The Pilgrim Trail Läckö Castle-Forshem

Pilgrimage has its roots in the Middle Ages. Back then, journeys were often made to places like Jerusalem and Nidaros in Trondheim. Today, there are many different routes around the world. As then, the walk offers silence, a leisurely pace and scenic surroundings that allow both body and mind to recover. It's simply a much-needed break from today's intense society.

One of two trails in a historic area

Läckö and Kinnekulle are part of Sweden's earliest kingdom and have had great importance for a long time. There are two pilgrimage trails in the area, passing medieval churches and other historic sites in a varied and beautiful landscape.

This trail runs from Läckö Castle, an old defense fortress that was later transformed into a magnificent baroque castle, to Forshem, which is known for the only burial church in the Nordic region. The trail can be walked in both directions. In Forshem there is also a connecting trail that continues on towards Mariestad via Lugnås.

Through forests, meadows and expansive views

In addition to all the historical sites, the trail passes a number of habitats, many of them within nature reserves.

The first stretch goes over Kållandsö, close to the Vänern coast and forests. Here you pass several churches from the Middle Ages. Råda church and Strö church are particularly worth a visit. Stola Manor is also an interesting stop with its long and fascinating history.

Then the tour continues into Lidköping along the seafront and on through the city center with cobbled streets, the New Town Square, the Old Town Hall and the charming Limtorget. After the city, the trail continues towards the nature reserve Östra Sannorna where pristine beach forest and nice views of Kinneviken and Kinnekulle await.

Up towards Kinnekulle

The hike continues through Filsbäck and Källby and further up towards Kinnekulle. Here is the Halla nature reserve, home to old pine and oak trees, a place that invites you to peace and reflection.

The western side of Kinnekulle is considered one of Europe's most valuable oak areas and this is also clearly visible in Blomberg Nature Reserve, which is part of the trail.

Nearby you will also pass Lasse's cave, where a man and his wife lived for three decades as Sweden's last known cave dwellers. Through a short detour of about one kilometer, you can also reach Husaby Church, a central place in Swedish Christian history. Here you'll find a church with two towers from the early Middle Ages, the ruins of a bishop's castle, and the spring of St. Sigfrid, where the country's first Christian king was traditionally baptized. The pilgrimage route between Husaby and Skara also connects here.

Alvarsmark, waterfalls and flourishing nature

The trail continues up the plateau mountain where Österplana hed spreads out with its barren alvar land. In the spring you can see the Martorpsfallet waterfall as water rushes down over the cliff edges.

When the alvar land turns into pasture, the Skagen nature reserve takes over. Here there are hay meadows and a rich plant and animal life where several orchid species bloom. The last part goes through the old quarrying town of Gössäter before you reach Forshem, which is the final destination of this pilgrimage trail.