Hillared: Trails, Water and History

Såken runt and its scenic highlights

There are swimming spots along the circular trail. At the start of the loop, you can also see the remains of an old hydroelectric power station used by the Almedals factories. This brings different themes together along the trail: its present-day use for hiking and swimming, and traces of earlier use of hydropower.

Other places of interest are reached by detours. From Sågviken, a detour leads to glacial potholes formed during the Ice Age. A detour off the northwestern part of the trail leads to old clearance cairns, beech forest and oaks near Hagö. These places show that the loop can be described not only by its length, but also by its individual scenic and historical highlights.

Buildings and history in Hillared

Nättlegården is a donated smokehouse that is cared for by the Hillared local heritage association. The house was moved from old Nättlebo to its present location. Its architecture also tells a story: the western loft section is an approximate copy of part of a building that was demolished in the early 20th century. An authentic shoemaker’s workshop is located in a building next to Nättlegården.

Other historical traces include the well-preserved archaeological remains at Läggared in Hillared. Hillared Church is a medieval church dating from the 12th century. For a time, it served both as a church and as a defensive structure. The smokehouse, archaeological remains and church represent different chapters in the area’s history: a relocated farmstead, early traces of human activity and a church building that temporarily served a dual purpose.

Swimming spots, fishing and cycling

Lake Hösjön is south of Hillared’s built-up area and just east of Läggared. Hösjön swimming area has a dry toilet, barbecue area, benches and a jetty. If you want to compare the swimming spots along Såken runt with another place by the water, this is a site with clearly specified facilities. The two options should not be confused: the swimming spots along the loop are part of Såken runt; the facilities listed here are at Hösjön swimming area.

There are also several locations to consider if you are interested in fishing. In the area around Hillared, there are several places along the Ätran where you can fish for trout and in flowing water. The Forsa–Veka fishing stretch runs from the area below the outflow from Lake Åsunden at Forsa Mill in Dannike to the remains of the mill dam at Veka in Hillared. When planning a trip, you can distinguish between the several fishing locations along the Ätran in the surrounding area and this stretch, whose endpoints are specifically identified.

The Sjuhäradrundan cycling route passes through the area around Hillared. For cyclists, Sjuhäradrundan adds a route through the area to the options for hiking and fishing. If you prefer to focus on individual activities, you can consider the information about the circular trail, fishing opportunities and cycling route separately.

Getting there and practical information

For Såken runt, the most convenient parking is in Hillared or just north of it; Sågviken harbour is one example. The Solvägen bus stop is 900 metres from the trail. Buses to Hillared run from Svenljunga and Borås. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.

At the Hagö nature reserve, there is a wind shelter for overnight stays in nature. Together with the trail’s notable stops, swimming spots and historic buildings, it offers another way to decide what you would like to focus on during a trip to Hillared.

Discover more destinations: Mårdaklev, Håcksvik, Sexdrega, Överlida, Holsljunga, Kalv, Örsås, Mjöbäck.

To the main travel overview: Svenljunga.