Nature calling

Few cities are surrounded by as much beautiful and varied natural scenery as Borås. Borås is home to Rya Åsar, the most centrally located nature reserve in Sweden, and the city is full of hills that offer dazzling views. The Sjuhärad Trail also passes through town; this 140 km long hiking trail runs through beautiful Sjuhäradsbygden.

Wherever you may be in Borås, you are never far from nature. The area has hundreds of lakes and rivers where you can test your fishing luck. Did you know that there are game fish in these waterways? A fishing permit is required almost everywhere, but it is easy to purchase at several locations. Speaking of water, there are many great places to swim around town. At Almenäs, you can lounge on the kid-friendly beach and enjoy a delicious ice cream or two from the café. If you are on holiday with your dog, we recommend the dog-friendly beach Sjömarken, which also has a great playground for kids. Just north of Borås is Asklandabadet, which has a sandy beach, barbecue sites, a beach volleyball court and a climbing net.

For anyone who loves experiences in nature, Borås has plenty to offer. Whether you want to take challenging hikes in the wilderness, a long bike ride or a short daytrip with comfortable accommodation – there is something for everyone here!

Hofsnäs Nature Trails and Torpa Stenhus

The Torpanäset Nature Reserve has numerous trails and you can combine a beautiful hike with fascinating history here. Choose from several hiking trails that meander along lakes, past grazing animals, and through oak and beech forests. The nature reserve has a lovely swimming beach where you can also hire a boat and go fishing. Hofsnäs Herrgård is located at the trailheads, where you will find a café and bistro, as well as a market with local products. You can also enjoy comfortable accommodation at Hofsnäs’ little beach cottage, which has access to a hot tub and sauna. Immerse yourself in history at nearby Torpa Stenhus. It is one of Sweden’s best-preserved manors from the sixteenth century. Enjoy unique architecture and the fascinating history of the castle. There is also a castle café and restaurant, as well as accommodation in the charming nearby houses.

Sjuhäradsrundan

If you want to experience Borås and its surroundings by bicycle, Sjuhäradsrundan is the perfect way to do so. Feel the wind in your hair, take in the cultural landscape and enjoy an almost entirely paved 150 km bike trail, which will take you through hilly terrain without much of a struggle. Sjuhäradsrundan primarily follows an old railway embankment. 120 km of the trail is also completely car free, so this is the perfect cycling experience for the whole family. The trail offers plenty to see and experience along the way, as well as a wonderful selection of accommodation, restaurants and cafés. Tip!

For experiences in nature on the water, you can rent canoes at Borås Camping, and kayaks and SUP boards at Vildland.

Vänga Mosse Trail

Vänga Mosse is located just half an hour from Borås. It is a beautiful, easy walk, much of which is adapted for accessibility and on wide wooden boardwalks. The bird life here is plentiful, and the area is suitable for families looking for an adventure or for the beauty of nature. Vänga Kvarncafé & Bageri is located 500 metres from the trail and is the perfect place to have coffee surrounded by nature. The old mill has been here since the mid-nineteenth century and is used to grind flour as it used to be made. If you want to learn more about how the flour is ground, a visit to their museum is a must. It’s a wonderful activity to combine with a hiking package that includes a hike and food.

Rya Åsar

This nature reserve is like its own world of beautiful, varied nature, and it is located almost in the centre of Borås. The reserve has just about everything: leafy deciduous forests, groves, meadows, viewpoints, pine forests, lakes, tall mountains and deep valleys. You can walk in Linnaeus’ footsteps: at Grönbo, you will find a sunken lane that Linnaeus used on his trip through Västergötland in 1746, and a memorial stone is located by it to the south. Rya Åsar is also Sweden’s most centrally located nature reserve, which makes it easy to combine your hike with everything the city has to offer. You can book a hiking package with accommodation at the city’s hotel through Outdoor Support.

Sjuhärad Trail

The Sjuhärad Trail is a 140-km-long hiking trail that begins in Hindås and continues through Bollebygd, Borås and Ulricehamn to Mullsjö. The trail is split into ten stages and takes you through varied environments and beautiful natural scenery with plenty to see – from peaceful, quiet forest passages and farmland to sections that pass through cities. There are several rest stops along the trail as well as pleasant places to spend the night. You can stay at a hostel, hotel or in the great outdoors. Since 1991, the Sjuhärad Trail has been part of the E1 European long-distance path, which begins in Italy. In Sweden, the E1 goes between Varberg and Grövelsjön. The Sjuhärad Trail passes several other hiking trails, including Kypegården, Vildmarksleden and Redvägsleden.