The Ljungleden passes through the municipality of Vårgårda, making cycling a natural way to explore the landscape. In addition to the regional cycle route, Kesberget Bike Park offers around ten different downhill runs. Operating conditions at the park may vary depending on the season and weather.

Cycle routes, itineraries and practical information

The Ljungleden is 170 kilometres long and runs from Gothenburg to Falköping. Västtåget stops at several points along the route. Bicycles may be taken on board, subject to available space. Check the timetable and conditions for carrying bicycles before travelling.

The “Roadtrip i Utvandrarnas spår” route has a different format: it is about 60 kilometres long and can be travelled by bicycle or car. Several locations from the 2021 film Utvandrarna can be visited along the route. This means you can choose between the regional cycle route, a shorter route accessible by two modes of transport, and the film-related sites as a discovery theme.

Cultural landscapes and nature reserves

The municipality of Vårgårda has six nature reserves of varying sizes. Well-preserved agricultural landscapes feature impressive stone walls, prehistoric fields and other historic traces of cultivation. These features connect the landscape to its history of land use, without any one place needing to explain the region’s entire character.

The oak pastures at Mängsholm in the parish of Siene are among the largest and most beautiful in the county. The river Säveån flows through Mängsholm Nature Reserve. Ljungås Nature Reserve includes a forester’s cottage from the 19th century. Ljungåsrummet is open to visitors at all times; check visitor information before you arrive.

Yxnås Nature Reserve preserves the character of a historically intensively farmed smallholding landscape through cultivation, mowing and grazing. At its centre stands an old soldier’s cottage, which visitors can enter and sign the guest book in. Check access information before your visit.

Archaeology and local history

Hols gärde and Hols hed form the largest and most significant prehistoric monument area in the Säveån Valley. There is an approximately four-kilometre-long walking trail in the archaeological area. On Jättakullen is the Södra Härene stone cist, considered the largest stone cist in the Nordic region and said to be up to 4,000 years old.

The history of the church in Södra Härene spans several periods: the first church is believed to have been built in the 13th century. In 1612, Danish soldiers fighting for Kristian IV in the Kalmar War looted and burned down the church. Vårgårda Museum presents the history of Vårgårda from 8,000 BC to the present day and is housed in the former Tumberg public school.

The Nårungabygden Mission History Museum tells the story of the revival movement and its influence on the region. Advance booking is required; check visitor information before travelling. Another exhibition is dedicated to the four Fåglum cycling brothers, who conquered the world of cycling.

Nature and cultural history along the circular trail

The “Nature and Cultural Trail” circular route presents the natural and cultural history of Vårgårda. Along the trail, you will find picnic areas, benches and information boards, including at Tumberg, Flaskeberget and Kyllingsån. The trail combines nature and cultural themes with practical stopping points, while museums and historic sites each offer their own insights into the past.

Discover more destinations: Vårgårda, Munkedal, Uddevalla, Partille, Grästorp, Hålta, Essunga, Kungälv

For the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.