Best attractions and places to see around Vara kommun offer a blend of historical landmarks, diverse natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest in western Sweden. The region is characterized by the expansive Västgöta Plain and cultivated countryside, providing a variety of outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore ancient sites, nature reserves, and modern cultural venues.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Three sisters of King Carl Gustav were confirmed here.
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The church dates back to the 14th century. During renovations in 1927, the now freestanding runestone was discovered in the church wall. It is the largest runestone in Sweden. The grave of the 17th-century governor Johan Henriksson Reuter lies against one of the church walls.
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One of the typical stone tombs that fortunately can still be found in Sweden, even though many have already been destroyed.
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A small rest area at Stenkullen next to an airfield. There is also a small supermarket in Tun.
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Bird watching point at Lake Hornborgasjön, quite lonely in July, but when the cranes come 🚗🚙🛻🚌🛻🚐
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The car park can be reached via a gravel road; the approach is not advisable for campers and vehicles with lowering
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Landscape very worth seeing, but care offered, as often trails cross pastures and often the fences were open. The cows (at least 30!) Were very excited when we went past them with our huskies and are, in order to prevent a possible confrontation, rather not run with our dogs right through their pasture. Therefore my tip: Cross pasture there, if there are no cows in the area! 🧐👍🏻
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Vara kommun is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Stenkullen Bronze Age Cairn, which features a historical cairn and a small rest area. Another significant site is Levene Church and Runestone, a 14th-century church housing Sweden's largest runestone. Other notable historical attractions include the Sparlösastenen runestone, Bastöna Gammelgård, and Huttla kvarn, an old mill recognized as a cultural heritage site.
Yes, Vara kommun boasts five nature reserves, covering 690 hectares. These include Ranahult, Sweden's first municipal nature reserve, known for hiking trails and rich flora. Levene Äng, near Levene Church, is a former village site now a hay meadow with an Iron Age burial ground and diverse birdlife. Other reserves like Rösjö mosse, Löjtnantsholm, Skallstadens domänreservat, Elinghems naturreservat, and Ljusgårda lövskog offer varied natural beauty. You can also find a Birdwatching spot at Lake Hornborga, ideal for observing local bird species, especially cranes.
For cultural experiences, Vara kommun features the Vara Konserthus (Concert Hall), which hosts around 200 concerts and shows annually. You can also visit Bjertorp Slott, Sweden's youngest Art Nouveau castle, offering unique rooms and fine dining. The station building in Vara, known as The Blue Orange, is a striking art installation by Katharina Grosse. Additionally, Conditori Nordpolen, named Sweden's patisserie of the year in 2016, is a must-visit for coffee and cakes.
The flat landscape of Vara kommun is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and walking on numerous dedicated trails. For specific routes, explore the hiking routes around Vara kommun, road cycling routes, or MTB trails. You might even encounter unique natural landscapes where trails cross pastures, offering a scenic experience with local livestock.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Stenkullen Bronze Age Cairn and Levene Church and Runestone are historical sites that can be interesting for all ages. The Birdwatching spot at Lake Hornborga offers a chance to observe wildlife. For active fun, Vara Badhus provides an indoor pool facility with adventure pools, jacuzzis, and children's pools, plus a large outdoor pool with slides during summer.
Vara kommun offers many opportunities for hiking and walking. Nature reserves like Ranahult and Levene Äng have marked trails. You can find various routes, including easy options like the 'Lake Swimming Spot – View of the Lake loop from Jämnesjön' or the 'Hiking Car Park – Rosjö Lake loop from Bastöna'. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Vara kommun.
Vara kommun offers attractions year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the nature reserves, hiking, and cycling, with warmer weather and blooming flora. The Birdwatching spot at Lake Hornborga is particularly popular when cranes migrate. The Vara Badhus outdoor pool is open during the summer months. Cultural venues like Vara Konserthus host events throughout the year.
Beyond the nature reserves, you might encounter unique natural landscapes where trails cross pastures, offering a scenic experience with local livestock, such as at a Cattle Pasture Crossing. The area is also known for its rich flora, including orchids in places like Ranahult and Backavallen, and diverse birdlife, especially at Lake Hornborga.
Parking is available at various locations. For example, there's a Hiking Car Park that can be reached via a gravel road, though it's not advisable for campers. The Stenkullen Bronze Age Cairn also has a small rest area with parking. It's always recommended to check specific attraction details for parking availability.
Vara kommun offers a selection of unique shops with a hand-picked range of goods, including locally produced food, clothing, antiques, and sports equipment. For dining, Conditori Nordpolen is highly recommended for its coffee and cakes. Bjertorp Slott also features a restaurant serving luxurious castle cuisine. You'll find various cafes and restaurants, particularly in the town center.
Yes, Vara kommun offers accommodation options. Bjertorp Slott provides individually designed rooms in a historic castle setting. You can also find other local accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses, to suit different preferences and budgets.
When visiting historical sites like Levene Church and Runestone, take time to appreciate the ancient architecture and the significance of the runestone, which is Sweden's largest. At the Stenkullen Bronze Age Cairn, there's a small rest area to relax. Many sites offer a glimpse into the region's rich past, so consider reading up on their history beforehand to enhance your visit.


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