Explore Borås
Your guide to the best of the city.
"Knallen" by Arvid Knöppel.
Design: Brainforest, Borås TME
Text/research: Borås TME, Brainforest
Photo: Anna Hållams/westsweden com, Aroma Spa/Amanda Ekström,Consid, Robert Dahlberg/westsweden com, Maria Fallbäck, Faramarz/westsweden com, Johannes Glans, Ola Grahm/Borås TME, Christer Hansson, Anna Hult, Jonas Ingman/westsweden com, Elvira Isip/Borås TME, Katarina Johannesson, Johfors Productions, Michael Jönsson, Maria Karlsson, Love Ljungström, Fredrik Malmlund, Pricca Studios, Räven och Rönnbären, Anna Sigge, Jacob Sjöman, Ulf Svane/westsweden com, Sari Tiainen, Johan Törnroth, Johan Valkonen, Lukasz Warzecha/westsweden com, and more
Print: Stema Borås 2025
Welcome to Borås
Some cities can be a bit humdrum . But then there are cities like Borås that continue to evolve, despite a history of crises and challenges – and that always have an eye on the future Borås is a city with grand visions, a city that dares to make a statement
It combines creativity, innovative design, street art, e-commerce and globally leading research in textiles
It also offers magnificent nature, outstanding athletic facilities and a rich selection of shops and restaurants
And of course, one of Sweden’s best zoos, right in the heart of town
Borås has an entrepreneurial spirit of innovative thinking, a travelling peddler’s sense of continuous forward motion, and residents who are proud of their city Vivacious Borås is a charming city with a grand and modern mien, with much to discover and explore
In this magazine, we have collected a selection of favourites that we think you will enjoy
Welcome to Borås!
Did you know: Borås has largely been developed along the Viskan river, which serves as the lifeblood of the city and created the conditions for the textile industry’s advancement
A city with a legacy of textiles
From travelling peddlers to mail order sales to e-commerce Borås has roots in textiles and commerce, a reputation that has been firmly rooted for decades, if not centuries . Today, the well-known travelling peddlers have become entrepreneurs, and Borås is home to research on modern textiles, as well as design, fashion and innovation .
Borås has long been known as Knallestaden, ‘the city of peddlers’, a name that derives from the sixteenth century when wandering salesmen travelled from farm to farm in the Sjuhäradsbygden area They were known as ‘knallar’ (peddlers) and they sold handicrafts and textiles – an old-fashioned version of e-commerce, you might say
The emphasis on textiles in Borås emerged with the development of the textile industry, and in the midnineteenth century, Borås became an unmistakable city of textiles For a long period of time, Borås was the hub of Sweden’s textile production, with numerous large and well-known factories, and the city flourished Between 1860 and 1920, the population multiplied ten-fold from 3,000 to 30,000 – a degree of growth unmatched by any other Swedish city Then came the textile crisis 25,000 jobs disappeared and the industry was knocked out
The crisis hit Borås hard, but several companies in design production remained and had their products produced abroad . They became an important part of the city’s textile industry and the beginning of a new era, in which Borås was the mail-order-sales capital The number of mail order companies that do not or have not had headquarters here can nearly be counted on one hand
The rise of the internet brought brand-new opportunities for people and companies Curious and innovative Borås took the leap into e-commerce and an age of infinite possibilities . Today the city is home to cutting-edge skills and a cluster of expertise unlike any other in Sweden
The old industry area, Simonsland, is home to Textile Fashion Center, Sweden and Borås’ international centre of fashion, textiles and design Once upon a time, these premises were home to a weaving mill, a spinning mill, a sewing factory and a dye-works And while the sounds of the factory have long since fallen quiet, the pace has never slowed Textile companies focused on innovation and development are housed under one roof here, with national assignments and an emphasis on sustainability . There is a café, restaurant and the Textile Museum of Sweden – the Nordic region’s leading museum of textiles and fashion
Students, researchers, visitors, innovators, entrepreneurs, technicians and business developers – all working for a sustainable future – meet, mingle and collaborate in the town centre In other words, Borås is a textile city with history, but also a city with its eyes on the future . Tomorrow’s sustainable textiles are made here using circular business models The research is at the global forefront and many of the assignments are national
Art and culture with international glow
In Borås, you can experience worldclass art without any barriers to entry . The city’s development as a gallery filled with art, sculptures and street art has been internationally recognised, and Borås is currently a world leader in street art . So it’s no surprise that residents are proud of their creative and innovative city, where art is uniquely accessible and a natural part of everyone’s daily life
Borås has a long and exciting history as a city of art The art association of Borås and Sjuhäradsbygden was formed in 1934, and today it is based in the Flaménska Gallery But only in the past decade has the city truly become established as a cultural destination Public art in the city centre is a constant presence and more is added all the time thanks to regular events like the Borås Art Biennial Another factor that makes Borås a unique cultural destination is that everything is centrally located: in a radius of under 1 . 5 km, you can enjoy over 100 sculptures, installations, murals, well-known museums and popular galleries
The city also has a vibrant theatre scene; Borås City Theatre stages a variety of intriguing plays and performing arts events If you prefer live music, the old locomotive workshop, Åhaga, holds concerts by musicians ranging from symphony orchestras to Sweden’s top artists
An art museum of international repute
Inside Kulturhuset, next to Borås City Theatre and Borås Stadsbibliotek, is the Borås Art Museum . It is widely known for its national and international exhibitions and focuses on contemporary and video art The museum is also responsible for the city’s public art and organises the Borås Art Biennial (formerly the Borås International Sculpture Biennial) Thanks to the museum, Borås has been enriched with sculptures of the highest international calibre –works that are permitted to stand out and make a statement Page after page has been written about Jim Dine’s 9-metre-tall “Walking to Borås” (known as Pinocchio) Fredrik Wretman’s “Bodhi” was written about almost as much when this 3 5-metre-tall bronze bust of the artist was anchored to the floor of the Viskan in 2004 And these are just two of many equally exciting works
boraskonstmuseum.se
World-class art photography
If you want to see graphic art and photography from the 1960s and on, have a look at Abecita Pop Art and Photo in Knalleland Their permanent collection of modern art and photography from Europe and the US is impressive to say the least Add the awardwinning Nordic textile art and a continuous influx of photo exhibitions into the mix, and you will quickly realise you should keep an eye on the museum’s programme and the regular photography nights And don’t miss the well-stocked museum shop, which has loads of photography books abecitakonst.se
Tip!
At boras.com/en/art you can find information about galleries, current and upcoming exhibitions, and information on guided tours to deepen and enhance your experience of Borås
Unlimited artwork on building facades
In Borås, street art is a natural part of the cityscape And it all began with the No Limit Street Art festival – a large-scale street art festival held on four occasions between 2014 and 2020 The legacy of these festivals lives on in around 40 huge murals and countless street art installations scattered throughout the city centre Ready to be experienced all year round You won’t have to look long to spot one of the numerous paintings on the building facades of Borås Sometimes they are up to seven storeys tall . nolimitboras.com
Textile history meets the future
The Textile Museum of Sweden is one of the Nordic region’s leading museums of textiles and fashion Here, you can explore both permanent and temporary exhibitions, take part in workshops, guided tours and creative activities that challenge your imagination Be amazed by the unique collection of historical garments and costumes Try on clothes from an entire century or design your own creations The museum also houses one of Europe’s foremost collections of textile machines Some of these are on display in the permanent exhibition Textile Power, which explores the textile industry –here, there, then and now textilmuseet.se
"House of Knowledge" by Jaume Plensa.
"Waiting for the sky to dry" by Lonac.
Clothes & Couture at The Textile Museum of Sweden 2021-2026.
"Walking to Borås" by Jim Dine.
Profession:
Project manager
Interests:
Food, exercise and reading a good book
My weekend: Marita Curran
When it comes to art, Marita knows what’s going on in Borås . She is a project manager for arts and cultural events at the city’s destination company . Read on to see how she and her friends spent a jam-packed weekend in Borås, seasoned with world-class art .
Saturday
10.30 am Museum . We start off the weekend with a visit to the Borås Art Museum. It’s a short walk from downtown, it always has exciting exhibitions, and it’s well worth a visit Keep an eye on their website for guided tours!
11.45 am Lunch break
Utbult Borneby & Co is right next door to the art museum and we stop by for a delicious lunch The space is unique and cosy, and they have a lovely outdoor seating area They serve tasty, well-prepared hot and cold dishes based on the season On our way out, we buy a few light snacks for the upcoming art walk
2.00 pm Art walk
To get the most out of our weekend, we’ve booked a guided tour of the public art An experienced guide takes us on a fantastic tour of the city’s over 100 sculptures, installations and street art paintings, and we learn more about each piece You can read about current guided tours at boras.com/en/art
3.00 pm Gallery visit
We head to Österlånggatan (which is also one of Borås’ prettiest streets!) to check out the gallery Revolt. This historic gallery has nearly 40 years in the business, but it’s been under new management since 2020 and is now run by gallerist Johanna
Carlander Going to a gallery is a fantastic experience and it really doesn’t matter if you know about art or not As we know, the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder, and this is a great place to go for inspiration or just to enjoy yourself
4.30 pm Coffee break
After a quick walk from the museum, we take a seat in Café Viskan’s outdoor seating area . It has the best sunny location in Sandwalls Plats and it’s always popular Luckily, we get a table! The coffee here is really good, and they also have the best selection of homemade baked goods in town
5:30 pm Hotel hang-out
We check in at the Scandic Plaza and rest for a minute in their comfy beds We also take the chance to visit their relaxation area, which has a jacuzzi and a sauna, for a bit of a breather Dressed and ready, we have a glass of wine in the hotel lobby, which always has a wonderful atmosphere Then it’s time for dinner on the town
Marita’s favourite works of art:
“House of Knowledge” (sculpture) At the Textile Fashion Center
“Bodhi” (sculpture) Installed in Viskan, at Knalletorget
“Delicious Brains” (street art) At Norrby Tvärgata
8:00 pm – Dinner & drinks
I booked a table at Viskan Vinbar, and we have a seat on their big terrace . We order their delicious starter platter and a glass of champagne The evening is mild and lovely For a main, I choose their amazing pizza napoletana . We finish with a tiramisu for each of us, and the evening feels complete
Sunday
9:00 am Hotel breakfast
Does anything beat a long and wonderful hotel breakfast? We have scrambled eggs, orange juice, bacon, freshly baked rolls, sliced fruit and other tasty treats Now we’re ready for another couple of hours in Borås, the city of art!
12:00 pm More art
We take a slow walk to Knalleland, which is home to Abecita Pop Art and Photo. This is one of my absolute favourite spots They have world-class, international art photography and pop art from Europe and the US . On the way out, we have a look in their beautiful shop and a quick cup of coffee in the little café by the entrance
Tip! If you have time, drop by Wärenstams, which is in the same building Wärenstams is a gallery with contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography, textiles and ceramics from the Sjuhäradsbygden area
2:30 pm French lunch
A 15-minute walk gets us back downtown, to the restaurant Balthazar in Pallas Shopping Mall It’s the perfect spot for any meal, and on Sundays they open their café area and serve yummy salads and poké bowls We round out the weekend by ordering their incredibly delicious American-style pancakes with caramel sauce, bananas and peanuts
Family fun
Excursions and adventures, exciting and educational –memories that last a lifetime .
In Borås, there’s plenty to do together as a family .
Here you’ll find everything from breathtaking nature experiences to fascinating encounters with animals New adventures that take the family expedition into the forest, out onto the savannah, and even to the farm Journeys through time that bring you face to face with life-sized dinosaurs . Scientific experiments that broaden horizons Who knows what spark it might ignite in a young family member? We’ve chosen a few family-friendly favourites, so get ready for your next adventure and discover Borås for kids
Borås Zoo
This zoo, one of the biggest in Sweden, is home to animals from all over the world When it was founded in 1962, it was one of a kind The first animal to move in was Simba the lion cub, which founder Sigvard Berggren brought home on one of his many trips Today, the zoo has animals ranging from the greats of the savanna to the king of the forest (the moose) and Swedish farm animals, all on over 40 hectares of nature What still makes the park unique today is its central location, within walking distance of both downtown and Knalleland . Have a delicious bite to eat from one of the park’s many eateries or bring your own food and have a barbecue borasdjurpark.se
Upzone Adventure Park
Ready for an adventure, play and outdoor activities that go above and beyond the ordinary? Upzone is located next to the zoo in a lovely forest Come swing from the treetops in the ropes course and zip through the air on the zipline Embark on an adventure with your friends or bring the whole family The park has several barbecue sites and benches, perfect for a Swedish fika break . upzone.se
Navet Science Center
At Navet, you can explore exciting exhibitions that take you on a journey through the most fascinating areas of natural science Get an adrenaline rush by trying the lightning room, compete in mind power challenges, and explore the water section, Aqua Navet is the ultimate place for an adventure that is sure to inspire and captivate the whole family! navet.com
Alidebergsbadet
Is it time for a splashy outdoor activity? Alidebergsbadet is a heated outdoor pool located next to Borås Zoo Among other things, they have a 50-metre swimming pool, a pool with a diving board, and a splash-and-play pool with a slide There are also fields of grass with plenty of room for everyone, and a beach volleyball court Only open during the summer
Stadsparksbadet
Stadsparksbadet is located in the heart of Borås, with a 25-metre pool, a slide, wave machine, hot tubs and a splash pool for the little ones After your swim, you can walk to the nearby playground in Stadsparken, have ice cream at Orangeriet, and finish your day with mini golf at Borås Adventure Golf .
Borås Museum
Borås Museum is beautifully located in Ramnaparken, a green oasis in the heart of the city, home to historic buildings and open spaces This is a wonderful place to learn all about the Sjuhäradsbygden area and to gain a true sense of the region’s history Join a guided tour, enjoy a Swedish fika at Café Gästis, peek inside the old houses, and visit Ramnakyrkan, a preserved wooden church from the 1690s borasmuseum.se
More family favourites:
Leos Lekland, Laserdome, Odenslunds 4H-gård, Haunted Museum and Trollstigen
Among others
Learn more at boras com/en/family
Nature calling
Sweden is a fantastic place, and if you enjoy staying active, Borås is particularly wonderful . You are never far from nature here . The fact is that no one who wakes up in Borås is more than 10 minutes from the woods .
Borås is home to Rya Åsar, the most centrally located nature reserve in Sweden, and the municipality also has 14 additional protected natural areas Using Borås as your base camp, you can enjoy some truly tough physical challenges The city also offers much-needed recreation and spiritual experiences in 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
Come and explore the region and city’s hills, lakes, forests, bicycle and hiking trails, and enjoy annual events for anyone who enjoys being physically active
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 area 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
For experiences in nature on the water, you can rent canoes at Borås Camping, and kayaks and SUP boards at Vildland
Tip!
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 .
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
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 Tip!
For more nature experiences in our area, visit vastsverige com/en/ sjuharad
Borås is truly a mecca for any type of excercise with plenty of opportunities to get moving, whether you are downtown or outside of the city centre .
In summer, there are plenty of wonderful outdoor facilities, including the big exercise area, Ymer, where you can play Frisbee golf, beach volleyball and boule, and go hiking, running and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery . In winter, the area becomes an outstanding ski facility, with amazing cross-country skiing conditions at Borås Skidstadion
If you’re looking for a tough workout, there are several chain gyms; if you would prefer something more soothing like yoga, then Yogacentrum and Usyoga are perfect for you
If you would rather watch sports than play them, head over to Borås Arena The dress code at IF Elfsborg’s home arena is yellow, and the Guliganerna – who may be Sweden’s very best fans – keep spirits high in the stands
Take
on an active challenge:
Linnémarschen
For nearly 50 years, the Linnémarschen has been held in Borås and is now Sweden’s largest walking event, guiding participants through the beautiful Rya Åsar nature reserve For two days, you can choose among several different stretches to walk or run, ranging from an accessibility-adapted 8 km route to a 57 km two-day hike, in which you spend the night in a tent Linnémarschen is the only Swedish hike that is a member of the international IML Walking Association, which has organized hikes worldwide linnemarschen.se
Kretsloppet
Kretsloppet is a public party and celebration of running in downtown Borås that will get your heart pumping while elevating the pulse of the city The event has a special focus on the environment and on being a sustainable event that cultivates a love of running, public health and motivation Everyone who takes part helps support the participating associations' activities kretsloppetiboras.se
Västgötaloppet
In May, you can take part in a cycling experience beyond the ordinary With Västgötaloppet’s three different races, there’s something for everyone –groups of friends, families, relatives or coworkers . You’ll start by the shimmering waters of Lake Åsunden in Ulricehamn and finish alongside the flowing currents of the Viskan River in Borås A scenic journey through the beautiful spring landscape of Sjuhärad . vastgotaloppet.se
Rya Åsar Trail Run
The race takes place at the beautiful Rya Åsar nature reserve, just a stone’s throw from central Borås Rya Åsar Trail Run offers scenic trails, challenging hills, and stunning views The event area offers a great atmosphere with music, exhibitors, food service and the Runners Lounge where you can hang out before and after the race ryaasartrailrun.se
More workout facilities:
Borås Simarena
One of Sweden’s best swimming facilities, with a fullscale, 50-metre competition pool with bleachers, as well as a teaching pool This complete arena offers all kinds of swimming and water sports, including water gymnastics and rehab . It is right next door to the Alidebergsbadet outdoor facility
Kypegården
A quick walk from downtown will take you to the Kypegården exercise area It has illuminated trails that are perfect for running and long walks, as well as a beach with a dock, and a wood-fired sauna and cold bath
Kransmossen
One of Borås’ biggest outdoor leisure and exercise areas with illuminated trails, an outdoor gym and obstacle course, football pitches, a playground and a boules court Showers and dressing rooms are available on site
Borås Tennis and Boule Center
Knalleland is home to Borås Tennis Center – the perfect place for anyone who loves racket sports Come play tennis, padel and badminton, as well as a game of boules
Shopping deluxe
Downtown Borås has plenty of unique and charming stores, back-to-back with familiar chains . You will find a wonderful mixture of fashion, interior decor, beauty, flowers, watches, food and delicacies – and more
We have hand-selected a few of our favourites, but there is even more great shopping to discover . Visit borascity.se for more inspiration and information!
Joel & Jolina
With a genuine passion for style and quality, these multi-brand stores provide customers with a unique assortment of the best fashion, shoes and accessories for the well-dressed man and fashion-conscious woman Whether you’re looking to stand out or for something classic, you are guaranteed to find your new outfit here joeljolina.se
Pallas Shopping Mall
Borås’ modern shopping mall is beautifully situated right beside the river Viskan For fashion and interior decor from well-known chains and local boutiques, head to Pallas . Take the chance to have something good to eat with views of the beautiful Stadsparken pallasshopping.se
Cassise
A store for anyone who loves the good things in life . Cheese and charcuterie from all over the world are shelved beside delicious jams and hand-chosen chocolates and pralines that will have your mouth watering Choose what you like or buy pre-assembled gift baskets cassise.se
Bergs Kaffe- och Tehandel
Borås’ oldest coffee and tea shop has a thoughtfully chosen range of products Coffee and tea connoisseurs looking to browse classics and try modern flavour variations will enjoy a visit You may very well find lovely gifts here . facebook.com/bergskaffeochtehandel
Brissmans
An authentic fashion store for women and men, founded in 1929! You can order made-to-measure suits and jackets, and choose personalised details like lining colour, closure style and button style . brissmans.store
N.Y
At N Y, the Nyberg family gathers Scandinavian fashion mixed with established international brands under a single roof It will be easy to find a new favourite piece here
@n.y.artisansinfashion
Jälmers Ur
Since 1924, Jälmers Ur has offered a large and thoughtfully selected range of exclusive brandname watches Whether you want to find a new favourite or repair and adjust what you have, Daniel and his staff provide the best possible service . jalmersur.se
Vardagsrummet
A unique store focused on that special touch for your living room Here you’ll find carefully selected products where a delightful mix of old and new creates an inspiring atmosphere @vardagsrummetiboras
Mariella
This family-owned design company offers the latest in home decor, with a focus on offering the best, the trendiest – the yet-to-be discovered In short: things you will only find at Mariella mariella.se
Betty’s
Betty’s is a short walk from downtown This popular flower and interior design shop always has lots of wonderful inspiration Check out their Instagram before you visit!
@bettysinredning
Don’t miss!
The big, well-known Knalleland shopping area is a short trip from downtown It has around 80 stores, restaurants and big markets, with something for every taste Parking is free and it’s easy to walk between the different malls and individual shops .
A taste of Borås
Borås’ culinary offering has evolved a great deal in recent years New restaurants and cafés have opened up one after the next, while old favourites remain that have offered residents and visitors wonderful dining experiences for decades . Read on for a small, but delicious selection of eateries located downtown . Which one will be your favourite?
Noosh
This restaurant is located in the historic city hall and has a large terrace with views of Stora torget Here you can enjoy Latin American cuisine and share flavorful dishes with friends and family, day or night nooshdining.se
Café Viskan & Viskan Vinbar
With a big selection of coffee, baked goods and food combined with a large outdoor seating area, this is a natural choice for a moment to relax Viskan Vinbar is located right next door, serving up the best of Italy Don’t miss their pizza Napoletana! You will have a beautiful view of Sandwalls Plats, Borås’ very own piazza – a bustling area in summertime cafeviskan.se & viskanvinbar.se
Vinci
A neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar with its heart in Italy and France People of all ages gather here to enjoy delicious food, drinks and a lovely atmosphere The restaurant is beautifully situated by Sandwalls Plats and the gorgeous interiors add an extra special touch to your visit . The palm trees lining the promenade add a relaxed Mediterranean vibe vincivinci.se
Balthazar
Restaurant, bakery, café, bar or perhaps a game of boules? At Balthazar, you don’t have to choose! Sweden and France merge here in a fantastic blend of flavours The glassed-in outdoor seating area faces Stadsparken and Viskan and is the perfect place to spend time, no matter the season balthazar.se
La Copita & Ambar
If you love tapas, then set your sights on the Pinocchio sculpture – just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find this Spanish gem Right next door is Ambar, which serves classic pintxos and fresh cocktails and mocktails lacopita.se
Tugg Burgers
Come here for delicious burgers made from scratch with meat from selected farms Burger fans of all ages will find many delicious options, and vegetarian options are available Don’t miss the tasty milkshakes tuggburgers.se
Mocca Deli
At Mocca Deli, you’ll find a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy flavorful pasta dishes, flatbread pizzas, fresh salads and delicious desserts The restaurant is located at Posttorget and is a perfect meeting place, both on weekdays and weekends moccadeli.se
Thai Silk
Borås has many lovely Thai restaurants Thai Silk has a popular lunch buffet, and they are open for dinner as well But make sure to arrive in time for lunch – Borås residents love Thai food! Thai Silk has a pleasant outdoor seating area facing Knalletorget in summer thaisilk.se
Don’t miss!
Borås is also a fantastic city for coffee and has numerous charming cafés Stop by Bakgården, Tant Grön or Orion for a delicious cup of coffee, a tasty baked good, or even a wellprepared lunch
Mary Wong
In the heart of Borås, you’ll find a restaurant inspired by 1960s Hong Kong and the film In the Mood for Love Here, delicate Asian small plates such as bao buns, dumplings, and sushi are served in a cinematically elegant setting marywong.se
Chihaya
Chihaya never compromises on ingredients – stop by for a taste of excellent sushi Order for take-away and eat where you like, or sit down in the restaurant, with decor inspired by Japan and the origins of sushi chihaya.se
Pitcher’s
Pitcher’s is located in the heart of Stora Torget and isn’t just a restaurant, but also a sports pub and thus a natural gathering place for sports fans . The menu includes traditional pub food and plenty of grilled dishes You will also find beer from all over the world, and whiskey and wine from a wide variety of makers and regions pitchers.se/restauranger/boras
Gujju
Did you know that Gujju is slang for people from the Indian state of Gujarat? The food served here is a tribute to Indian cuisine, with flavours from this western state Meals are composed of smaller plates for an authentic Indian culinary experience There are plenty of vegetarian options, and an exciting selection of cocktails gujju.se
Favo
Modern street food delivered wherever you are –a quick fix at home, at the hotel, or to your favourite picnic spot . But of course, you can also visit the restaurant! The app is available wherever you download apps favo.se
20 gems in Borås
and around
Sometimes you find that viewpoint, restaurant, courtyard café or shop that you fall in love with and want to return to over and over . Every city has its own little gems; some are better known than others, and the people who know the area best are the locals, of course That’s why we asked them: what are the gems of Borås? Below is a selection of all the tips we received –places that are well worth a visit!
Mölarp’s Mill and Kröklings Hage
Nature Reserve
Mölarp’s mill is located along the beautiful river Viskan in the little area of Fristad, north of Borås . Since the sixteenth century, the rivers have been used here to power mills, a saw, and a fulling mill The area is also home to fascinating ancient relics that will take you back in time The beautiful and ever-changing Kröklings Hage Nature Reserve is located nearby This undulating area has a temperate deciduous forest, mixed coniferous forest and a wooded meadow We suggest a hike between these gems, and why not a picnic surrounded by the beauty of nature?
Sundholmen
At the western shore of Lake Tolken outside of Äspered, you will find the beautiful and historically fascinating Sundholmen nature reserve . A lovely, popular swimming beach can also be found here From there, you can see the island of Holmen, location of the ruins of the old Brahe castle known as Sundholmen The castle dates to the fifteenth century, but burned down in 1706 during a thunderstorm Today it is uninhabited, but bats enjoy the old ruins
Stadsparken
The city’s oasis was built in 1899, and its beautiful scenery has attracted everyone from couples on picnics to Borås residents on lunch break strolls ever since Families with kids gather at the big, modern playground; ice-cream lovers and foodies flock to Orangeriet; and friends head to Mariekulle for a round of adventure golf In winter, you can go ice skating on the illuminated skating rink
Hedared Stave Church
The little area of Hedared outside Borås is home to Sweden’s only preserved medieval stave church It was built in the early sixteenth century, but in all likelihood, a church of the same kind stood on the site before then Echoes of history can be heard clearly here; take the chance to visit the church with a guide to learn more about this fascinating place!
Ålgården
When it was founded in the seventeenth century, Ålgården was a mill . Today it is an artists’ workshop and an exciting gallery The association regularly holds exhibitions, so it is well worth a visit if you enjoy art This beautiful area is also surrounded by nature, so you can combine a visit here with a walk along the Viskan or up to the Rya Åsar nature reserve
Ryssby Klint
The best view in town can be found high above Borås, in the Rya Åsar nature reserve Depending on how tough of a hike you want, you can get here from several different directions Families with kids can park a little bit away and walk the final stretch However you get here, the view from the top is well worth the walk Once you arrive, take a seat on the stone slabs and enjoy the peace and quiet You might also find the 100-year-old memorial stone in one of the nearby stone walls?
Music at Sommartorsdagarna®
Since 1989, Sommartorsdagarna® has been a fixture of Borås, and one of Sweden’s biggest free events
Starting the first week of July, you’re invited to four action-packed Thursday evenings filled with live music, food trucks, nightclubs, lively outdoor terraces, dance bands in the park, fun and games for the kids, late-night shopping, DJs, and performers! The whole city is buzzing! Read more at sommartorsdagarna . se See you in town!
Knallestenen and Älmås Nature Reserve
In these beautiful nature reserves, you can hike and immerse yourself in history Loftsliden is home to the Knalle stone, which is thought to be where travelling peddlers met when they came to Borås to split up the commerce areas There is also a 2 .7 km forest trail here that is especially well-suited to kids
Ramnaparken and Café Gästis
Ramnaparken is a green oasis in the centre of Borås It has historic buildings, a beautiful trail around Lake Ramnasjön, and a delightful green area
Have a seat on the grass with a picnic basket in summer, ride a sledge in winter, dance around the Midsummer pole or do some birdwatching Take the chance to have coffee and a treat at Café Gästis, and enjoy the old-fashioned environment
Bruket in Wiared
Bruket is an oasis, beautifully nestled amidst green surroundings just outside the Viared industrial area Browse beautiful interior decor, treat yourself to a wood-fired pizza, sleep in a glamping tent and buy cut flowers and freshly baked rolls and buns from the sourdough bakery Four-footed friends are also welcome!
Tarzanberget
Head over to the screes at Tarzanbergen and enjoy the beauty of nature and spectacular views Start from the green and white trail from Kypegården The trail includes gravel roads and small paths through the forest, and some stretches are quite steep – but it’s a must-do if you want to see the magnificent views at the top!
Räven & Rönnbären
The little community of Dalsjöfors is home to a true gem This cosy restaurant serves outstanding tapas and is well worth a visit! Take the opportunity to stroll around Lake Dalsjön, a beautiful walk split into different stretches It is easy to get here by bus or car
Skenstaboá Farm Shop and u-pick strawberries
If you’re already exploring the nooks and crannies around Dalsjöfors, then we suggest a visit to Skenstaboá’s lovely farm shop It is best known for its beautiful gift baskets, which include locally made products from Sjuhäradsbygden and other parts of Västergötland Browse mustard from Öxabäck, strawberry jam made with home-grown strawberries, honey from the beehives behind the barn and much more In summer, you can also pick strawberries from the farm’s strawberry patches
Aroma
Spa och Vito´s
A peaceful oasis in the centre of town . Relax in heated indoor and outdoor pools, with views of Stadsparken and Viskan Don’t miss the food at Vito’s, which has a fresh Scandinavian menu
Vattentornet
One of the city’s best-known landmarks, this area is perfect for a picnic in summer and a sledge ride in winter . Also known as Kvarnbergsparken, this is a popular hangout spot for locals
Ådalens Café & Present
Between Borås and Ulricehamn is the area of Nitta, which is home to Ådalens Café & Present You can get here by bicycle via the old railway embankment, or by car The cosy café is best known for its fantastic waffles with jam and cream, along with a lovely, warm-hearted welcome from owners Linga and Bernt With a bit of luck, you may find some flea market treasures in the little shop We promise that this gem!
Annelundsparken
This park comprising over 90,000 square metres is filled with spring and summer beauty Come enjoy early-summer azaleas and rhododendrons, and on one of the terraces, you will discover about 80 different kinds of peonies The flowers begin to bloom in mid-May and reach their peak around Midsummer
Pickesjön
Lake Pickesjön is a small hidden gem located just a few kilometres from downtown, near the old infantry regiment Come here to enjoy a hike on the accessible hiking trail, go fishing, have a barbecue or simply enjoy the scenery . This is also a popular place for dog owners, who can pair a walk around the lake with a visit to the fantastic dog park
Borås Bio Röda Kvarn
Röda Kvarn is a municipal art-house movie theatre that shows hand-selected, high-quality movies from all over the world in a magnificent setting The theatre opened in 1914 and is one of Sweden’s oldest and best-preserved cinemas The auditorium has been restored to its original look and with 252 seats, it is the biggest in Borås A unique experience for film-lovers!
Bonus: Fritsla Tyglager.
In an old sewing factory with plenty of history, deep in the textile world between Borås, Varberg and Gothenburg, you will find Fritsla Tyglager But don’t let the name deceive you; there is so much more than fabric here Come enjoy three storeys of interior design and textiles, as well as clothes and carefully selected gourmet products
Don’t miss the little bakery right outside!
Find the gems here
1. MUSIC AT SOMMARTORSDAGARNA®
Stora Torget
2. AROMA SPA & VITO´S
Lilla Kyrkogatan 25
3. BORÅS BIO RÖDA KVARN
Västerbrogatan 13
4. STADSPARKEN
5. ANNELUNDSPARKEN
Annelunds parkväg, Borås
6. HEDARED STAVE CHURCH
Stavkyrkovägen 25, Hedared
7. MÖLARP’S MILL/KRÖKLINGS HAGE NATURE RESERVE Mölarp 12 Fristad/Hagenvägen 46, Sparsör
8. ÅDALENS CAFÉ Töve 105, Hökerum
9. SUNDHOLMEN 516 92 Borås
10. SKENSTABOÁ FARM SHOP AND U-PICK STRAWBERRIES
Skänstad, Assargården, Dalsjöfors
11. RÄVEN OCH RÖNNBÄREN
Storgatan 25, Dalsjöfors
12. TARZANBERGEN
13. ÅLGÅRDEN
Ålgårdsvägen 33, Borås
14. RYSSBY KLINT
Glimmerplan 49, Borås
15. VATTENTORNET
Gustav Adolfsgatan 27, Borås
16. RAMNAPARKEN AND CAFÉ GÄSTIS
Parkgatan 29, Borås
17. PICKESJÖN
Pickesjövägen, Borås
18. BRUKET IN WIARED
Gamla Ryssnäsvägen 1, Borås
19. KNALLESTENEN AND ÄLMÅS NATURE RESERVE Hagadalen, Älmåsvägen, Borås
20. FRISTLA TYGLAGER
Aratorpsvägen 14, Fritsla
Find your accommodation
Hotel
Best Western Plus Hotell Borås
Sandgärdsgatan 25
+46 (0)33-7990100 hotellboras.se
Börshult Gård – Konferens & gårdshotell
Börshult Gård, Sandhult +46 (0)33-240143 borshultgard.se
Comfort Hotel Jazz
Allégatan 21
+46 (0)33-7994500 strawberry.se/hotell/sverige/boras/comfort-hotel-jazz
Hotell Solhem Park
Vendelsbergsgatan 42
+46 (0)33-100110 solhempark.se
Scandic Plaza Borås
Allégatan 3
+46 (0)33-7858200 scandichotels.se/plazaboras
Quality Hotel Grand Borås
Hallbergsplatsen 2
+46 (0)33-7990000 strawberry.se/hotell/sverige/boras/quality-hotel-boras
Borås Mini Hotel
Brigadgatan 16
+46 (0)768-726186 boras.minihotel.se
Hostels and bed & breakfasts
Attic Living
Stora Brogatan 11
+46 (0)707-533363 attichostel.se
Yxhammargården
Yxhammarsgatan 29
+46 (0)33-475500
yxhammargarden.se
CentRum Turistlogi
Nygatan 4A
+46 (0)721-593128 cent-rum.se
Solviken Sommargård
Äspenäs, Fristad (RV 42) +46 (0)709-581470
+46 (0)33-260129 (off-season) equmeniakyrkanfristad.se
Camping
Borås Camping
Campinggatan 25
+46 (0)33-4304800 borascamping.se
Seglora Familjecamping
Kyrkbyn Furulund, Seglora +46 (0)705-891059 segloracamping.se
Bruket i Wiared
Gamla Ryssnäsvägen 1 campbruket@wiared se bruketiwiared.se/brukets-camp
Wildlife Camp Borås Djurpark
Alidelundsgatan 11 +46 (0)33-4304800 borasdjurpark.se/wildlife-camp
Motorhome parking places
Motorhome parking place Parkering Astern
Sven Eriksonsgatan 28
+46 (0)33-353250
Max permitted parking time is 2 days, price: SEK 150/day Pay via app or text message p-bolaget@boras.se
You can park in regular parking spaces according to the current parking rates If you take up two parking spots lengthwise, you only need to buy one parking ticket
parkeringboras.se/parkering/besoksparkering
Good to know
Travel to/from Borås
Bus:
BUS4YOU/Nettbuss – nettbuss se Flixbus – flixbus se
Express bus to Landvetter Airport –landvetterexpressen se Train: SJ – sj se
Travel within Borås:
Public transportation:
Västtrafik – vasttrafik se
Buy tickets via Västtrafik’s app (Västtrafik TO GO), on the bus with a payment card, or at one of Västtrafik’s sales outlets
Västtrafik’s centrally located sales outlets: Västtrafik’s store at Resecentrum and Pressbyrån at Centralstationen and Södra Torget
Taxi
Sverige Taxi – +46 (0)33-12 70 70 Taxi Izigo – +46 (0)33-123 123
Parking
A map of parking places is available at parkeringboras.se Pay for parking via text message, the EasyPark app (easypark.se) and Parkster ( parkster.se) .
Bus parking places Centre:
Lilla Brogatan 4, by Grand Hotel
To visit Borås Arena, Zoo, Knalleland: Erikslundsgatan, between Sjuhäradshallen and Engelska Skolan
To visit Borås Kongress, Textile Fashion Center or Textile Museum of Sweden:
Please contact the Textile Fashion Center, +46 (0)33-255 455 There is parking at Södra Nybrogatan, but it must be opened by staff Driving in from Yxhammarsgatan to Södra Nybrogatan, pass the Nybron parking house
Ticket sales
You can buy tickets to most of the city’s events at Kulturhuset, +46 (0)33-35 35 35 Find information about events at boras.com
Foreign Exchange
Forex – forex se Guld Valuta – guld-valuta se
Electric scooters
Located around the city Pay via app which is available for download in the App Store or Google Play boras se/elsparkcykel
Camper van information
Service:
Borås Bil & Bodelsservice – bilobodelsservice . se
Petrol stations:
OKQ8 Hulta – okq8 se Spare parts: Mekonomen – mekonomen se Biltema – biltema se Latrine emptying: Rastplats Borås Torpet – RV 40, exit from Gothenburg only Borås Camping – borascamping se
Pharmacies downtown
Apoteket Österlånggatan Borås, Österlånggatan 41 Kronans Apotek, Allégatan 43
Systembolag (retail alcoholic beverages) Centrum, Allégatan 17 Knalleland, Ålgårdsvägen 15
ICA Maxi, Trandögatan 14 systembolaget se
General information
Police: 114 114 – polisen se
Emergency: 112 – only call in the event of an urgent emergency Medical care/doctor: 117 117
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Borås Tourist Information offers the best tips and services for Borås residents, tourists and visitors We know (almost!) everything about Borås You can call us at +46 (0)33-35 70 90 , email tourist@boras.com or chat with us at boras.com If you want to visit us, we are located at the Textile Fashion Center, Skaraborgsvägen 3A Our opening hours can be found at boras com
