River Hjoån - a nature reserve

An Important Waterway

The Hjo River has long played an important role in the town’s development. This meandering stream invites you to explore both life and history, right in the centre of Hjo.

Access to water and water power has, for centuries, been a vital factor in the development of communities. For the town of Hjo, the small Hjo River (Hjoån) has served as both a harbour and a source of energy. It is the largest and most water-rich of the streams in Hjo Municipality that flow into Lake Vättern. Today, the Hjo River Valley winds its leafy way through the town, dividing Hjo into two parts. This green corridor offers fantastic opportunities for nature experiences – right in the heart of a medieval town.

Brown Trout and Grayling

Brown trout and grayling are the most important fish species that spawn in the Hjo River. The trout depends entirely on tributaries flowing into Lake Vättern for its reproduction. Today, the trout can swim 2.5 kilometres upstream, including via a man-made bypass stream at the waterfall by Grebbans Mill.

Nature

Near the river mouth, the valley landscape is park-like. Further upstream, the surroundings grow wilder and the river runs faster. Characteristic plants you may encounter include butterbur, ostrich fern, wood spurge and oak. The large, broad-crowned oaks are remnants of former pastures that once stretched down to the river. The varied environments of the valley are home to many bird species.
In winter, the white-throated dipper can be seen diving in search of food, and both grey wagtail and tawny owl breed in the valley.

History

A walk along the valley is a journey through Hjo’s early craft and industrial history. You pass remnants of old dams and waterworks. The river has powered mills, bone crushers, bark mills, carpentry workshops, smithies, foundries, power stations, and more.

Though the stream may seem small today, the Hjo River has in fact been a cornerstone of the town’s and region’s economic development for centuries.

Nature Reserve Rules – Please Note:

The following activities are prohibited within the reserve:

• lighting fires
• driving motor vehicles, cycling or horse riding off designated paths
• parking cars, caravans or trailers
• felling trees or shrubs, or otherwise damaging vegetation
• removing or damaging dead trees or fallen wood
• damaging or altering cultural or industrial remains
• fishing without a permit
• having dogs or other pets off lead
• using canoes or other watercraft in the river
• entering the river
• disturbing wildlife, such as shining lights on spawning fish or climbing nesting trees
• putting up signs, posters or similar items

Facts

• Municipal nature reserve since: 2001

• Size: 20.9 hectares

• Length: 2.5 km

• Width: 10–180 metres

• Permitted fishing: 260 metres upstream from the river mouth, from 1 June to 31 August

• Managed by: Hjo Municipality

• Landowner: Hjo Municipality

Follow the Nature Trail

Follow the Nature Trail along the Hjo River, from Hjo Harbour all the way up to the small lake Mullsjön, just west of the town. This lush and leafy path takes you on a historic walk through wild landscapes, rich in birdlife – right in the middle of Hjo.

You can easily find the trail by following the wooden signs marked “NATURSTIGEN” along the river.
The full walk is approximately 4 km, from Hjo Harbour to Stämmorna at Lake Mullsjön.

Trail Information

• Waymarking: Clearly marked nature trail with wooden signs: "NATURSTIG"

• Length: Approx. 4 kilometres

• Food along the trail: YES – restaurant Stampens Kvarn

• Toilets: Dry toilet at Stämmorna, Mullsjön, public toilets at the harbour and at Kulturkvarteret in town

• Open: Year-round

• Managed by: Hjo Municipality

• Protected area: Part of the EU’s ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000