Äspered brings together traces of its church history, nature experiences at Lake Tolken and a culinary tradition of its own. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the different highlights: at Sundholmen Nature Reserve, the focus is on woodland, lakeshore and historic castle remains; the church and local clubs offer different attractions. This lets you decide which themes you want to shape your stay, without combining everything into a single route.
Nature at Tolken: Woodland, Island and Lakeshore
The state-owned Sundholmen Nature Reserve covers 20 hectares and lies on the western shore of Lake Tolken. Sundholmen is near Äspered, also on Tolken, between Borås and Ulricehamn. In the mainland section of the reserve, in the Hägnagärdet area, visitors can walk through beech woodland. On the island of Holmen, meanwhile, you can explore the remains of an old castle. Its origins date back to the 15th century; it once belonged to the noble Brahe family. The castle fell into disrepair in the 17th century before burning down during a thunderstorm in 1706. A woodland walk and the castle’s history thus offer two different ways to experience the landscape: one through the beech woodland, the other through the historic remains on the island.
For directions when travelling to the reserve: the nearest bus stop is Äspereds kyrka, about 2.4 kilometres from the nature reserve. There is roadside parking by Hägnagärdet at the entrance road. Äspereds badplats is also on the western shore of Tolken, where there is a barbecue area. This means the woodland, castle remains and a spot by the water offer different ways to enjoy the surrounding area.
Church and Preserved Furnishings
Äspereds kyrka was built between 1860 and 1862. Its interior has been preserved almost unchanged. The furnishings in the chancel are particularly well documented: the altar rail, altar screen, hymn number boards and choir pews form an ensemble that remains unchanged. The wooden tiered seating and wooden floor in the gallery have also been fully preserved. Together, these details show not only individual historic objects, but several parts of the interior furnishings preserved in their original context.
Cycling and Club Activities
The Two-Lakes road cycling route follows paved roads around Lakes Åsunden and Tolken and is suitable for road bikes as well as regular bicycles. Its highest point is just after the route turns off at Äspered. If you are planning the ride, you can check the route description in advance, as route details may change. This is a different way to experience the area from walking through the beech woodland.
Äspereds IF also offers mountain bike training. Adult training takes place mainly on trails around Äspered and includes skills training. The youth group is open to children up to and including age 16; no previous mountain biking experience is required. Youth training covers technique, basic skills and easy trail riding. Dates and participation requirements may change. If you are planning to attend a training session, it is best to confirm the latest information with the club in advance. For other sports activities, Äsperedshallen is suitable for gymnastics, football, floorball, handball, basketball, badminton and volleyball; uses and availability may change.
A Tradition Surrounding Sjötorpskorv
Sjötorpskorv is part of the local food culture. It is made in Äspered during the Christmas butchering season, following the same recipe. The recipe tradition is believed to date back more than 100 years. For almost 50 years, Äspereds hembygdsförening has maintained the tradition of making Sjötorpskorv according to this recipe for the Christmas market in Sjötorp. This links a local custom to a specific occasion in the annual calendar, without implying that the sausage is sold year-round.
Discover more destinations: Kinnarumma, Borgstena, Målsryd, Rydboholm, Dalsjöfors, Aplared, Bredared, Backabo.
Return to the main travel overview: Borås.
