Karlsborg

GOLDEN TOWN OF KARLSBORG

– glittering on the shores of Lake Vättern!

“Of all the favourites in my summer basket, I pick Karlsborg”, said a visitor last summer. And that’s easy to understand, since Karlsborg has just about everything – whether you’re in search of life’s pleasures or life’s adventures.

Long beaches, delicious food, relaxing boat rides, paddling, horseback riding, a high-altitude course, a national park, 13 nature reserves and 28 fantastic hiking trails are just a few examples of what Karlsborg has to offer.

For water enthusiasts, Karlsborg is a paradise. In fact, it's difficult not to be close to the water here. Lake Vättern offers a wonderful archipelago including the Ombo Islands, Göta Canal with its fishing and boating, and the little lakes in Tiveden that provide tranquillity amidst the wilderness. With its mill and Göta Canal's oldest lock, Forsvik offers plenty of exciting history. More adventures await at Karlsborg Fortress. During the action-packed guided adventure tour for the whole family, you will learn more about the captivating history of the fortress. Come and experience summer in Karlsborg!

Karlsborg Fortress

Construction of the mighty fortress began in 1819 on the peninsula Vanäs Udde. The site was proposed by General and Vice Admiral Baltzar von Platen, who also took the initiative to the Göta Canal project. The idea was to move the government, the Riksdag, the royal family, as well as the central bank gold reserve here in the event of war. Even in modern times, the gold reserve has been housed in one of the fortress’ cellars. During World War II, 140 tonnes of gold were kept in the fortress.

Today, Karlsborg Fortress is one of Sweden’s largest and best-preserved fortresses, with its own museum, guided tours, exciting activities, shops, and restaurants. Inside the impressive walls of Karlsborg Fortress, an adventure awaits visitors of all ages.

Visit Karlsborg InfoCenter Storgatan 65, 546 32 Karlsborg Phone: +46(0)505-173 50 Email: info@karlsborg.se www.visitkarlsborg.se

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Tiveden is Sweden's nearest wilderness

Tiveden National Park spans 20km² of untouched forest interspersed by lakes, caves, and large boulders. The forest here has been deliberately preserved in a way that is rare in Sweden these days. In Tiveden, magical wilderness and magnificent nature await. And so do incredible opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, paddling, fishing, or venturing out on the high-altitude course. Perfect whether you are an experienced outdoors enthusiast or want to try real outdoor life for the first time!

Forsvik

An idyllic place with picturesque mill buildings and Göta Canal’s oldest single lock. Enjoy the glittering water, the aroma of coffee from the cafés, the local selection of small shops, or a tasty ice cream while watching the boats glide through the lock. Built in 1813 and with a drop of 3.5 metres, the lock is not only Göta Canal’s oldest but also the tallest. Forsvik Mill has an amazing industrial history. Swedish engineer Jan Ericsson, who later invented the propeller, once lived here. The mill still offers activities. At Bruksmuséet, you can trace the history of the mill from its very first steps all the way to the present. This is a true gem with authentic charm!

A gem even in autumn and winter

Autumn in Karlsborg is lovely. It is impossible miss the bright yellow leaves of the chestnut trees inside Karlsborg Fortress. The fortress offers many different activities for people of all ages during the autumn school holiday. There are also several traditional events to look forward to during the autumn season. Hikes in both Granvik and Stora Fjället nature reserves are popular this time of year.

Even in its winter garb, the nature here is gorgeous, and our municipality has winter activities for everyone. Walks along the beaches of Lake Vättern in the winter light is a unique nature experience. Or try cross-country skiing on prepared ski trails, three of which are illuminated, in Norra Skogen's recreational park. If the ice on the lake is thick, Karlsborg is a paradise for long-distance skating and ice fishing. Experience nostalgia at our popular outdoor skating and ice hockey rink in Hanken, with electric lighting and surrounded by nature. Just a stone's throw from Tiveden National Park is our scenic ski resort, Stenkällegården. The ski resort offers three slopes of different lengths and steepness. Two t-bar lifts and a platter lift brings you to the top of the slope. Relax and enjoy a sack lunch by the glow of a campfire. We invite you to experience the golden town of Karlsborg – with something for everyone!