An 18-kilometer circular trail around the lake, detours to geological features and historic buildings give Hillared a distinct character for an exploration trip. The Såken runt trail combines nature experiences with traces of local history. When planning, it’s worth looking beyond the length of the loop: some sections have significant elevation changes or steep stretches.

Såken runt and its detours

Såken runt is a circular hiking trail around Lake Såken in Hillared. There are swimming spots along the route. At the start of the trail, you can also see the remains of an old hydroelectric power station used by the Almedals factories. Along the way, you’ll encounter both waterside scenery and evidence of earlier industrial use.

There are also special places to visit on shorter detours away from the main loop. From Sågviken on the hiking trail, a detour leads to glacial potholes formed during the Ice Age. A detour to the northwest takes you to old stone clearance cairns, beech forest and oak trees at Hagö. The two detours are quite different: one leads to geological formations, the other to a landscape shaped by traces of fieldwork and trees.

Getting there and finding your way

For Såken runt, the most convenient parking is in Hillared or just north of it; Sågviken harbor is one example. Buses run from Svenljunga and Borås to Hillared. Check the timetable before you set off if you’re traveling by bus. The Solvägen bus stop is 900 meters from the hiking trail.

If you have a different focus, there is also a cycling route through the Hillared area: the Sjuhäradrundan cycle route passes through it. Unlike this regionally described cycle route, Såken runt is marked as a specific 18-kilometer loop around the lake. There is also a wind shelter at the Hagö Nature Reserve for overnight stays in nature.

Swimming spots and fishing

For a break by the water, Hösjöns badplats in Hillared has a dry toilet, barbecue area, benches and a jetty. Hösjön is south of Hillared’s built-up area and just east of Läggared. This makes the swimming spot a standalone part of your stay, separate from the swimming spots along Såken runt.

There are also two different details to keep in mind when fishing. The Forsa–Veka fishing stretch runs from the area below the outlet from Lake Åsunden by Forsa Mill in Dannike to the remains of the mill dam at Veka in Hillared. In the area around Hillared, there are also several spots along the Ätran River for trout fishing and fishing in flowing water.

Historic sites in Hillared

Nättlegården is a donated smoke cottage cared for by Hillareds Hembygdsförening. The house was moved from old Nättlebo to its current location. Its western upper-floor area is an approximate replica of a section of the building that was demolished in the early 20th century. There is also an authentic shoemaker’s workshop in a building next to Nättlegården. If you plan to include Nättlegården in your trip, check in advance for current visiting arrangements.

In Läggared, Hillared, there is an area with well-preserved archaeological remains. Another historic landmark is Hillareds Kyrka: the medieval church dates from the 12th century and was used at times as both a church and a defensive structure. Together, these sites show different aspects of local history—from archaeological remains and a relocated smoke cottage to a medieval church.

Discover more destinations: Överlida, Mjöbäck, Örsås, Holsljunga, Håcksvik, Mårdaklev, Kalv, Östra Frölunda.

For the overview of the wider area: Svenljunga.