Istorp: Landscapes, Horses and Historic Mills

Istorp combines open landscapes, beautiful stone walls and forest. The Viskan flows through the village, and every year Istorp attracts birdwatchers as well as rare bird species. This makes it a destination where observing nature, rural scenery and tangible experiences exist side by side. The combination of waterway, forest and open spaces particularly appeals to travellers who want to divide their stay between observation, activity and regional culture.

Horse-riding experiences with different focuses

Ridskolehästar offers private riding lessons on its horses in Istorp. Beginners learn the basics of horse care, brushing, saddling and mounting, and are accompanied on their first ride. Ridskolehästar also offers riders with their own horses training in dressage, groundwork and show jumping. Guided rides in the forest, which are also suitable for beginners, are part of the offering as well. The options therefore range from supported introductions to specialised training with your own horse.

In Istorp, Fagerhults Häst offers trail rides, riding lessons, weekend courses and opportunities to work with horses. Fagerhults Häst limits its horse-riding experiences to one or two guests per appointment. Those looking for different forms of riding and horse care will find another specific focus here alongside the offerings from Ridskolehästar.

Church, Road and Watermill

Istorp Church was built in the early medieval period; medieval walls form part of the present building. The medieval road between Skara and Varberg ran between Istorp Church and the vicarage.

Ekarebo Skvaltkvarn, a restored watermill, is located in the forest by the Ekån in Istorp. It was originally built in 1800 and moved downstream in 1841. Of the 19 mills that once operated in the surrounding area, it is the only one that remains. Istorp therefore brings together medieval building fabric, a historic route and the history of a watermill.

Farms, Farm Shop and Apple Orchard

Frugårdens Kött runs an organically certified farm with suckler-cow husbandry and raises the calves until slaughter. Visitors are invited to see the animals and experience a working farm. The farm shop is currently open on Fridays and sells, among other things, beef and minced meat.

Strömmared Östergården is a carefully renovated 19th-century farm with tourist offerings. It has a newly established organic apple orchard and an on-farm cider press. When planning your trip, you can combine agricultural insights and regional produce with nature and cultural experiences.

Fishing, Water Skiing and Forest Events

The Viskan fishing area includes the Lillån up to Fävren within Mark Municipality, as well as Lilla Eksjö and Gravsjö in Istorp. Next to a farm in Istorp, there is a deep spot in the Lillån that is popular with sport anglers; efforts have been made to make it accessible.

The Varberg Water Ski Club is headquartered in Istorp on the Mark side of the lake; water-skiing competitions are held there regularly. Skogens Hus offers companies and groups experiences and events in the forests of Istorp. It also provides accommodation in cabins located directly by the forest. Water sports, fishing and organised forest activities thus complement the quieter nature and cultural themes with further active travel interests.

Istorp as a Base

Göteborg, Borås and Kungsbacka are easy and quick to reach from Istorp. When choosing your destination, you can therefore weigh up nature along the Viskan, horse-related offerings, farm visits, historic sites and events in the forest.

For further regional orientation, you can also compare Lerum, Månstad, Lysekil, Vara, Tranemo, Götene and Vänersborg.

For the overarching travel overview: Västra Götaland.