Hällekis is a small locality with around 640 inhabitants right at the shores of the largest lake in Sweden, Lake Vänern. Standing to the south of the locality is the table mountain Kinnekulle, one of the most famous table mountains in Sweden.
Life in Hällekis centered for a long time around the production of cement. However, today the largest producers are the mineral wool producer Paroc and the fodder producer Svenska Foder.
A Short History of Hällekis
The history of Hällekis is strongly connected with the local mill. Already in 1767, the mill Hönsäter Alunbruk was established in the small village. About a century later it was sold to Hellekis AB and in 1892 the production changed and a cement factory was built. Cementa acquired the factory in 1913. The factory was the largest employer in the area until its closure in 1979. As a result, there was a decline in the local population.
Things to Do and See
With both Kinnekulle and lake Vänern close by, nature is just around the corner. Nature reserves, historical sights and outdoor activities are within easy reach for any visitor.
Kinnekulle
Right to the south of Hällekis is the table mountain Kinnekulle. It reaches a height of around 300 meters above the sea and is one of the most prominent sights in the area. At its summit, there is also an observation tower and a view out over the lake and landscape. Add to that the many nature reserves and other sights and you will have plenty of places to visit.
Falkängen
Falkängen is a small crafts village in Hällekis that consists of 11 small shops. In summertime, craftsmen from all over the country share the shops. This is also where you are able to stop for a fika, as there is a small café.
How to get to Hällekis
- Flights: The closest larger airport is Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) 153 kilometres away, with both domestic and international flights.
- Car: Hällekis is located along country roads outside of Götene.
- Train: Västtågen have trains to Herrljunga and Mariestad.
- Bus: Local buses connects Hällekis with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 338 kilometers (3h 54min)
- Gothenburg – 160 kilometers (2h 6min)
- Malmö – 419 kilometers (4h 34min)
- Linköping – 200 kilometers (2h 36min)
- Kiruna – 1437 kilometers (16h 49min)
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