Skara

Travel Guide
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The 10th-century cathedral in this small town in Västra Götaland County is just part of the reason so many visitors flock here each year.

Skara may be one of the oldest cities in Sweden, but it’s not at all stuck in the past. After visiting Skara’s impressive historical attractions, head straight to its fun amusement park or relax on the shores of the largest lake in Sweden.

First of all, visit the provincial Västergötland Museum to learn all about the early Norse history of this region, which has been traced until at least the 11th century. Afterwards, browse the atmospheric streets of the Fornbyn Open-Air Museum to get an idea of how the town looked in medieval times.

Next door, step inside the Skara Domkyrka (Skara Cathedral) to admire its gothic-style bell towers and medieval interior. The diocese of Skara is the oldest one in Sweden and the crypt of the cathedral dates back to the 10th century. Many baroque elements you can see today were added in the 18th century.

Some may want to visit the Veterinarmuseet, dedicated to Peter Hernquist. This 18th-century local founded Sweden's first veterinary school. The building itself is known as the Brogården and sits on the still-visible ruins of an old Franciscan monastery.

Lake Vänern lies just to the northwest of Skara and is great for hiking, fishing or kayaking on a sunny day. Or, take a trip to Skara Sommerland. This waterpark with heated pools and amusement rides is just a 10-minute drive out of town. You can stay all day and have a picnic on the lawn or treat the kids to a fast-food meal in the restaurant.

Another fun family activity is the heritage locomotive ride from Skara. The return journey takes about 1.5 hours, including a coffee or ice cream break at the old Lundsbrunn Station.

Skara is located in south-central Sweden, in the län (county) of Västra Götaland. The county’s capital is the port city of Gothenburg, which is less than 2 hours away by car. Consider staying the night in Skara at the modern Jula Hotell, which doubles as a conference venue and art museum. To spot deer, beavers, kingfishers and badgers in the wild, head to the River Flian after dinner.

Brunsbo G:a Biskopsgård Hotell & Konferens
Brunsbo G:a Biskopsgård Hotell & Konferens
3 out of 5
Brunsbo Biskopsgard, Skara
The price is ¥10,575 per night from May 15 to May 16
¥10,575
per night
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Skara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Skara Sommarland and Jula Adventure Mini Golf are ...
7.8/10 Good! (822 reviews)
"Dd"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2023

Brunsbo G:a Biskopsgård Hotell & Konferens
Skara Konsthotell
Skara Konsthotell
4 out of 5
Vilangatan 4, Skara
The price is ¥17,836 per night from May 14 to May 15
¥17,836
per night
May 14 - May 15
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Skara. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Skara Sommarland and Jula Adventure ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Perfect for a day trip
"Nice hotel, very confortable beds, clean. Exactly what I was looking for a one night trip"

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Skara Konsthotell
Skara Stadshotell
Skara Stadshotell
3.5 out of 5
5 Järnvägsgatan, Skara, Västra Götalands län
The price is ¥20,155 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥20,155
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Skara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Skara Sommarland and Skara Domkyrka are ...
Skara Stadshotell
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rural idyll near the lake Vänern.
Rural idyll near the lake Vänern.
Skara
Stay at this vacation home in Skara. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Skara Sommarland and Skara Cathedral ...
Rural idyll near the lake Vänern.
Cottage near the lake, Vänern
Cottage near the lake, Vänern
Lidköping
Stay at this vacation home in Lidköping. Enjoy a sauna and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Lacko Castle is located nearby.
Cottage near the lake, Vänern
Cozy country house from 1806.
Cozy country house from 1806.
Lidköping
Stay at this vacation home in Lidköping. Enjoy a sauna, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Villabadet and Vanern Museum are located ...
Cozy country house from 1806.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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