Hotell S:T Olof

Lake Hornborga

If you are interested in nature and bird life, a visit to the Hornborgasjön Nature Centre is a must. On the pillars out in the water by the bird sanctuary, their knowledgeable staff will guide you through the area's nature, geology and history. Hornborgasjön is one of Europe's most important migratory bird areas, and you can see this bird paradise from the beautiful limestone and oak viewing platform. In spring around April you may also be lucky to see cranes dancing at Hornborgasjön, so for those interested in ornithology, a cheap winter holiday or mini break in spring is a great idea!

Skara

Skara, with its 11,000 inhabitants, is one of Sweden's oldest towns, and has recently been voted Skaraborg's most beautiful town. It has many beautiful buildings and a wonderful atmosphere. Several famous Swedish architects of the 19th and 20th centuries designed many of the town's buildings, such as the water tower by Ernst Torulf, Ivar Tengbom, the architect behind Stockholm's concert hall, contributed to the rebuilding of Skara's cathedral and Ragar Östberg, the architect of Stockholm's town hall, designed Skara's railway station.

Skara Cathedral is one of Sweden's largest churches. Its present style dates from the High Gothic of the 14th century, while some parts of the church date back to the 11th century. From the 11th century there is a unique crypt, which was used as a resting place for the first bishops of the diocese. The present choir dates from the beginning of the 13th century, while the nave and transept, which gave the building its High Gothic character, date mainly from the early 14th century. These parts were built of local sandstone. The church has been restored several times, including as a result of the Danish-Swedish wars and major fires. Today, the cathedral is a modern building with a diverse touch of medieval architecture. The church is also worth visiting for its art collection.

In Skara you can choose to visit the Västergötland Museum and the Veterinary Museum. Västergötland Museum has permanent exhibitions showing life as it was in the area over time and a varying number of temporary exhibitions. Behind it is the open-air museum Fornbyn, an idyllic museum in 1930s buildings that portrays the area's old farming community.

The Veterinary Museum is centrally located, but in more rural surroundings at Veterinärgatan 7, about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. It is housed in a beautiful building that was once Sweden's first veterinary school and is now Sweden's only veterinary museum. It presents the development of the veterinary profession over 250 years using modern museum teaching methods. For history buffs, we can further recommend the ruins of the Franciscan monastery church of St. Katarina. Be sure to check opening times before visiting.

In Skara's centre you can shop in cosy shops with a distinctive medieval atmosphere. There are also cosy cafés and restaurants.

Västergötlands Museum

In Skara you can visit the Västergötland Museum and the Veterinary Museum. Västergötland's Museum has permanent exhibitions showing life as it unfolded in the area over time and a varying number of temporary exhibitions. At the back you can find the open-air museum Fornbyn, an idyllic museum in 1930s buildings that portrays the area's old farming community.

Skaraborg

Skaraborg, the region between the lakes Vättern and Vänern used to be an official county. Skaraborg, Sweden's "pantry", offers the opportunity to discover Hjo's local producers, delicatessens and farm shops. Here you will find everything ranging from cheese dairies and jam and honey producers to producers of asparagus potatoes, ice cream and meat.

Skövde

Skövde is located between Vänern and Vättern and offers a wide range of experiences for all visitors, regardless of age and interests. Up on Billingen Mountain, you'll be greeted by countless activities, from gentle walks through the forest to fast ski runs. At the foot of the mountain lies the centre of Skaraborg where over a quarter of a million people in the neighbourhood like to eat, drink, party and live.

Skara Summerland

Welcome to Skara, Scandinavia's largest water park with a funfair and go-kart track. The water park is one of the largest water parks, water slides and several pool areas. In other words, a water adventure for the whole family! The amusement park has everything from quiet rides to the fast attractions and slides. The park also features playgrounds and summer activities suitable for children of all ages.