6 minute read
Tidaholm
from Around Vättern 2021
by Runtvattern
A Smith's cottage on Turbinhusön.
2021 Highlights
Cars, music, food, sports events, crayfish fishing, and a Christmas market. Normally, many events and activities take place in Tidaholm throughout the year. However, due to the COVID-19 situation, several events have been cancelled or modified. Please see the digital event calendar for up-to-date information:
Tidaholm Tourist Office
Tel: 0502-60 62 08 turistbyran@tidaholm.se www.tidaholm.se/turist
Do Tidaholm.
Do the tranquillity, adventure, nature, hiking, and the town. All according to your needs and mood. Do Tidaholm your way!
Do nature in Tidaholm
There is something special about the surroundings around Tidaholm. Here, in nature's own amusement park, you find primeval forests, plateau mountains, meadows, streams, lakes, and ponds. Varied settings for hiking, fishing, adrenaline, and discovering. Tidaholm’s surroundings inspire and provide a source of energy and creativity.
Do the town of Tidaholm
The beautiful River Tidan runs through town, combining beautiful nature with quaint urban scenery. It is around the River Tidan that the town of Tidaholm emerged, and small oases have formed along the flowing water. Cosy cafés and unique shops line the streets. Well-preserved environments are reminiscent of the time around the turn of the last century, when Tidaholm was a prominent mill town. Stroll around town and enjoy beautiful architecture and a quaint city centre. The two islands of Turbinhusön and Vulcanön in the middle of town invite you to experience all kinds of things.
Do hiking in Tidaholm
Tidaholm has many beautiful hiking trails. The Pilgrim Trail between Hjo and Kungslena offers hiking through a varied cultural landscape. It takes you from the idyllic small town of Hjo on the shore of Lake Vättern, over the barren Hökensås Ridge, through forests and open plains, and up to the small medieval village of Kungslena at the foot of Mount Varvsberget.
Hökensås is a piece of wilderness of great nature value, deep forests, and soothing tranquillity. Hökensås Nature Reserve has lovely hiking trails and exercise tracks of varying distances. If you want more action, there is a 19-km MTB trail that takes you through the forests on wonderful soft surface.
Do fishing in Tidaholm
Every year, people looking to fish come to Hökensås, a mecca for fishing enthusiasts and known as Sweden's best recreational fishing area. There are also about fifty lakes and ponds, 30 of which are excellent fishing waters. In Baltak, just south of Tidaholm, you can fly-fish for rainbow trout in the rippling waters of the Tidan River. You're guaranteed a great fishing experience on this beautiful stretch of river, which is about three kilometres long.
Do culture in Tidaholm
The Vulcanön Island is Tidaholm’s cultural centre, providing an arena for culture and arts. The Tidaholm Museum tells the story of Vulcan, the world's
Balance on giant matches at Konsthallen on Turbinhusön.
largest match factory around the turn of the last century, as well as the story of the mill and the car manufacturing. In the old premises of the match factory lies the lithographic workshop, which bears witness to the creativity that has thrived here for hundreds of years.
Turbinhusön is an idyllic island near the shore with a well-preserved cultural environment. Enjoy a coffee in a 19th century setting, on the outdoor terrace beautifully positioned by the rippling waters of the River Tidan. Be sure to also visit the art gallery, the blacksmith homes, and the culture house. Here you will find exhibitions, crafts, and a shop. Kungslena Church is a well-known medieval church located 12 kilometres outside central Tidaholm. The three-tower church has an exciting history and is well worth a visit.
Do the kids’ Tidaholm
Kids must be allowed to be kids, so obviously, there is plenty of space and activities for the young ones in Tidaholm. In the spring of 2021, our brand-new play paradise on Vulcanön Island is scheduled to open. The iconic Children’s House has found a new home in the building that also houses the Tidaholm Museum. Playing is central here, and kids are invited to explore different rooms in the thematically constructed environment.
MTB-cycling at Helliden Castle.
Feel free to buy something from the shop, create your work in the crafts factory, and discover the theatre. Another exciting adventure for kids is family fishing. An excursion to the Hökensås fishing lakes is great for both beginners and experienced fishing enthusiasts. Guided family fishing on Hökensås Ridge is organised every Tuesday and Thursday during summer. End the day with a refreshing evening swim at one of the lovely swim areas.
Bathing in Lilla Havssjön, Hökensås.
The tourist ambassadors
Berry Pär is here!
Namn: Pär Bergqvist Age: 53 Lives: In the small village of Gälleberg at the foot of Hökensås Ridge Family: Cohabitant Veronica and their son Vilgot, 3 1/2 years Works: Runs the company Pär bär, and works in healthcare as a physiotherapist
Pär went along berry-picking even at an early age. His interest grew, and he still tries to get out into the forest whenever he finds the time. He ended up in Tidaholm because of his job as a physiotherapist, but he grew up by Lake Hornborgasjön. Pär moved to Hökensås 14 years and describes it as a real berry paradise. He picks mainly blueberries, lingonberries, various fungi, and wild raspberries. July to October is picking time, and he spends the rest of the year selling the goodies at various markets and in his farm shop. Berry picking has been a hobby for almost 30 years. Pär has spent lots of time in the northern province of Norrland, learning to pick cloudberries. That the landscape in Norrland is close to his heart is easy to see, as is his love for the areas in and around Hökensås. He describes berry picking as something almost meditative and the experience of stunning sunrises in the morning, the close contact with wild animals, and the ability to just be as a lifestyle. – Take your time when you're out picking, he says. Last year was a great berry year, and many berry pickers were out in general. Pär has a network of berry pickers, and they all help sell each other's berries once they run out of their own. Cloudberries are the most fun to pick, but mostly because of the wonderful environment. Within a closer range, lingonberries top the list, or when you find a really great raspberry spot. He has already introduced his son Vilgot to the world of berry picking, hoping he will be the next generation of berry pickers. At the end of September, the popular “Matrallyt” (“Food Rally”) is held in Tidaholm. It's a way of connecting local producers with local consumers. Pär also recommends the summer café and Sunday quiz walks that are organised in the small village of Gälleberg. – And don't miss the lakes and Falk's Grave up on Hökensås Ridge, he concludes.
