Active holiday
Do you like the outdoor lifestyle and being active on holiday? Many people come to Läckö-Kinnekulle to go cycling, in the forest or on the roads. Water sports such as kayaking or SUP are also an obvious choice in light of the proximity to Lake Vänern. Or why not go out and explore one of our many hiking trails?
ON TWO WHEELS
Destination Läckö-Kinnekulle is a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts. It offers routes, trails and experiences for all types of cyclists. Want to challenge yourself on a mountain bike in tough terrain, do some road cycling along varied and scenic routes or roll along at an easier pace enjoying the nature and culture?
Whatever your choice, you can find what you are looking for here. Läckö-Kinnekulle is suitable for all tastes and you will find that the area is perfect for exploring on two wheels. Take a cycling holiday and discover your own favourite haunts, cafés and farm shops. Pitch a tent wherever takes your fancy or stay at a cosy guest house or youth hostel and venture out on day tours.
Whether you want to train for your next road race or simply keep in shape, you can choose from several different routes. There are plenty of quiet roads where you can cycle in surroundings and at a pace that suits you. If you want to get away from tarmac roads completely, you can be sure that you are never far from a forest road. One tip is to head for Kinnekulle, which offers marked mountain bike trails.
WATER-BASED EXPERIENCES
The proximity of Lake Vänern, with its 220 kilometres of shoreline and an archipelago of 22,000 islands, islets and skerries, naturally has a distinct influence on outdoor living and the options on offer. Much activity revolves around experiences on and by the water.
One example is Navens Kajak, which hires out kayaks and arranges a variety of excursions. One tip for a different kind of nature experience is to join a lunchtime paddling trip out to one of the islands, which includes enjoying some smoked fish. After your trip you can hire the raft with wood-fired sauna and hot tub.
If you are new to canoeing and kayaking, there are several taster activities to try. One big advantage of Läckö-Kinnekulle’s surrounding archipelago is that the conditions are calm even when it’s windy.
You can also have a go at SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) in several locations. The company Vänern Active host activities at Framnäs, Hällekis, Råbäck, Villabadet, Svalnäs and Hindens Rev. Weather and wind conditions determine where they are to be found for the day.
HIKING AND OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION
There are also masses of hiking trails to explore. They pass through beautiful and varied scenery, with services in the form of picnic spots and sheltered areas for those who want to stop for refreshment – or plan an overnight stay in the outdoors.
One good place to start is from Kinnekulle observation tower, where you can join several different hiking trails. The tower stands at the top of the mountain and in clear weather you can see as far as 50 km into the distance. This affords you magnificent vistas and an interesting general view of the area.
Hiking in the area also takes you into the past, as several of the trails pass interesting historical relics, in particular from the Middle Ages and the period when Sweden was christianised. This is naturally most distinct along the pilgrimage trails, which provide fresh nourishment for body and soul. Enjoy a hike of several hours, or several days – it’s your choice.
ENJOY SOME FISHING
If you like fishing, there are masses of possibilities in Lake Vänern. Fishing with sport-fishing equipment is free and the types of fish you could be catching include zander, perch, pike, whitefish, salmon and salmon trout.
The quarry (Stenbrottet) just outside Hällekis is also a popular spot for fishing. It has easily-accessible beaches with fishing spots suitable for both fly fishing and spin fishing. You can catch rainbow trout and char, among others, but unlike fishing in Lake Vänern you need a fishing permit.
