Experience the tranquillity of the shore meadows and enjoy the view of Lake Hornborga. There is a wide range of hiking trails to choose from. All with amazing nature and charm. The lake is large and the terrain varied. Some places are only accessible by the birds and therefore there is no trail around the entire lake.
If you are intresting in hiking you will find many options in the Hornborga nature reserve. At this page we have gathered information about our hiking trails. If you are equipped with a smart phone you can use it to see a map while you are walking.
The trail starts from Fågeludden and Naturum Hornborgasjön. In Bolums Lider, you can hike walk in an old farmland landscape where the trail is lined with stone walls and Bronze Age tombs. The trail is hilly, and offers lovely views.
In the spring, both bumblebees and ordinary bees can be heard buzzing by the flowers of the cherry trees. Between the trees, European green woodpecker and larger woodpeckers can be seen often flying by. Unusual plants such as rock cinquefoil, ground thistle and milkwort also grow here. Parts of the trail form a part of the Pilgrimsleden trail that continues past Heljesgården, which belongs to Västergötland Museum. (Read more further down the page)
Want to see birds up close? Then you should get to Fågeludden, where Naturum Hornborgasjön is located. The wide track is suitable for both wheelchairs and prams for those who want to get close to the water. You can see birds all year round here and in the spring, the Eurasian coots build nests right next to the stake.
At promontory at the end of the headland, you will find Utsikten. From the beautiful tower you can look out over the lake. There is also a grilling area here. Then the trail continues with a gravel road that takes you back to Café Doppingen.
Follow the shore south from Naturum Hornborgasjön towards Ytterberg’s headland. The trail runs along rich shore meadows and you pass Ängsladan which serves as a bird sanctuary. Climb the rolling beautiful Vässtorpsåsen. The view from here is breathtaking. In spring, both pasqueflowers and cherry trees bloom here.
On your way out to Ytterberg you pass two bird towers. The trail is not a circular route, so hike as far as you like and then follow your tracks back.
The short tour around Ytterberg’s promontory is a moderate excursion that can offer nice bird encounters. The western yellow wagtail are sweeping over your head. The notes of the Eurasian skylark can be heard from the sky. Once out on the headland, you can see from the viewing platform everything from great egret to Northern lapwings.
A shorter part of the trail you walk on a footpath. Where you in the water near the reeds can see blue field frogs playing in the spring.
Picture: Lapwing
Find tranquillity at Almeö. Here, the wings of history feel close. At Almeö, the first traces of human settlements at the lake have been found. People lived here as early as 10,000 years ago. This is also where the first evidence that the dog was taken as a pet was found.
Today, the grazed headland is a place where stillness awaits. There is a bird tower at the old cottage out on Almeö. The trail goes right through the bird sanctuary areas. Stay on the trail, and you can hike here all year round. If it’s a wet summer, you might need to use boots.
Picture: Hiking trail at Almeö
Spring evenings at Hånger’s promontory are unforgettable. Sit down by the old oaks and watch the cranes fly in towards Trandansen. The cries in the air are simply magnificent.
The trail runs in a circular loop through a beautiful and varied landscape. You pass stone walls, pastures and a wetland forest with alder. Halfway through the round you will reach the bird tower where you can look out over vast shore meadows.
For those interested in culture, Hånger’s ancient cemetery is adjacent to the trail. According to legend, this is where Ingold, or King Inge the Elder, was buried. He is said to have been the one who Christianised Sweden.
Explore the lush foliage at Ore backar! You walk along a pebble path here that extends into the lake. The deciduous forest is especially enjoyable in the spring when the birdsongs echo here. Then the blue anemones and white anemones also spread out under the trees.
It is also beautiful in the autumn when the deciduous trees light up the landscape with their autumn leaves. The trail goes up to the bird tower on Ore nabb, where you can then turn around.
Flocks of birds are roosting in this area during spring. Therefore; please don´t walk here during mornings, evenings and nights. It is always forbidden to disturb the birds within the nature reserve.Thank you for showing consideration to the wildlife!
Picture: Blue anemone
The trail between the parking area and the tower is short, straight and gravelled. It is possible to push a pram or a more durable wheelchair on the trail. The outdoor toilet by the car parking area is adapted for the disabled. It is also possible to reach the first floor of the bird tower with a wheelchair.
Winters when the ice settles over the rest of the lake, the water at Utloppet often remains open. This means that you can to see several birds right here. When spring comes, the black-necked grebe can often be seen from here.
Picture: White-tailed eagle
Wander through a rolling farmland with historical trails. The pilgrim trail takes you past two monastery ruins – one in Varnhem and one in Gudhem.
During part of the trail you hike through the Lake Hornborga Nature Reserve.
Picture: Symbole for the pilgrim trail
