More information: Exploring Västergötland
700 years of history are on display at the peninsula of the island Kållandsö. The island is in the southern archipelago of Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden and the third largest in Europe. In addition to the historical Läckö Castle, there is also the nature reserve with many hiking trails welcoming visitors. A…
Vänern is the largest lake in Sweden and the third largest in Europe. There are many islands here, one of which is the island of Kållandsö. At the island’s furthest tip you find the small fishing village of Spiken. Its fishing harbour is one of the largest lake based fishing harbours in Europe and a…
On an island in Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden, is the small village of Otterstad. With a population of around 130 people, it covers more than 10% of the island Kållandsö’s population and has been its centre for centuries. A Short History of Otterstad The name Otterstad is known to have existed since…
Kungslena is a small village with a royal past. It has today a population of around 100 inhabitants, but its past includes battles for the Swedish crown and aspirations of becoming a town. A Short History of Kungslena Kungslena is a village with a very long history and there are several ancient remains reminding us…
Tidaholm is a locality in the province of Västergötland. It has today a population of around 13.000 inhabitants and the town has grown around the local industries. Especially the ironwork and the Vulcan match factory have been central to the town’s history and growth. It is the seat of the Tidaholm Municipality. A Short History…
Falköping is a locality in a region that was earlier known a Skaraborg, a region that today is part of the much larger Västra Götaland County. It is located at the plains known as Falbygden or Falan and it is surrounded by several table mountains. Farming has played an important role for the town and…
Gudhem, or the home of the gods, is a small locality in a region that was earlier known as Skaraborg. It has a long history as a religious center and its abbey ruins are a popular stop for tourists. Today, the small locality has a population of around 450 inhabitants and its centre has moved…
Bjurum is a district within the municipality of Falköping. The village has a population of around 120 people. It is, however, its visitors that have made the area famous. In this case, we are not talking about the many birdwatchers, but the migrating cranes who make a stop at the nearby Lake Hornborga. A Short…
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…
Skara is a locality with a thousand-year history. It lies between the two largest lakes in Sweden, Lake Vättern and Lake Vänern, in a region that is still known as Skaraborg. Skara hasn’t grown much over the centuries and is today the home to around 11.600 inhabitants. Today it is famous as a summer destination…
Skövde is today an important manufacturing and military hub in the Västergötland region. With a population of around 34.000 inhabitants, it is the 32nd largest locality in Sweden. One of the town’s main employers is the Swedish car manufacturer Volvo, but they are many other companies as well. The University of Skövde is one of…
Amundtorp is a few kilometres south of Varnhem in an area full of historical sights. The small village has a population of around 60 inhabitants, but it hides some treasures that make a visit worthwhile. A Short History of Amundtorp The history of Amundtorp is long but not very well documented. The area has been…