Founded around 400 years ago, Borås is a historic textile manufacturing hub in Sweden’s west. It is renowned for the street art that adorns its public buildings and apartment blocks, as well as its conservation-focused zoo. Borås is also home to engaging cultural museums dedicated to art, science and industry.
Things to do in Borås
On the northern outskirts of the city is Borås Djurpark, which is home to more than 500 animals that live in naturally inspired enclosures. It was founded in 1962 by Sigvard Berggren and is now one of the top attractions in Borås. Not only is it home to Nordic animals such as grey wolves, moose and reindeer but also African savannah species that include giraffes, elephants and zebras.
Borås’ industrial history is brought to life at the Textile Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of operating textile machines in Europe. Learn about the development and growth of the Swedish textile industry since the 19th century, with exhibits dedicated to tricot knitting and the weaving of fabrics. Fashion-themed exhibitions are regularly held at the museum.
On the edge of Ramna Lake is a collection of 15 historic buildings that have been relocated from across the Sjuhäradsbygden region. Admire the 16th-century Ramnakyrkan and the Nymanska Gården, a locally styled farmhouse that dates from the 17th century. During the summer months, the Borås Museum hosts demonstrations of traditional Swedish crafts, folk dances and ancient rituals.
Getting around Borås
Borås is around 45 minutes’ drive from Gothenburg and 30 minutes from Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Borås railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Borås can easily be explored on foot.