Founded in 988 AD, Skara is one of the oldest towns in Sweden and has played an important role in regional discussions throughout the centuries. It is home to a magnificent cathedral and an abbey-turned museum while it’s also famed for the annual display of dancing cranes at Lake Hornborga.
Things to do in Skara
Dominating the city skyline is the Skara Cathedral, a Gothic Revival masterpiece that can trace its roots back to the 10th century. It features soaring twin spires that rise to 63 metres in height and 37 mosaic stained glass windows designed by Bo Beskow and Gustav Ringström. Take note of the 12th-century stone reliefs and the statues of prophets, as well as the portrait bust depicting King Valdemar.
A short walk from the Skara Cathedral is the Västergötland Museum, which showcases the county’s 10,000-year history. Experience life in medieval Skara and come face-to-face with Kata, who managed a large farm in Varnhem during the Viking era. Adjacent to the museum is the open-air village of Fornbyn, which comprises around 20 buildings dating back to the 19th century and hosts cultural events during the summer months.
Sprawling south-east of Skara is Lake Hornborga, which hosts several thousand cranes during their yearly migration between southern Europe and northern Scandinavia. Visit the Naturum Hornborgasjön to learn about the lake’s creation during the last Ice Age and its settlement during the Stone Age, then set out to spot some of the bird species that reside on its shores throughout the year.
Getting around Skara
Skara is just under two hours’ drive from Gothenburg and 1.5 hours from Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Skara and the town is small enough to explore on foot.