Trail section
4. Källby – Trolmen
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Length
15 km
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Elevation
148 m
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Degree of difficulty
Blue
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Estimated time
4-5h
The fourth section starts by the train station in Källby and ends in Trolmen on the table mountain Kinnekulle, right where the train arrives. Soon after the start of the section there is a tough climb of the hike where the table mountain Kinnekulle begins. Once up, you are rewarded with a varied and beautiful nature and nice views. Along the way you pass the idyllic village of Blomberg with the nature reserve Västerplana Storäng, a lovely meadow. The section then continues towards Västerplana church and the nature is a mixture of different nature types and creates one of the most scenic parts of the whole Biosphere Walking Trail.
This sections begins in the village of Källby but after passing a residential area you are soon out in the countryside. The first kilometers is a gravel road among the railway with a sight of Lake Vänern in the background. Soon you reach a crossing where some hiking trails meets. The pilgrim route that has run parallel with the Biosphere Walking Trail now continues east while you will walk west. For a few miles the trail now will now instead run parallel with the Kinnekulle Walking Trail.
In front of you is now a shorter section with a fairly steep climb with nice views as a reward above the ridge. Shortly thereafter you reach the idyllic village of Blomberg. This is a nice place for a short detour down the hill. There you will find a cozy place for a swim and also a small harbor with a Viking ship. You leave the village within a kilometer and end up in one of the 19 nature reserves on the plateau hill of Kinnekulle. This one is called Västerplana Storäng This landscape continues a few kilometers and is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire Biosphere Walking Trail thanks to the variety. Later the nature changes to pastures with hay meadows and cherry trees. The final part consists of denser forest and just before you reach the end in Trolmen you will experience a cool passage with beautiful limestone cliffs that surround you. On this section you find a few resting areas which are nicely placed and a wind break with barbecue area in the forest. This section is partly uphill which requires good basic fitness.
Approximate Time: 6 hours, breaks not included
Not to be missed: The viking ship Sigrid Storråda which has its home port in Blomberg.The best time of year to visit Västerplana is during spring when the wild garlic is flowering. In the village of Blomberg you also pass some of the area's few rock carvings. Another highlight is to take the train since the route from Lidköping to Mariestad has been named Sweden´s most beautiful train line.
How to get here: Källby station is easily reached by both bus and train. The train passes both Källby and Trolmen on the route between Lidköping and Mariestad. The both stations also have smaller parking spaces. The bus takes you from Källby to Lidköping or Götene.
Accomodation: Two kilometers from Källby station there is a cozy and rural hostel called Äventyrsgården. In Lidköping which is easy to reach from Källby you find many different accomodation in varying price ranges. 5 kilometers from Källby in the village of Filsbäck you find both a small camp site and the unique hotel cottages of Bäverli Hills. In Trolmen, close to the Walking Trail there are two smaller options, Trolmens B&B and Kulturum B&B.
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
15 km
148 m
About Difficulty Grading
The grading is tailored for Swedish lowland trails that adhere to the quality criteria established by the national framework for hiking trails.
Even and firm ground: The terrain is generally flat. The hike requires no need to use your hands for support. No obstacles. Bridges are always present when crossing waterways.
Uneven and/or soft ground: Some changes in elevation. Certain sections may require hand support to maintain balance. There may be obstacles such as low stiles and short stairs. Minor obstacles like stones and roots. Boardwalks are present.
Loose or slippery ground combined with steep sections: Technical parts require hand support. There may be obstacles such as high stiles and longer stairs. Frequent sections with stones and/or roots. Boardwalks with deeper surrounding water.
Note: One or more of these features may be present along the trail section.
Blue
4-5h
- Vandringsled
- Naturreservat
- Biosfärleden
Highlights along the section
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