Hjo and Alingsås: the charm of wood and the ritual of Fika

One cannot say one has experienced Sweden without experiencing Fika, the social coffee break. Alingsås is its capital, home to some 30 cafés located in historic wooden buildings and hidden courtyards. Popular addresses include Café Nygrens and Café Viola, the city's oldest. Not far away, on the shores of Lake Vättern, the small town of Hjo enchants with its perfectly preserved colourful houses offering an authentic, old-world atmosphere. Founded in the 15th century on the shores of Lake Vättern, it is one of the best preserved wooden towns in Sweden. Here, you can stroll among the colourful houses admiring the wood-carved details, browse the historic workshops, explore the harbour or take a boat trip on the lake.