Ålleberg is the highest of Västra Götaland’s plateau mountains, at approximately 335 metres above sea level. It forms part of Platåbergens Geopark, which is Sweden’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. You can hike through the picturesque landscape here, most of which is a nature reserve. Experience the distinctive flora, local springs and viewpoints offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside.
On Ålleberg plateau mountain there are three hiking trails which are 1.3 km, 1.9 km and one of 4.7 km. Two of them begin by the café and one of them goes from the rest area at the foot of Ålleberg mountain. They have varied terrain with hilly and steep parts. On parts of the mountain there are grazing animals at certain times of the year, generally this is from May to October. Dogs should not be allowed in grazing pastures! (There are no grazing animals on the red trail).
There are numerous legends linked to the mountain and you’ll get to discover some of them on this walk, including the tale of the Knights of Ålleberg. On the mountain plateau, you will also find Sweden’s only gliding museum, a seasonal café, a restaurant and a campsite.
Several springs emerge at the foot and on the slopes of Ålleberg. The best known of these are Hokällan and Lokakällan, two of seven springs at the northern end of Ålleberg.
Hokällan was formerly used by locals for watering their horses en route to or from Falköping. The spring is known for the purity of its water and even today locals like to use it for making their coffee.
Lokakällan is mentioned in one of the legends about the so-called Earth river that is said to flow inside Ålleberg. It once broke forth at the exact spot where Lokakällan now flows. The water is said to have raced across the fields to Karleby and Helvetskärret on the eastern side of Åsle mosse. The mighty flood is said to have been halted by a mound of earth being cast up at Lokakällan.
Some of the springs were previously considered holy wells. Some were named after Norse gods or Christian saints, e.g. Odin’s spring or St Olof’s spring.