Borås – Sweden's city of textiles and street art

Borås is a creative city in western Sweden where world-class street art, innovative design and textile heritage come together. Surrounded by forests and lakes, it offers a blend of vibrant urban culture and easy access to nature, just an hour from Gothenburg.

Street art and public art in Borås

Public art is woven into everyday life in Borås. As you explore the city, you'll come across colourful murals covering building façades, alongside sculptures and installations in streets, squares and parks.

Many of the murals were created during No Limit Street Art, an initiative launched in 2014 that invited internationally recognised artists to transform Borås' public spaces. Today, the artworks form an open-air gallery that can be explored on foot throughout the city centre.

Borås is also known for its collection of contemporary sculptures. One of the best-known works is Bodhi by Fredrik Wretman, a large self-portrait rising from the Viskan River. Created for the Borås International Sculpture Biennale in 2008, it has become one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. The sculpture biennial has since merged with No Limit to form the Borås Art Biennial, celebrating contemporary art in a variety of forms.

Another landmark is Walking to Borås by American artist Jim Dine – affectionately known as Pinocchio by locals. The nine-metre-high bronze sculpture stands in the city centre. Nearby, outside the Textile Fashion Center, you'll find House of Knowledge by Jaume Plensa, an eight-metre-high figure formed from letters.

If you're exploring the city's murals, look out for NeSpoon's intricate red-and-white lace artwork on Västerbrogatan, DALeast's striking blue eagle at the University of Borås, and Peeta's three-dimensional mural at the corner of Järnvägsgatan and Olovsgatan.

Art experiences not to miss

• No Limit street art: Since 2014, this public art initiative has brought works by international artists to Borås, creating one of Sweden's most distinctive collections of street art.
• Abecita Popkonst & Foto: Explore three floors of contemporary art and photography, featuring works by artists including Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Richard Hamilton, Kiki Smith, Louise Bourgeois and Jim Dine.
• Borås Art Museum: One of Sweden's leading museums for contemporary art, with changing exhibitions by Swedish and international artists. It's also a good starting point for discovering the city's public art.

Textiles, fashion and design in Borås

Borås has been at the heart of Sweden's textile industry for generations. While manufacturing has largely given way to innovation and education, the city's textile heritage continues to shape its identity. Today, museums, design schools and research centres make Borås a destination for anyone interested in fashion, design and the textiles of the future.

Textile experiences not to miss

• Textile Museum: Located in the Textile Fashion Center, the Textile Museum tells the story of Borås' transformation from a manufacturing city to a centre for textile innovation. Discover historic machinery, fashion, textiles and exhibitions exploring the industry's past, present and future.
• Textile Fashion Center: Housed in a former textile factory, the Textile Fashion Center brings together education, research and businesses under one roof. Explore exhibitions featuring fashion, textile design and photography, alongside student projects and displays highlighting the city's creative industries.
• Smart Textiles: Part of the Textile Fashion Center, Smart Textiles showcases research and innovation that is shaping the future of textiles. Discover everything from 3D-printed footwear to garments designed to save energy, demonstrating how technology and textiles come together in new ways.

Nature and outdoor experiences

In Borås, nature is never far away. Forests, lakes and nature reserves surround the city, making it easy to combine cultural experiences with time outdoors. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling or a peaceful picnic, there are plenty of ways to explore the landscape just minutes from the city centre.

Nature experiences not to miss

• Rya Åsar Nature Reserve: Just a few kilometres from the city centre, Rya Åsar is one of Sweden's most accessible urban nature reserves. Marked walking trails wind through oak forests, meadows, lakes and viewpoints, offering routes for both shorter walks and longer hikes. The reserve is also home to historical landmarks, including a sunken pathway used by Carl Linnaeus during his journey through Västergötland in 1746.
• Kypegården Outdoor Recreation Area: A favourite spot for outdoor activities throughout the year, Kypegården offers swimming, fishing, hiking trails, outdoor gyms and picnic areas close to the city. During winter, parts of the area are transformed into cross-country ski trails when conditions allow.
• Ramnaparken: Just outside the city centre, Ramnaparken combines green spaces with local history. Stroll through gardens and around Ramnasjön, visit the open-air museum at Borås Museum or take a break at the park café.

From Swedish fika to dinner in Borås

From riverside cafés to innovative restaurants and traditional Swedish fika, Borås has plenty of places to eat after a day of exploring.

Cafés and restaurants

• Café Viskan: Overlooking the Viskan River, Café Viskan is a welcoming place for coffee, lunch or a sweet treat. The menu includes freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and seasonal dishes, with outdoor seating by the water during the warmer months.
• The Food Company and The Coffee Company: Located at the Textile Fashion Center, these neighbouring venues serve lunch, coffee and pastries, making them a convenient stop while exploring the area's museums and exhibitions. It's also a good place to enjoy a traditional Swedish fika.
• Vinci: Vinci serves a menu inspired by Italian, South American and Swedish cuisine, making it a good choice for dinner in central Borås.
• Bruket i Wiared: Just outside Borås, Bruket i Wiared combines a café, bakery, accommodation and interior design shop in a countryside setting. Enjoy lunch, homemade cakes and sourdough bread baked on site before browsing the store or exploring the surrounding area.

Accommodation in Borås

Whether you prefer staying in the city centre or in the surrounding countryside, Borås offers accommodation for different budgets and travel styles.

• Quality Hotel Grand Borås: This hotel combines modern comfort with a central location close to shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
• Scandic Plaza Borås: Located just a short walk from the central station this hotel offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, and convenient access to the city's cultural highlights and shopping streets.
• Bruket i Wiared: For a unique stay Bruket i Wiared provides stylish accommodation in a peaceful countryside setting just outside Borås.

Borås with kids

Borås is an ideal destination for a family getaway, with adventures for all ages. Discover beautiful nature, meet animals from around the world, explore hands-on science, or spend a day on the farm. Whether you're heading into the forest, out on safari or looking for interactive experiences, there's plenty to keep curious minds entertained.

Family adventures in Borås

• Borås Zoo: Just a short walk from Borås city centre, Borås Zoo offers an easy day out for families. It is one of Sweden's largest animal parks. There are cafés and picnic areas with barbecue facilities, making it easy to spend a full day exploring.
• Upzone: A treetop adventure park offering high ropes courses, ziplines and climbing challenges for all ages and skill levels. Balance among the treetops, take on the Big Swing or try activities such as canoeing, archery and escape games.
• Navet Science Centre: At Navet science, technology and maths come to life through hands-on exhibits and interactive experiments. Explore topics such as the human body, water, light and space, and discover new themed activities throughout the year.