The wooden town by Lake Vättern

Vättern is a special lake – both cold and deep – and on its western shore you’ll find Hjo,  a town that is just as special as the lake. It was granted its town charter at the start of the  15th century and attracts visitors with its distinctive character and charm, well-preserved  wooden buildings, cobbled streets and picturesque alleyways. See the verandas with their  decorative wooden detailing and pretty patterned window frames on the buildings nestled  in leafy gardens. If you sense the aroma of smoked European whitefish, let it lead you to  the harbour that was once a dock for the entire Västergötland region. The harbour remains a  hive of activity today. Go on a steamboat trip before settling down at a restaurant to savour  the whitefish. Hjo’s beautiful town park is nearby with its wooden villas that stand as proud  reminders of the time when the park belonged to the former health spa Hjo Vattenkuranstalt.  But before you make your way back to the town centre, unpack your picnic basket, sit down  and enjoy a bite to eat. You can take a dip in the water, too – which is just as enjoyable as  your visit to the rest of the town.

Hjo was awarded the Europa Nostra prize in 1990 “for the noteworthy preservation of the wooden town which has conserved and maintained its distinctive character and charm.”

More about Hjo at www.visithjo.se