Skövde

DESTINATIONS sweden skovde

Skövde

Nestled between Sweden's largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern, Skövde is a picturesque city framed by the blooming mountain Billingen. Skövde pulses with year-round cultural events, entertainment, and sports. While Billingen offers a natural haven with waterfalls, small lakes, and nature reserves for outdoor enthusiasts. What's more, accessibility is a highlight, as it takes just an hour from Gothenburg and two from Stockholm to reach this dynamic city, making it a convenient destination for diverse experiences.

The City Nature Accommodations

The City

The legend tells us that Skövde became a trading centre in the 12th century when the pilgrims came here to honour Sweden’s first female saint Sankta Elin or Helena as she also was called. According to the legend, Elin was killed on her way back home after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. At the place where she was killed, a spring was born. Both the tomb of Elin and the spring became a destination for pilgrims. With the pilgrims came trading and Skövde became a natural meeting point. Skövde is located in between the two biggest lakes in Sweden; Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern. At the mountain Billingen, there is a big recreation area with cross-country ski tracks, walking trails, small fishing lakes, and a ski slope. At the mountain, you'll also find the beautiful Vallebygden with green hills, waterfalls, lakes, and several nature reserves. Around Skövde, you'll also come across remains from its history in the shape of grave fields, medieval churches, and unique stone settings. The best way to come here is by train. It takes only one hour from Gothenburg and two hours from Stockholm. Skövde is the perfect place if you are looking for variation. The town's event calendar is filled with culture, sports, and entertainment – all year round. Go watch a musical, go treasure hunting with GPS, or visit the coolest aqua park in Sweden!

Nature

Accommodations

In Skövde, there are more than 1600 beds spread across hotels, hostels and cabins. There is also a number of private rooms for hire.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

In Skövde, there's a lot to experience if you give yourself a little time. Museums, art, nature, everything depends on your interests. Skövde also offers calming activities like a spa at Arena Skövde, action-packed adventures and everything in between.

Arena Skövde

Arena Skövde is a versatile multi-facility where you can exercise, swim, and unwind all conveniently under one roof. Beyond recreational amenities, Arena Skövde transforms into a dynamic arena suitable for elite-level sports, international championships, concerts, fairs, and …

Skövde Cultural Centre

Interested in culture? Then you are in the right place! Skövde was the first town in Sweden to have a real Cultural Centre that assembles a theatre, an art gallery, a museum of art, a library, and a cinema. At the theatre, for example, you can see anything from local productions to beloved Swedish …

Silverfallet

At the nature reserve Silverfallet-Karlsfors, an impressive waterfall pours down over the rocks. The falls are most popular in the spring when the water level is at its highest. The area is rich in rare flora and perfect for a Sunday outing. You can also see remains from the biggest alum operation in Skaraborg, …

Askeberga Stone Ship

In Askeberga, near Tidan, lies one of Sweden's intriguing mysteries—an impressive stone monument featuring 24 large stones arranged in an oval shape. Amidst medieval estates and churches in the affluent past, the purpose of these stones is uncertain—perhaps a market, parliament, or religious site. This mystery continues to defy explanation, leaving Askeberga's true purpose …

Helénsparken

In the heart of Skövde, Helénsparken is a charming green oasis featuring a playground and quaint shops housed in historic red cottages. The park boasts a stage occasionally used for local events, and within its grounds stands Helénstugan, Skövde's oldest building. Believed to have been constructed in the early 18th century, Helénstugan is a …

Balthazar Science Center

Balthazar Science Center is a dynamic science museum for hands-on learning and fun for all. Visitors can engage in interactive experiments, solve riddles in the lab, enhance mathematical skills in Mathbazare and Braingymnasium, and unleash creativity in the Makershop and LEGO-fort. Exciting activities include measuring water strength and exploring the Smart factory in Virtual …

Vaholms Brohus

Vaholms Brohus is a covered bridge which leads over the river Tidan. Allegedly, it was built in the 18th century and is probably the only covered bridge in the entire country. It was renovated in 1992 after being close to a collapse. The bridge is located on the lands of the old farm Vaholm, …

Vallevägen - The world's most beautiful road

In this beautiful landscape with small lakes, flowing fields of gold, pasture land and hardwood forests you can drive around, hike, or rent a bike and experience the six nature reserves. You can also visit artists and craftsmen along the way, or why not stay overnight at one of the cosy accommodations in the …

Lake Hornborga

Beautifully located at the foot of the mountain Billingen, Lake Hornborga is one of the most important bird lakes in Europe, attracting large quantities of visitors, both birds and humans, every year. In the spring, you can see the famous crane dance, and during the rest of the year, there are a lot of …

Vallby Sörgården Cultural Reserve

Vallby Sörgården Cultural Reserve in Tidan is a unique living reminder of traditional 19th-century Swedish farming communities. This cultural reserve encompasses a well-preserved home, farm buildings, and a living agricultural landscape. Maintaining its 19th-century charm, the house, renovated in the 1910s, remains largely unchanged with original decor and equipment intact. During spring, summer and …

Stella's Playland

Stella's Playland promises a fun-filled day for kids of all ages. The play area features a suspension bridge, trampolines, cycle tracks, and climbing walls. For the little ones, there's a dedicated section equipped with a ballpool and multiple …

Aspö Gård

Located in the residential district of Aspö, just a couple of kilometres from the centre of Skövde, Aspö Gård is a lovely urban farm where you can meet animals, take a Swedish fika at the farm café, or play on the obstacle …

Dining

Would you like to sit down to eat a tasty, locally produced lunch or perhaps homebaked pie while watching the crowds or scenic meadows? In and around Skövde, you can find the small countryside café as well as the bustling city restaurant.

Thai House

Despite the name Thai House, this Oriental restaurant goes beyond the expected by offering a diverse culinary experience. Patrons can enjoy either carefully crafted lunches à la carte or the entire spectrum of Asian cuisine in a buffet format. From Thai to Mongolian to Chinese to sushi, the menu is a journey through the …

Sällskapet

Situated within Sweden's first real culture house, Restaurant Sällskapet is a captivating culinary destination surrounded by mammoth glass partitions that open up to Skövde Kulturhus's cultural centre square. Be inspired by Sällskapet's five personalities as you explore several set menus or opt for a personalised dining experience by mixing and …

Den Lilla Krogen

While the commitment to exceptional ingredients is reflected in the delectable dishes, it's worth noting that the experience at Den Lilla Krogen may lean towards the expensive side. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate top-notch cuisine with an emphasis on sustainability, this restaurant offers a gastronomic journey that harmonises contemporary dining with a dedication to …

Mode

A restaurant that follows what the season offers and has an ambition for the ingredients that come from the region. Mode serves today's lunch in the form of a buffet with at least one vegetarian dish as well as meat, fish, or poultry …

Pinchos

Pinchos is a whimsical circus-themed tapas restaurant dishing up an array of small, flavorful dishes, plus dazzling …

Libanon Meze & Bar

Embark on a tantalising taste trip to Lebanese cuisine at Libanon Meze & Bar. For an authentic experience, opt for the classic menu boasting 15 small dishes that showcase the rich flavours of Lebanon. The restaurant caters to diverse preferences with a range of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring everyone can savour the essence …

Brooklyn Burger

Embracing a philosophy rooted in locally produced and homemade goodness, Brooklyn Burger is a Swedish hamburger chain, which delivers a top-notch burger experience by offering meat of the highest quality, fresh ingredients, daily-baked bread, along with their own dressings and …

Bombay Masala

Nestled in the heart of Skövde, Bombay Masala is a distinguished Indian restaurant boasting an extensive selection of dishes and years of culinary expertise. From traditional curries to aromatic spices, Bombay Masala invites patrons to embark on a flavorful journey that harmoniously marries the richness of Indian cuisine with the local Swedish …

Orient Palace

Transport your taste buds to the diverse flavours of Asia at Orient Palace. This culinary haven invites you to savour a gastronomic journey that spans Chinese, Thai, Japanese Sushi, Vietnamese delights, and Hong Kong Dim sum. Whether you prefer the variety of a lunch buffet or the personalised choices of an à la carte …

Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia beckons you to indulge in the flavours of Italy with its inviting Italian cuisine and a selection of exquisite wines. The restaurant offers lunch and à la …

Mangos

Specialising in both lunch and à la carte dining, Mangos crafts an enticing menu that seamlessly blends diverse elements of Mediterranean cuisine. From tantalising tapas to succulent Souvlaki, and a variety of fish and meat dishes, the culinary journey at Mangos promises an explosion of taste. Dive into the menu and discover the harmonious …

Rådhuscaféet

Located within one of Skövde's oldest buildings, Rådhuscaféet is a charming gem offering more than just exceptional coffee and delicious meals. The café provides a cultural experience with rotating art exhibitions adorning its walls and a bustling bar that has become a local favourite. As the seasons change, the outdoor seating area becomes a …

Espresso House

Espresso House is the largest coffeehouse chain in the Nordic countries, with a significant presence in Skövde. You can find one at Elins Esplanad and another at Skövde’s Central Station. In addition to an extensive selection of coffee drinks, Espresso House also offers a tempting array of pastries, wraps, and …

Henrys Bageri

This cosy spot, in the heart of Skövde's city centre, is the perfect destination for indulging in a quintessential Swedish fika experience. At Henrys Bageri, the aroma of stone oven-baked bread wafts through the air, complemented by rich coffee and an array of delectable Swedish pastries. Whether you crave a light salad or a …

Wayne's Coffee

Serving coffee from Wayne's Coffee's own distinguished brand together with pastries crafted in their very own bakery, the café takes pride in offering food made from the finest natural ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a quick and wholesome snack, a leisurely coffee indulgence, or a hearty and delicious lunch, Wayne's Coffee promises …

Österbergs Konditori

This traditional patisserie with a well-thought-out 1950s theme is located in Tidan just outside Skövde. This unique place has guests from far away who come to enjoy their mouth-watering cakes, pastries, and cookies and experience the …

Mössebergsbagarens Veranda

At Mössebergsbagarens Veranda is a cosy café offering an array of tempting treats. From freshly baked bread and delectable cakes to savoury prawn sandwiches, there's something to satisfy every …

Bars & Nightlife

In the evening, Skövde changes into a vibrating town with great nightlife. The best part is that all the pubs and nightclubs are within walking distance from each other.