Horn: Harbor, Swimming Spots and Church Architecture

Horn lies at the mouth of the Stångån where it flows into Lake Åsunden. Its active harbor, two swimming spots, a hiking trail connection and Horn Church offer several specific points of interest for different types of travelers. When planning a stay, you can first decide whether water, hiking, maritime history or architectural history is the main draw.

Harbor and maritime history

When the Kinda Canal opened in the 1870s, Horn was its terminus harbor. The harbor is still active and is now used by recreational boats and for tourism. Its former role as the terminus dates back to the opening of the canal; its current use by recreational boats and for tourism is distinct from that. For travelers interested in maritime history, this provides a specific point of reference, bringing together the harbor’s historical significance and its present-day use.

Swimming spots by the water

The swimming spots offer different features. Hornåberg swimming area is next to the campground, has a sandy beach and is family-friendly. At the Stångån, Hornåberg swimming area, a barrier and a pier lead to deeper water. If you are choosing between the two, you can use this distinction as a guide: a sandy beach and family-friendly setting at one, and a pier leading to deeper water at the other. Water conditions can vary; check them before swimming.

Hiking connection and getting there

The Horn stage connects the Östgötaleden with the Sevedeleden in Småland. If hiking is your main focus, this offers a specific connection between two named trails. This route connection answers a different planning question from getting there by public transport: Horn has bus and train connections from Linköping via Kisa; from Kisa, there is a bus connection. Check the schedules separately before traveling. This lets you include the hiking stage in your route planning while also arranging your journey to Horn.

Church and architectural history

Horn Church was inaugurated in 1754. Its roof trusses contain painted beams from the earlier, demolished church; dendrochronological dating places them in the late 14th century. These are two different time markers: 1754 is the year Horn Church was inaugurated, while the late 14th century is the dating of the beams from the earlier church. For those interested in architectural history, the special appeal lies in this combination of a later-inaugurated church building with older structural elements.

Gumhem nearby

Gumhem is located near Horn. There is a parking area near the farm; from Lake Åsunden, Gumhem can be reached via a landing pier and gently sloping shores. This adds access by land and water to the options for getting your bearings around the swimming spots and harbor. As access details may change, check them before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Rimforsa, Kisa, Västra Eneby

Go to the overarching travel guide: Kinda.