This textile manufacturing town in western Sweden has a long history of fabric production, with active mills dating back to 1783. The Mark Museum displays local weaving traditions.
Kinna sits in Sweden’s Västra Götaland County as the administrative center of Mark Municipality. Home to roughly 14,700 residents, it has grown to include Skene and Örby, former neighboring villages. The town lies 30 kilometers south of Borås and 60 kilometers southeast of Gothenburg, placing it within reach of city amenities and farmland or forests. Its elevation of 53 meters creates gentle slopes dotted with pine and birch trees. You can walk through Kinna Church’s 19th-century stone architecture, browse fresh produce at the weekly market on Storgatan, or take short drives to nearby lakes like Örby Sjö.
Getting to and Around Kinna
Kinna’s location between Gothenburg and Borås makes it a convenient midpoint for travelers. From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, you can reach the town by car in 45 minutes via Highway 40. Buses depart hourly from Borås Central Station, with a travel time of 30 minutes. Regional trains connect to Gothenburg’s Central Station in 1 hour and Malmö in 3 hours. Renting a car lets you visit nearby villages like Rydboholm or Fritsla independently. Within Kinna, you can walk or bike to most shops, cafes, and the town hall within 15 minutes.
Neighborhoods and Local Life
Skene, Örby, and central Kinna each have distinct atmospheres. Skene’s main street includes a hardware store, a library, and family-run cafes like Kaffestugan. Örby has rows of red wooden houses and a small playground near the old schoolhouse. Central Kinna’s grid layout makes it easy to find the municipal swimming pool, the Coop supermarket, and the post office. Annual events like the Midsummer market in June fill the square near the church with flower stalls and live folk music. You’ll notice fewer tourists here compared to coastal towns, with most businesses serving local residents.
Forests, Farms, and Seasonal Changes
The Seglora area, just east of Kinna, has dirt paths winding through spruce forests where wild blueberries grow in late summer. Farmers near Bollebygd often sell eggs and jams at roadside stands—look for handwritten signs saying “Ägg till Salu.” In October, the birch trees along Route 158 turn bright yellow, creating clear photo opportunities on sunny days. Three small lakes within a 10-kilometer radius—Örby Sjö, Hålsjön, and Hästhagsjön—have public swimming areas with wooden docks. Winter brings cross-country skiing trails on frozen fields, though rentals are easier to find in Borås.
Visiting Gothenburg and BorĂĄs
Gothenburg’s archipelago beaches, like Asperö Island, are 90 minutes west by car. The city’s Universeum science center and the Feskekôrka fish market fill full-day itineraries. Borås, a 35-minute drive north, has the Textile Fashion Center with working looms and the 30-meter-high “Giant of Borås” sculpture near the train station. Both cities run direct buses from Kinna’s station multiple times daily. Plan to return by evening to catch Kinna’s sunset views from the water tower observation deck, open until 8 PM.
Accommodations and Seasonal Tips
Hotels like Kinna Stadshotell provide rooms starting at 800 SEK per night, with breakfast included. From June to August, daylight lasts until 10 PM, giving extra time for evening walks along the Ätran River. Pack thermal layers and waterproof boots if visiting between November and March, when temperatures average -5°C and snow often covers the ground. Free Wi-Fi hotspots operate near the library and bus station. Check the municipal website for updates on events like the autumn mushroom-foraging workshops.
