Hjo

HJO – EIGHT SUMMER TIPS!

1. Refreshing swim

In Hjo, a swim in the lake is always within easy reach, and on hot summer days, there's nothing better than a dip or two in cool water. Visit Guldkroksbadet, in Hjo Harbour, a free outdoor facility with heated pools for people of all ages. There is also a sandy beach by Lake Vättern, where guests can rent a bathing cabin for a day. Other central swimming areas include the south pier of the harbour with convenient steps into the water, or the jetties by the beach promenade south of the town square. If you want shallow waters, Lake Mullsjön is the place to go.

2. Discover Swedish design in the Estrid Ericson exhibition

Founder of Firma Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson is one of our design icons of the 20th century. She grew up in Hjo but moved to Stockholm in 1924, at the age of 30, to use her inheritance from her father to create what has now become an internationally recognised interior design brand. The exhibition on Estrid Ericson and the company Svenskt Tenn describes Estrid's childhood in Hjo, along with a broad selection of both older and newer objects from Svenskt Tenn. There is free entrance to the exhibition.

3. History of Hjo – on your own or with a guide

You can easily experience the history of Hjo on your own, by scanning our QR codes on buildings around the wooden town. There are also guided tours. During the tour, you can learn about monks stepping ashore, devastating fires, steamboats, travelling merchants, cattle paths, and outhouses. An exciting journey into the history of this idyllic little town.

4. Standup paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Vättern

Experience Hjo from the seaside. This summer, you can rent kayaks and standup paddle boards at the Biergarten restaurant. A fantastic way to experience Lake Vättern.

5. A game of chess in Hjo TOWN Park

Would you like to challenge your friends or family members to a game of chess? Outdoor chess in Hjo Town Park is a great spontaneous activity, completely free of charge. As a bonus, you’ll get a fantastic view of Lake Vättern.

6. Sightseeing with the Lok-Hjo-Motivet Train

If you want to experience Hjo comfortably seated, we recommend you hop aboard the sightseeing train, Lok-HjoMotivet. During the 20-minute ride, you’ll get tips on where to shop and eat, and see the award-winning wooden town and Hjo Town Park, the historic environment of Hantverksgatan, and the harbour area. Simple sight seeing!

7. Bison safari

We suggest a visit to the Bison Farm, where you can expect a unique and exciting nature experience. On your safari tour, you see the animals up close and can get to know Bamse the bison bull and his friends. A popular adventure for young and old alike.

8. Steamboat tour on Lake Vättern

Join the steamer Trafik on a trip on Lake Vättern. Trafik, celebrating its 130th birthday this year, was built in 1892, and is one of Sweden's best preserved steamships. During the summer months, she takes trips to Visingsö, Vadstena and Hästholmen. You can also take shorter day cruises or evening jazz tours. We wish you a pleasant trip and a lovely experience on Lake Vättern.

Tourist information

VISIT HJO – HJO TOURIST INFORMATION Contact us: +46-(0)503-352 55, visithjo@hjo.se Visit us: at the Kulturkvarteret or digitally at www.visithjo.se Send us post: Bangatan 1 B, 544 30 Hjo Follow us: Visit Hjo on Facebook and Instagram Share with us: use #ilovehjo to enable your content being shared on our channels Our authorised tourist information at Kulturkvarteret is open all year: High season: daily from June to August (Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm, Sat 10 am–5 pm, Sun 12 noon–4pm, Midsummer’s Eve 10 am–2pm). For the rest of the year, please check the opening hours at www.visithjo.se Photo: Jesper Anhede

Photo: Jesper Anhede

AUTUMN IN HJO

A colourful and eventful period

In autumn, when the leaves turn different colours and lake Vättern grows more chilly, visitors can step into a fairy tale world and experience the tranquillity of the little wooden town. Mist from the lake covers the town in a greyish white haze, where both morning and evening walks are framed by an intense pink and purple display of colour over Lake Vättern, mixed with the yellow, orange and brown of the trees and houses in the town. Autumn in Hjo is a colourful and peaceful time, but it also offers numerous activities.

The season kicks off with the annual Harvest Festival in September. This is the day when all food producers gather to sell their crops and local produce in the town square, with activities and tips for visitors interested in cultivation and artisan food products. The autumn season continues through October and November with many cultural events and concerts, including Hjo Culture Weeks. During this two-week period, there are theatre and dance performance, films, visits from authors, and many other cultural activities. Around the same time, trout safaris begin along the Hjo River, an activity that takes place in the evening, which adds to the fun. By torchlight, you get a chance to see trout in action as they make their arduous journey up the river in the nature reserve in the town centre. Each safari is led by guides who show the way, provide information and answer any questions. Trout safaris are offered from mid-October to mid-November.

Welcome to autumn in Hjo.