Skara Konsthotell

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.

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.

Läckö Castle

Explore Sweden on a self-drive holiday with Risskov. Bring the whole family and find child-friendly hotels for your trip. Start with a trip to Läckö Slott which is located next to Sweden's largest lake, Vänern. The oldest parts of the castle date back to 1298 and were built by a bishop from Skara. The castle took on its current appearance during the 1600s.

Today the castle is used for exhibitions, opera and has an excellent restaurant. Find a cheap summer or winter holiday and go on a self-drive holiday to Sweden and Vänern.

Göta Canal

Along the canal, you can walk or cycle and visit the cosy cafés and restaurants. It offers a wide range of events along the canal during the year, for example Christmas activities, with Christmas dinners, fun activities and beautiful surroundings.

Boat trips on the canal are also available. And these can last from a few hours to close to a week.

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!

Christmas market in Jönköping

Take the family on a lovely mini break or weekend break in Jönköping during the second weekend in December and visit the traditional and cosy Christmas market at Strömsberg farm.

In the historic environment of Strömsberg Farm, the Strömsberg Association organises the traditional Christmas market, where visitors can experience a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. There are small stalls selling everything from handicrafts, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and visual arts to sweets and treats.

The Christmas market is child-friendly, and during the day there is entertainment with a Lucia train and children's choir, as well as a chocolate wheel and a lottery. And when you get hungry, hot dogs and coffee are served.

Strömsbergsgård is located just outside Jönköping and is easily accessible if you come by car. Book a cheap hotel package at Risskov in or near Jönköping and take the opportunity to visit the beautiful Småland nature of Strömsberg Nature Reserve.