Located near the southern shore of Lake Vänern, Götene is a small town in the Swedish county of Västra Götaland. It’s home to plenty of recreational facilities and on the doorstep of Kinnekulle’s flat-topped summit, which at 306 metres is the highest point in the county.
Things to do in Götene
Travelling with kids? You can challenge them to a game of ten-pin bowling at Arena Bowl or enjoy a hit of tennis at the local courts. Götene is also home to padel courts, soccer pitches and an athletics track for those wanting a runaround. Just south of the town is a horse riding stables offering lessons and guided excursions.
Götene is a convenient base for accessing the flat-topped mountain of Kinnekulle, which rises above the eastern shore of Lake Vänern. It can be explored along the 48-kilometre-long Kinnekulle Path, a popular hiking trail best spread across three or four days. The route takes in the old quarry of Kinnekulle Stenbrott, which is framed by towering orange and red cliffs.
On the southern side of Kinnekulle is the historic town of Husaby, which is renowned for its stone church that dates back to the 12th century. It is believed that the first Christian king of Sweden, Olof Skötkonung, was baptised at a nearby well by the English missionary, Saint Sigfrid of Sweden. Admire the church’s Romanesque design and its high towers before stepping inside to see the altarpiece designed by George Baselaque.
Getting around Götene
Götene is around two hours’ drive from Gothenburg and Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses travel to Götene and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of accessing the surrounding attractions.