Broddetorp is a small village near the shores of Lake Hornborga. Many probably only drive by on their way to watch the cranes dance at the lake, which is the main attraction for any visitor. However, there is a bit more to know about this small urban area of around 140 inhabitants.
A Short History of Broddetorp
What is today known as Broddetorp is made up of four historical parishes. These were Bolum, Broddetorp, Hornborga, and Sätuna. Broddetorp parish is known to have existed already in the 13th century. The village’s development came with the construction of the railway between Lidköping, Skara, and Stentorp in 1874. The small locality grew up around the train station, which was in use until 1961.
Things to Do and See
For anyone visiting Broddetorp, the centre will offer little else than a visit to the local grocery store or a walk up to the 19th century church. It is the nature around the village that hides the gems.
Naturum Hornborgasjön
Lake Hornborga is famous for its birds. During spring thousands of cranes stops here for their annual dance. They usually number around 30.000. Their arrival is one of the main signs of that spring is arriving in Sweden. For any bird watcher the lake has plenty of other birds during the rest of the year. There are also several hiking paths for anyone wanting to enjoy the nature.
Close to Broddetorp you will find Naturum Hornborgasjörn, which is one of two information centres about the lake and its wildlife.
Ekornavallen
Ekornavallen is a burial ground a bit south of Broddetorp. Here you will find several ancient remains from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Age. Stone monuments and circles together with other graves are estimated to be from a period stretching up to 7000 years.
Stiftsreservatet Gullängen
Gullängen is a cultural reserve east of Broddetorp. It is one of 25 reserves created by Skara Diocese and it is managed by the church. Gullängen’s reserve is around 30 hectares and includes both beech woods, grave mounds, and stone circles.
How to get to Broddetorp
- Flights: The closest larger airport is Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) 134 kilometres away, with both domestic and international flights. Another option is Jönköping Airport (JKG), 81 kilometres away, with mostly chartered flights.
- Car: Broddetorp is on a countryside road between Varnhem and Falköping.
- Train: The nearest train stations from Broddetorp are in nearby Skövde or Falköping.
- Bus: Regional and local buses connect Broddetorp with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 360 kilometers (4h 29 min)
- Gothenburg – 134 kilometers (2h)
- Malmö – 351 kilometers (4h 22min)
- Linköping – 212 kilometers (2h 35min)
- Kiruna – 1457 kilometers (17h 49min)
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Very informative post. I have visited Sweden a couple times in my travels as a student in Heidelberg. Travel, languages and cultures are a wonderful education. Thank you.