Signature trail Kinnekulle
On the shores of Lake Vänern in Västergötland lies “the blooming mountain” - Kinnekulle. This plateau, over 300 meters high, offers a diverse natural landscape with lush deciduous forests, flower-filled pastures, scenic viewpoints, limestone quarries, and beautiful historic buildings. Along the way, you can visit cozy cafés or enjoy a refreshing swim. Our Signature trail follows the Kinnekulle trail, a three-day loop hike with camping that is easily accessible by the Kinnekullebanan train.
Signature trail Kinnekulle is one of STF’s signature trails.
Signature trail Kinnekulle in short
Map of Signature trail Kinnekulle
Navigate past map or other external content.This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).
Discover the Signature trail Kinnekulle
The Kinnekulle trail takes you deep into Sweden’s fascinating natural and cultural heritage within the UNESCO biosphere area of Vänern Archipelago with Kinnekulle. This 45 kilometer long trail winds across the more than 300 meter high plateau of Kinnekulle. A visit to the lookout tower at Högkullen is highly recommended. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Läckö Castle and Lake Vänern on a clear day. In spring, the Martorpsfallet waterfall rushes over limestone formations, and in early summer, the ground in Munkängarna Nature Reserve is covered with blooming wild garlic.
The area is rich in cultural history, with evidence of human habitation for thousands of years, as seen in petroglyphs, burial sites, and ancient cultivation areas. You’ll find many old manor houses and churches along the trail.
Kinnekulle’s limestone-rich ground has been utilized for centuries, and traces of this are visible throughout the area. At the old limestone quarry, you can see the mountain’s many color variations, and down at Råbäck’s harbor, the trail follows the old lime transport route that, in the late 19th century, was used to move limestone to the harbor.
Watch Destination Läckö Kinnekulle’s own film about the Signature Trail Kinnekulle.
See and do along the trail
There are several swimming spots along the trail, so don’t forget to pack your swimwear. Visit the lookout tower at Högkullen, fish for trout at the limestone quarry (fishing permit required), or stop at one of the many charming cafés along the way. Don’t miss Hellekis Säteri, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Although the beautiful light yellow residence is private, the garden, café, and restaurant are popular stops for hungry hikers.
Transport to the trail
Take the Kinnekullebanan train directly to the trail, starting and ending your hike at Råbäck Station. You can book your ticket with SJ. The Kinnekullebanan runs along the western side of the trail, making it easy to tailor your hike based on how far you want to walk. Train stations at Blomberg and Råbäck are right next to the trail, and Trolmen is a few hundred meters away. Hällekis is about two kilometers from the trail, with a train station, good parking options, and a grocery store.
Sections of the Signature trail Kinnekulle
Below are descriptions of the various sections of the Signature trail Kinnekulle, including distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.
You can, of course, hike in the opposite direction from the order presented.
Section 1: Råbäck – Lasse’s Cave
20 kilometers, 4–6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Camping at Lasse’s Cave
Start your hike at Råbäck train station and follow the white markers toward the trail, approximately 750 meters away. Once you reach the Kinnekulle trail markers, head right to begin your journey toward Lasse’s Cave. You’ll walk through Gröne Skog and the old limestone quarries, then pass Råbäck’s harbor with its historic stonecutting workshop. The trail continues through Västerplana Storäng and its deciduous forests. At Blomberg, you can take a detour to the popular Café på Klostret, located in a rustic barn, for homemade treats. If it’s a warm day, you may prefer a westward detour to Blomberg Beach for a refreshing swim in Lake Vänern. The final four kilometers to the endpoint pass through Halla Nature Reserve, with beautiful forested areas. Lasse’s Cave is one of Kinnekulle’s most curious spots, where “Sweden’s last caveman” lived in the 1800s. Here you’ll find a shelter, an outhouse, drinking water, and good spots for camping.
Section 2: Lasse’s Cave – Högkullen
14.8 kilometers, 3–5 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Camping at Högkullen
Today’s route features easy trails through forests, meadows, and pastures. After a short stretch on a gravel road, you’ll reach the picturesque Martorp Falls, especially beautiful in spring and autumn. The trail continues through the 600-hectare Österplana Hed and Vall Nature Reserve, which features alvar landscapes reminiscent of Öland or Gotland. You’ll pass Oxelbacken, a stone house that serves as a rest cabin. The final stretch up to Kinnekullegården is steadily uphill, but neither difficult nor steep. At the top, you’ll be greeted by a magnificent view over Lake Vänern. You can enjoy a meal at Kinnekullegården, just before the endpoint, where you can also refill your water supply. Pitch your tent at the shelter on Högkullen, offering stunning views over Vänern. The shelter is about 200 meters past the lookout tower and visible from the trail. An outhouse is available near the tower.
Section 3: Högkullen – Råbäck
12.5 kilometers, 3–4 hours of hiking
Starting from the top, you can climb the Kinnekulle Tower for a panoramic view of Lake Vänern. The trail continues to the Stora Salen Nature Reserve, a scenic meadow. After a section of enchanted spruce forest, you’ll descend to the shores of Vänern, where you’ll walk along a stunning stretch close to the water before reaching a campsite with a beach and kiosk. Next, you’ll arrive at Hellekis Säteri, which features a popular café and beautiful gardens. Continuing on, you’ll pass the Stora Stenbrottet, known as “Sweden’s Grand Canyon,” where you can fish for trout (fishing permit required). The trail then leads through Munkängarna, a paradise for wild garlic on Kinnekulle. After Munkängarna, signs will direct you to the train station. You’re now just 750 meters from Råbäck Station, bringing you back to where you started.
Accomodation along the trail
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