Top list: 12 Sights you must not miss
1. The textile kingdom
MARK. For over 200 years, the locals in Sjuhärad have been weaving, sewing and creating world-class textile crafts. Here you can visit some of Sweden's oldest spinning and weaving mills, historic manor houses, textile history museums and several outlets.
Some places to visit in the Textile Kingdom:
2. Glasets Hus
LIMMARED. The glass factory in Limmared dates back to the 1740s and is today Sweden's oldest operating glass factory, perhaps best known for the production of the Absolut vodka bottle. In the glass museum, you can see glassmaking through the ages and enjoy hand-blown chandeliers, glassware and engraved pieces by some of the country's most skilled engravers. There is also the opportunity to try glassblowing yourself.
Tip! Did you know that the town of Limmared is known as Sweden's antique mecca? There is a large collection of second-hand, antique and retro shops here.
3. Torpa stenhus
TRANEMO. Torpa Stenhus is more than just a building, it is a time machine. When you step in here, you are transported several hundred years back in time. The large stone house by the Åsunden lake was built in the 15th century and has been passed down through the generations. There are guided castle tours, castle theatre or visit crafts.
Tip! At nearby Hofsnäs Herrgård you can have a coffee, eat a good lunch and take a walk along Hofsnäs' nature trails. Both Hofsnäs and Torpa are part of the Farms around the lake tour.
4. Ulricehamns Kallbadhus
ULRICEHAMN. The current cold bath house was built as recently as 2008, but the bathing tradition in Ulricehamn stretches much further back in time than that. Bathers come here every day of the year seeking relaxation for body and soul.
Not a big swimmer? Then take a walk along the lakeside and see the cold bath house from a distance. It is incredibly beautiful where it stands on pillars out in the Åsunden lake.
5. No Limit Street Art
BORÅS. In Borås, street art is an obvious part of the cityscape. It all started with the street art festival No Limit in 2014 and since then the creativity has only increased. Today there are around 50 murals and street art installations around the city centre, some of them so large that they cover entire walls of houses.
Did you know? Alongside the street art, Borås' streets and squares are also filled with exciting sculptures, so it's really like walking around a living outdoor gallery here.
6. Änglagårdsbygden
ULRICEHAMN. The films about Änglagård were awarded the Guldbagge (Swedish Academy awards) three times and were seen by over a million cinemagoers. And it was here in the countryside outside Ulricehamn that they were recorded. Discover the beautiful environment yourself, join us on a road trip along winding dirt roads that take you to farm cafes, manor houses, churches and museums.
Did you know...? Behind many of the characters in the films are real people, as colorful as on the cinema screen. It was among them that Colin Nutley found inspiration for his films.
7. Textil museum
BORÅS. The Textile Museum in Borås is one of the Nordics' leading textile museums and, together with the Textile Fashion Center and the Textile University, forms the city's textile hub. The museum has two permanent exhibitions; "Textile Kraft" and "Textile Shock!" The first takes us on a journey through the history of the textile industry and the second shows how naked the world would be without fabrics.
Tip! Take the opportunity to check out the Smart Textiles Showroom at the Textile Fashion Center where the textiles of the future are displayed, and pay a visit to the in-house restaurant The Company.
8. Gräne Gruva
HOLSLJUNGA. Gräne Gruva is probably one of the lesser-known sights on this list, but it's a real treat that's worth a visit. In the mine, located at lower Ätradalen, feldspar and quartz were mined from 1899-1932.
Today it is a pleasant destination for the whole family. Around the mining area there are three hiking trails, a cosy enchanted pathway, Rhododendron park and barbecue areas. Take the kids, pack the coffee basket and take a day trip to the mine!
9. Vänga bog
FRISTAD. It is easy to think of the Swedish mountain world when you visit Vänga bog. The area is incredibly scenic with the Säve River winding its way through the high bog and the surrounding forest like a natural curtain. But what makes it extra spectacular is probably the stately wooden bridge that rises in the middle of the bog. There is a nice 5-kilometer hiking trail here, where you mostly hike on a stilted pathway.
Tip! Don't miss visiting Vänga Kvarn café & Bakery which is a stone's throw from the hiking trail. Super coffee in a cosy environment!
10. Lassalyckan
ULRICEHAMN. How do you put a place like Ulricehamn on the international map? Well arrange the Cross-Country skiing World Cup of course! The competition has been held at Lassalyckan's outdoor area with great success!
Lassalyckan is a sports and outdoor facility on the edge of Ulricehamn, with perfect conditions for activities all year round. In addition to ski trails, there are also MTB trails and pump tracks, artificial grass pitches, ice rinks and hotels with restaurants. So welcome to Lassalyckan regardless of whether you want to exercise or watch major sporting events!
11. Abecita Pop art & photography
BORÅS. The paintings that hang at Abecita Pop & Photography were never originally intended to adorn the walls of a museum. It all started when Berit and Bengt Swedmark from Borås started buying graphic works for their own home, by relatively unknown artists. Over time, the collection grew and the couple decided to share their art with the outside world.
On three floors there are now around 500 works of art in photography and graphic art by around 30 international artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Kiki Smith, Louise Bourgeois and Jim Dine.
12. Lake Lygnern
SÄTILA. That there are plenty of lakes in Sjuhärad is hardly a secret. One of the largest is Lygnern and it is right on the border between Mark and Halland. This scenic lake offers many wonderful experiences, such as fishing and swimming by the beach in Sätila. The best way to explore the lake is by going on a boat trip aboard ISA af Lygnern, they have a popular seafood cruise among other things.
Tip! A few hundred meters from the lake is Lygnerns guesthouse with cosy and comfortable accommodation.