december in HJO

An atmospheric time of year

Once the decorations are up and the rooftops are covered in snow, there’s a mist over Lake Vättern and the annual tree has taken its place in the town square – then it’s truly Christmas time in Hjo.

There is mulled wine to drink, and hot chocolate too, and the town’s cafés serve ginger biscuits and saffron buns. There are seasonal concerts in the church, the year’s Lucia is crowned, the last presents are purchased and Christmas markets and lunches come one after the other. All of December really is a time where the wooden town turns into a scene from A Christmas Carol.

The Christmas period opens with Hjo Christmas market, which is held on the first Saturday of Advent. On the same day you can also experience the annual Christmas dip. A cold plunge where masked bathers happily jump in to Lake Vättern.

The period up to Christmas then sees more markets around Hjo, including the Christmas market in Almnäs, together with a living Advent calendar where courtyards in the old town create scenes on the calendar, Christmas concerts, shops open in the evenings and on Sundays and Santa's visit to Grebban Mill. To find out what's happening, visit www.vastsverige.com/hjo/jul

Events all year round:

4. Sightseeing with the Lok-Hjo-Motivet Train

If you want to experience Hjo in comfort, we recommend you hop aboard the Lok-Hjo-Motivet train. During the 20-minute ride, you’ll get tips on where to shop and eat, see the award-winning wooden town and park, the historic environment along Hantverksgatan as well as the harbour area. Quite simply seeing the sights!

5. Discover the history of Hjo by yourself or with a guide

You can easily discover the history of Hjo yourself by downloading our app THREE WOODEN TOWNS or by scanning the QR codes on different buildings around the town. You can also go on a guided tour. During the tour, you hear about monks arriving by boat, devastating fires, steamboats, travelling merchants, cattle trails and outbuildings. An exciting journey into the history of this idyllic little town. Guided tours are offered several days a week in summer, and can be booked via Hjo Tourist Information Centre.

6. A green oasis

In the 1870s, Hjo residents could treat their creaking limbs at Hjo Vattenkuranstalt. This was a kind of spa at the heart of Hjo Stadspark, with a heated swimming pool, treatment rooms, lounges, restaurants and accommodation. Just as in the days of the spa, the park is still a green oasis in the centre of town where we enjoy relaxing and socialising. Stay at a hotel or hostel, play chess, boules, mini golf or tennis, enjoy a picnic, visit one of the restaurants, work out, go jogging or simply enjoy the moment.

7. Bison safari

We definitely recommend a visit to Bisonfarmen where you can expect a unique and exciting adventure. On your bison safari, you see the animals up close and get to know Bamse the bison and his friends. A popular adventure for young and old alike.

8. a trip on the lake

Join the steamer Trafik on a day trip on Lake Vättern. Trafik, built in 1892, is one of Sweden's best preserved steamships. During the summer months, Trafik visits Visingsö, Vadstena and Hästholmen.

You can also take shorter day cruises and evening jazz tours. You’re bound to have a pleasant trip and a memorable experience on Lake Vättern.