Hidden gems in Borås

Every city has its own little hidden gems, and the people who know them best are, of course, the locals themselves. That’s why we asked the question: what is your hidden gem in Borås? Here, we present a selection of the many tips we received—each one well worth a visit.

Bruket i Wiared

Like an oasis just outside the Viared industrial area, Bruket is nestled in lush greenery. Here, you can browse beautiful interior decor, enjoy wood-fired pizza, stay overnight in glamping tents, and pick up freshly baked buns from the sourdough bakery. Four-legged friends are also very welcome!

Rya Åsar

High above Borås, in the Rya Åsar nature reserve, you’ll find the city’s best viewpoint. You can get here from several different directions depending on how challenging a hike you prefer. Did you know that Rya Åsar is Sweden’s most city-close nature reserve?

Borås Bio Röda Kvarn

Röda Kvarn is a municipal arthouse cinema that screens carefully selected quality films from around the world in a grand setting. The cinema was built in 1914 and is one of Sweden’s oldest and best-preserved theaters. A unique experience for anyone who loves film!

Ramnaparken

Ramnaparken is a green oasis in the heart of Borås. It features the old church Ramnakyrkan built in the 17th century, Borås Museum, and beautiful parkland. Be sure to stop by Café Gästis for a coffee break and enjoy the charming, old-fashioned atmosphere.

Aroma Spa och Vito´s

A relaxing oasis in the middle of the city. Enjoy warm pools both indoors and outdoors, with views over Stadsparken and the Viskan river. Don’t miss the food at Vito’s, offering a fresh Scandinavian menu.

Räven och Rönnbären

In the small community of Dalsjöfors, you’ll find a real hidden gem. This cozy restaurant serves top-quality tapas and is well worth a visit! While you’re there, take the opportunity to stroll around Dalsjön, which offers beautiful walking paths of varying lengths.

Stadsparken

Stadsparken was established in 1899 and has since then attracted everyone from couples on picnics to locals in Borås out for a walk at lunch. Here, families with children meet at the big modern playground, ice cream lovers and diners at Orangeriet and friends heading to adventure golf at Mariekulle. In winter, you can go ice skating on the lit-up ice rink.

Ålgården

Ålgården was originally a mill founded in the 1600s. Today it is a workshop for several artists as well as an exciting gallery. The association regularly organizes exhibitions, so it is well worth a visit if you want to experience art.

Stavkyrkan in Hedared

In the small village of Hedared outside Borås, you’ll find Sweden’s only preserved medieval stave church. It was built in the early 1500s, but there was most likely an earlier church of the same type on the site. The place is full of history, so make sure to visit the church with a guide to learn more about this fascinating site!

Skenstaboá gårdsbutik

Skenstaboa’s cozy farm shop is best known for its lovely gift baskets, put together using locally produced goods. Browse items such as strawberry jam from their own farm, honey from the beehives behind the barn, and much more. During the summer season, you can also pick strawberries from the farm’s fields.

Annelundsparken

A nature park of over 90,000 square meters close to the city. An 800-meter illuminated trail winds its way through the lush park. Thanks to the lighting, you can go for a run or a walk whenever it suits you.

Vattentornet

One of the city’s most well-known landmarks, the area is perfect for both summer picnics and sledding in winter. The area, also known as Kvarnbergsparken, is a popular hangout spot among locals in Borås.

Tarzanbergen

The Tarzan Trail takes you through spectacular nature up to the cliffs at Tarzanbergen, where a stunning view awaits. The trail starts, among other places, at Kypegården and offers varied terrain with both gravel roads and narrow forest paths. It’s quite hilly in parts, but a must for anyone looking for magical views!

Knallestenen och Älmås naturreservat

In this beautiful nature reserve, you can hike and feel the echoes of history. At Loftsliden stands Knallestenen, which is said to be the place where travelling traders met when they arrived in Borås to divide up their trading areas. The area also has a 2.7-kilometre forest trail especially designed for children and young people.

Ådalens Café

Between Borås and Ulricehamn lies the village of Nitta, where you’ll find Ådalen Café. This cozy café is best known for its amazing crispy waffles, along with the warm and personal service from the owners Linga and Bernt. In the small shop, you might also find second-hand treasures if you’re lucky. We promise this hidden gem will earn a special place in your heart!

Sundholmen

On the western shore of Lake Tolken, lies the scenic and historically interesting nature reserve Sundholmen. There is also a cozy and popular bathing spot. From here, you can look out towards the island of Holmen, where the ruins of the old Brahe Castle Sundholmen stand. The castle dates back to the 1400s but burned down in 1706 during a thunderstorm. Today the site is uninhabited, but bats thrive in the old ruins.

Vänga Kvarncafé och Bageri

About 500 meters from the Vänga Mosse hiking trail, you’ll find Vänga Kvarncafé och Bageri in a fully working 19th-century mill. Here, flour is still ground the traditional way. Stop for a coffee break or pick up bread, bun or pastries—all baked in-house using locally grown, organic grains milled on site.

Abecita Popkonst och Foto

Abecita Pop Art and Photography spans three floors covering a total of 2,400 m². It showcases the museum’s unique collection featuring graphic art and photography from Europe and the USA, as well as award-winning Nordic textile art.

Pickesjön

Pickesjön is a hidden little gem located just a few kilometres from the city centre, next to the old military regiment. Here you can take a walk on an accessible trail, go fishing, have a barbecue, or simply enjoy nature. It’s also a popular spot for dog owners, who often combine a walk around the lake with a visit to the nice dog park.

Mölarp mill and Kröklings hage

Mölarp mill is located by the beautiful river Viskan in the small village of Fristad, north of Borås. Since the 1500s, the rapids here have been used to power mills, a sawmill, and a fulling mill. The area also has interesting ancient remains that take you back in time. Nearby is Kröklings Hage, a nature reserve with varied landscape.