Håcksvik: Painted Wall Hangings, Churches and Nature

You can get to know Håcksvik through its cultural history and distinctive landscape. The Stångån meanders sharply through the area, while Håcksvik lies in the northern part of the Fegen nature area. Other highlights include the painted wall hangings at Klockaregården, historical features in the church, and routes for hiking and canoe trips. When planning your trip, consider whether you want to focus on art and architectural history, longer routes, or nature and water.

Wall Paintings and Architectural History

Klockaregården is home to unique painted wall hangings from southern Sweden. In 1848, Sven Erlandsson painted the walls of a room now located there, creating 33 panels depicting biblical scenes. The paintings are permanently attached to the walls. The artist, year, extent and subject matter give the work a specific art-historical context and a clear focus for anyone interested in religious imagery.

Håcksvik Church was rebuilt in wood in the Neoclassical style in 1826, after its medieval predecessor had fallen into disrepair. This makes it possible to distinguish the medieval predecessor from the 1826 reconstruction as two separate building phases. The church also houses one of two surviving copies of a commemorative document. It was sent to Swedish parishes on the occasion of the centenary of the Uppsala Resolution of 1693.

The history of the church tower is also connected to the Stångån, although this is only one possible interpretation: the tower may originally have served as a defensive tower when the former border with Denmark temporarily ran along the river. This cautious wording is important; its function is reported as a possibility. Alongside the reconstruction and the commemorative document, this offers several distinct historical perspectives on the church.

Kvarnagården adds furniture making to the cultural focus. The Mårtensson brothers made furniture there from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The area’s history thus encompasses not only wall paintings and church architecture, but also handicraft production.

River, Nature Area and Hiking Trails

The Stångån follows a sharply meandering course through Håcksvik. Håcksvik is also in the northern part of the Fegen nature area. On the Pilgrimsleden Kindaholm, you can enjoy a historic hike through beech forest, farmland and spruce forest, as well as along Lake Fegen. The river, forests and cultural landscape, and lake are all specific features to enjoy on a trip that combines nature experiences with local history.

The 49 km Pilgrimsleden Kindaholm connects the churches of Kalv, Håcksvik, Östra Frölunda and Mårdaklev. The lengths of two sections are specified: Kalv–Håcksvik is 17 km, while Håcksvik–Östra Frölunda is 14 km. The first section is therefore three kilometres longer than the second. This comparison gives you a concrete idea of the distances involved in the two sections. Another route, the Kindaholmsturen, covers a distance of about 9 km to Håcksvik.

Canoe Routes and Swimming Area

For canoe trips, there is a camping system running south from Håcksvik and Östra Frölunda; the routes are checked regularly. Check the local rules before setting out. This way, you can take into account both the described route south and the practical information about the camping system when planning your trip.

The Skäremosjön swimming area in Håcksvik has a barbecue and a lifebuoy, as well as a sandy beach and a small grassy area. These features give you a clear idea of the facilities. As amenities can change, check the current conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Svenljunga, Örsås, Överlida, Sexdrega, Östra Frölunda, Hillared, Mjöbäck, Mårdaklev.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Svenljunga.