This historic Swedish city, founded in 1050, has a 12th-century cathedral and medieval monastery ruins. Local restaurants serve Västergötland cheese and traditional smorgasbords.
Skara, one of Sweden's oldest cities, sits in the heart of Västergötland County. From the 63-meter-high towers of its 12th-century cathedral to the water slides of Skara Sommarland, the city draws visitors year-round. You can watch thousands of dancing cranes at Lake Hornborga in spring, explore Iron Age farming traces at Brunsbo meadow, or walk through authentic Swedish homes at the Fornbyn open-air museum.
Getting to Skara
Skara lies 130 km northeast of Gothenburg along the E20 motorway. The town's central location in Västergötland makes it accessible from major Swedish cities, with regular bus connections from Gothenburg and Stockholm. The nearest major town is Skövde, 25 kilometers to the east. The town's compact size means you can walk between most attractions within 15-20 minutes.
The Medieval Cathedral
The 12th-century cathedral dominates Skara's skyline with its 63-meter towers. Architect Helgo Zettervall led the cathedral's 19th-century restoration, adding the ornate Soop Mausoleum and incorporating Bo Beskow's stained glass windows. You can see Sweden's oldest book, the Skara Missal (written between 1100 and 1150 by local monks), inside the cathedral. The cathedral opens daily from 9:00 to 16:00, with guided tours available in summer months.
Museums of Skara
At the Västergötland Museum, you'll find exhibits spanning 10,000 years of regional history. Next door, walk through the Fornbyn open-air museum's collection of historical buildings, including farmhouses, workshops, and traditional Swedish homes from different centuries. The Railway Museum displays vintage trains and equipment, including steam locomotives and railway carriages from the 1800s.
Lake Hornborga and Natural Areas
Each March and April, up to 20,000 cranes gather at Lake Hornborga during their migration from southern Europe to northern Scandinavia. You can watch them from several viewing platforms around the lake. At Brunsbo meadow, a few kilometers from town, walking paths lead past Iron Age farming remains and medieval cattle trails. The meadow's oak trees and hazel bushes shelter spring flowers like Primula veris, wild geranium, and daisies.
Skara Sommarland Water Park
This summer park includes 47 rides and attractions across its grounds. Open June through August, the park welcomes around 300,000 visitors each season. You'll find water slides, swimming pools, roller coasters, and carousels divided into themed areas. The park combines water-based activities with traditional amusement rides, making it suitable for different age groups.
Activities in Vallebygden
The Vallebygden region surrounding Skara has marked hiking trails ranging from 2 to 15 kilometers. You can rent bikes in Skara to explore the countryside's network of cycling paths, which wind through forests, meadows, and farmland. The area's lakes, including Valle and Östen, have designated swimming areas with wooden piers and changing facilities. Local fishing permits are available at Skara's tourist office.
