KARLSBORG
was intended as a Parliament House, in the event that the parliament and the government would be forced to flee Stockholm. In case of risk of war or other tension, the country’s gold reserve would also be kept in the fortress. Today, the Karlsborg Fortress is one of Sweden’s largest training garrisons. This impressive 200-year old will obviously be celebrated all year with various events that can be found via Karlsborgs Fästning 200 år on Facebook, via the podcast Fästningspodden, at www.karlsborgsturism.se, and other media.
Characterised by water
In addition to the fortress and its exciting history, Karlsborg is characterised by water, the 35 kilometres of beaches (not just along Lake Vättern), nature experiences, and, of course, Forsvik and its industrial cradle. The industrial environment has been preserved since the early 1900s and is a listed building. Here you can also see the steamer Eric Nordevall II, which usually lies at anchor below Forsvik’s mill, wrapped in a scent of tar. Forsvik also has Göta Canal’s oldest lock and a number of lovely spots for shopping and eating. But Karlsborg is much more than this. Karlsborg is one of the municipalities comprising Tiveden and its enchanting nature reserve. Here you’ll find Fagertärn, our only lake with wild red water lilies. You’ll find Ösjönäs with its high-altitude course. You’ll also find numerous hiking and cycling trails, as well as opportunities for horseback riding, canoeing, or just sitting on a stump in the forest, breathing in the fresh air and the smell of trees and moss. Moments to treasure.
In the Karlsborg harbour there are occasionally sing-alongs or other entertaining events. If you like a more casual and quiet surrounding , you can always have a little something in Forsvik.
The tourist ambassadors
Busy times in the Swedish industrial cradle Name: Charlotta Haskovec Works: runs the Canal Shops 5 knop and Sail In, director of Hela Sverige ska leva, Skaraborg, vice chairman of Karlsborgs turism AB, board member of Forsvik’s charter school, responsible for the RV Park in Forsvik, and various association activities Age: 49 Lives: in Forsvik since 2002 Family: domestic partner, two children Unexpected interest: reading is my rest and baking my way to regain strength and energy.
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hen I meet Charlotta Haskovec, I am struck by the energy she exudes. With bright eyes, she exclaims: – The hardest part is to prioritise. There are simply too few hours in the day! She quickly makes you understand that things happen around her. The commitment to a living countryside is one of her strongest drives. Charlotta shares her best tips to visitors coming to Forsvik and Karlsborg: – In terms of nature experiences, my absolute best tip is a visit to Tiveden National Park. The quiet there is deafening. For cultural
experiences, the Forsvik Mill and Karlsborg Fortress are obvious destinations. Forsvik’s industrial environment is beautiful in an original and genuine way. The best places to eat are Forsviks Café och Mat as well as Tivedens mat. The best accommodation right now is Hotell Villa Göta, a newly renovated luxury hotel in Forsvik. There is also a great outdoor centre in Granvik, called Granvik Event. Among other things, you can go RIB boating there. But Göta Canal is usually the main reason why both yachters and others are drawn to Forsvik. The sing-alongs, featuring guest artists, by the canal in Karlsborg on Fridays in July attract lots of people. With its beauty, swim-friendly beaches, and coastal feel, the area around Ombo islands is popular as well. The fact that Charlotta has such a great interest in the countryside stems from herself being brought up there. She has always seen the benefits of living in the country. – Fresh air and no stress. Being close to nature and following the seasonal changes is invaluable. It gives you a broader perspective on life. Charlotta’s wish is for more people to discover that. Which is why she wants to work for us to be able live and work in the countryside.
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