and the protected status highlight different aspects, but both lead to Hjo’s architectural history. Anyone interested in historic buildings will find more than one perspective on the city’s architectural heritage here.
Trails through Hjoåns dalgång
Another discovery takes you into the landscape of Hjoåns dalgång. The area is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Walking and cycling trails run throughout the area, so you can explore them on foot or by bike. Its protected status and network of trails give the valley a special place among Hjo’s nature experiences, without requiring you to take part in any particular activity.
Beach and sauna on Lake Vättern
Vättern, Guldkroken, is a sandy beach in the middle of Hjo’s harbour. At the Vättern, Guldkroken bathing area, there are changing rooms, bathing cabins for rent and a wheelchair ramp leading down to Lake Vättern. Details about bathing areas may change, so check the latest information locally before your trip. Another experience by the lake is the Badhyttsbastun at Guldkroksbadet, where you can enjoy a sauna overlooking Lake Vättern all year round and combine it with a swim in the lake.
Get active in Högaliden
The Högaliden outdoor recreation area offers leisurely walks, running, mountain biking, disc golf and outdoor exercise all year round. When there is snow, cross-country skiing and sledging are also options. The Högaliden MTB Arena caters to different riding preferences, with trails that vary in length and difficulty. There are also prepared areas with pump tracks, berms, bridges and jumps. The arena starts at the clubhouse in the outdoor recreation area; maps and signs help you find your way around the trails. This means you can experience Högaliden through both gentle exercise and technically challenging mountain biking.
Culture at Kulturkvarteret Pedagogien
Kulturkvarteret Pedagogien in Hjo has a library, exhibitions, tourist information and a cinema. It also has spaces for events, concerts and conferences. Its offerings include Kvarterskvällar: free public evenings that may feature talks, exhibition openings and entertainment, among other things. The specific programme varies. Kulturkvarteret is therefore worth a visit both for its exhibitions and for events whose content depends on the particular evening.
Sailing days, getting there and local food
In summer, Ångaren Trafik sails from Hjo harbour to Visingsö, Vadstena and Hästholmen. Check the specific sailing days before your trip. If you’re travelling by train, the route goes via the larger city of Skövde; from its railway station or Resecentrum, take the bus on to Hjo. Here too, it’s a good idea to check the connections before setting off.
If you’re interested in local food, Hjo’s food guide recommends Almnäs award-winning cheese. Check its availability before your trip. This way, you can combine your discoveries in Hjo according to your interests: architecture, trails through the valley, outdoor activities, culture or a trip on Lake Vättern.
Discover more destinations: Grevbäck, Hjo, Dals-Ed, Lidköping, Götene, Gothenburg, Göteborg, Öckerö.
For the broader travel overview: Västra Götaland.
