Hällekis is a starting point for mountain biking and water sports on Kinnekulle. The area also offers a history of cement production, visible traces of the limeworks and craft destinations for visitors. When planning your trip, you can complement these different interests with a visit to nature and a walk along Lake Vänern.

Water, Trails and Nature

The Hällekis–Trolmen hiking trail runs partly along the shore of Lake Vänern. Hikers can swim at several spots. If you enjoy walking by the water, the route combines stretches of shoreline with places to swim. Mountain biking and water sports on Kinnekulle offer other ways to explore the area; Hällekis is a starting point for these too.

For orientation, Hällekis is about two kilometres from the Kinnekulleleden. The town also has a railway station and good parking facilities. These are practical points to consider when planning your stay and journey.

The best way to reach the Hellekis Nature Reserve is via the car park at Hällekis harbour. It is part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Tall pines provide nesting opportunities for eagles, ospreys and other large birds of prey. The protected area thus combines a visit to nature with habitats for large birds of prey.

Industrial History in the Town

Hällekis developed as an industrial town alongside a cement industry established there by Hellekis Aktiebolag in the early 1890s. Cementa operated the industry for many years. Visible remains of around 40 lime kilns and slag heaps have been preserved in the former limeworks area. A fitness trail now runs through the area, bringing historic industrial remains and an opportunity to exercise together.

Stora Stenbrottet on Kinnekulle is another striking reminder of past quarrying: the former limestone quarry is 40 metres deep. Together with the preserved remains in the limeworks area, it offers another glimpse into the region’s industrial history.

Handicrafts and Culture

Falkängens Hantverksby comprises seven handicraft shops, two pop-up shops and a gallery featuring art exhibitions in summer. There are also four museums in a historic former industrial setting. The offerings range from handicrafts and seasonal exhibitions to museums in a historic environment. The gallery exhibitions are specifically limited to the summer.

The history of Hönsäters kapell includes two specific connections to the municipality of Österplana: Hellekis Aktiebolag presented the chapel to the municipality as a gift in 1913. Some of the furnishings from the old church in Österplana are still housed in Hönsäters kapell in Hällekis.

Visitors can stroll through the park at Hellekis Säteri among unusual deciduous trees, spacious flower beds and a rose garden. Hellekis Kök & Trädgårdscafé serves baked goods and wild garlic soup; the café is open seasonally. A visit to the park and a seasonal stop at the café offer different ways to enjoy your time in the town.

Harbour and Practical Information

Hönsäter harbour is located in Sjöråsviken in Hällekis, at the foot of Kinnekulle. It has around ten visitor berths with fresh water and electricity, as well as pitches for motorhomes. As harbour facilities and availability may change, check the current conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Källby, Lundsbrunn, Götene.

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