Located on Lake Åsunden, this Swedish town has wooden houses painted in bright colors along its cobblestone streets. Local ski slopes and sailing routes make it active year-round.
Ulricehamn sits by Lake Åsunden in Sweden’s Västra Götaland County. Walk down Storgatan, where buildings from the 1600s and 1700s still line the street, or try skiing at Lassalyckan’s slopes. The town’s higher elevation near the lake means cooler air, which helps maintain snow on cross-country trails and ski runs. Visit Torpa Stenhus, a stone fortress built during Sweden’s conflicts with Denmark, and learn how the town changed its name from Bogesund to Ulricehamn in 1741 to honor Queen Ulrika Eleonora. Look for remnants of its 700th-anniversary celebration, including a 1,200-meter cake that set a Guinness World Record.
Skiing and Winter Activities at Lassalyckan
Lassalyckan is Ulricehamn’s main spot for winter sports, with seven lifts and eight slopes for beginners to advanced skiers. Machines make snow here when natural snowfall is light, keeping runs open from December through March. A separate area with a small lift lets children practice safely. Twenty-five kilometers of groomed cross-country trails wind through the area, some lit after dark for evening skiing. This center became southern Sweden’s first Vasaloppet-certified facility in 2019, meeting strict standards for race preparation. Indoor spaces with heated changing rooms and an ice rink stay open year-round.
Medieval Buildings and Town History
Two stone fortresses, Torpa Stenhus and Vinsarps Säteri, stand as reminders of Ulricehamn’s role in medieval border disputes. Wealthy farmers built these structures in the 15th century to protect against Danish attacks. Records from 1307 refer to the town as Bogesund, a name it kept until 1741. A map drawn in 1643 shows Bogesund’s original church, square, and defensive walls before a fire in 1788 destroyed much of the wooden town center. The fire started when a 14-year-old ignored rules about candle use after 8 PM.
Trails, Cycling, and Lake Adventures
From June to September, bike the Gårdarna runt Sjön route around Lake Åsunden, passing farms and stopping in villages like Gällstad for coffee. A disused railway between Vartofta and Ulricehamn, closed in 1985, now serves as a flat gravel path for cyclists and walkers. Rent a kayak or fish for pike in the lake’s clear waters—Swedish law allows public access to most shorelines. Follow the Ätranstigen trail along the Ätran River, which links to hiking paths reaching the coast. In summer, Lassalyckan’s ski slopes convert into trails for mountain biking and trail running.
Movie Productions and Yearly Festivals
Filmmakers have used Ulricehamn’s cobblestone streets and lake views in movies like House of Angels and Mending Hugo’s Heart. Every March, the town hosts a FIS Cross-Country World Cup stage, with athletes racing on Lassalyckan’s trails. Local galleries display art inspired by the Knallarna, 18th-century traders who traveled the region selling goods. Pick up a map at the tourist office to find filming locations or explore historic sites independently.
Coffee Shops and Regional Products
Stop at cafés along Storgatan for freshly baked cinnamon rolls and strong coffee, a Swedish tradition. Drive 15 minutes to Gällstad to browse outlet stores selling linen and wool from local mills. Countryside farm shops stock cheeses aged in nearby dairies and jams made from forest berries. From June to August, the central square fills with stalls selling strawberries, honey, and wooden crafts.
Visiting Tips and Seasonal Advice
Ulricehamn’s tourist office issues fishing permits and sells tickets for summer concerts at Kallbadhus, a wooden pier with diving boards. July and August bring the warmest weather, averaging 20°C, ideal for swimming or hiking. Winter visitors should bring warm clothing—temperatures often drop below -5°C, especially after sunset. The town is a 90-minute drive from Gothenburg, with buses departing twice daily from Nils Ericson Terminal. Check Ulricehamn’s official website for trail closures or event changes before arriving.
