Skövde is a city in Västergötland, Sweden.

Understand

AB Volvo and Volvo Cars each operate a engine manufacturing plant, making Skövde into one of the world's larges producers of engines for cars, trucks and buses, with more than 5,000 workers. The plant is known world-wide for producing the most industrial diesel engines in the world for AB Volvo and also for producing compact inline 5 cylinder petrol engines for Volvo Cars.

The Swedish military has had a large presence in the town for many years and today there are two regiments, a military academy and several military support functions based in Skövde. Parts of the army base are open to the public.

The overall impression is that Skövde is a friendly town to visit and people are less stressed than in larger cities. Dress codes and such are less important and can give the visitor an impression of a more laid back culture. Communication in English poses no problem but a few phrases in Swedish are always appreciated.

The neighbourhoods close to the town centre are amongst the nicest to walk around, whilst the ones further out are what you might call a little scruffier. There isn't a lot in those parts to attract tourists however.

Get in

Situated three hours south west of Stockholm by train and one and a half hours north east of Gothenburg by train, Skövde is perfectly suited to discovering the Swedish countryside and small towns. Public transport is covered by Västtrafik which is efficient at moving people from A to B but is a little pricey. Purchase your bus and train tickets at the train station which is in the middle of town.

By train

The main station lies directly in the city centre.

By bus

The bus station is connected to the rail station.

By car

Driving from Gothenbourg takes approx. 2 hours, go on E20 to Skara and then go on road 49 to Skövde. From Jönköping it takes approx. 1½ hours, just drive a few kilometres on road 47 and then go by road 26 all the way to Skövde.

Get around

By bike and foot is the best way to experience Skövde. The town isn't large and bike paths are almost as common as foot paths.

See

Due to a city wide garden scheme, parts of Skövde come alive with colour in the Spring and Summer months. Tulips are ubiquitous but there are many others beside.

Do

Skövde goes all the way back in history to the medieval age. Of the medieval houses nothing remains, as a fire in 1759 burned down the entire city except for some houses called Helensgården. These small red houses are right in the middle of town behind the town square and there is a pleasant enough park to sit in with a coffee and snacks bought from the small cafe that's in one of the houses.

Most importantly though, Skövde is situated in the middle of an area in Sweden rich with cultural and historical places of importance, some dating back almost a thousand years. In this sense Skövde is the perfect place to use as your starting point for several day trips to neighbouring towns and villages.

• Culture House. Museum of art, galleries, library, cinema, theatre and a restaurant. The first culture centre in Sweden - opened in 1964. 
• Skövde Simklubb. Swimming club for all ages. You don't have to be a member of the club in order to access, but you will have to pay. 
• 1 Skövde Arena, Egnells väg 1, ☏ +46 500 49 87 50. Swimming, spa, adventure pool with water slides, pool café and more. 

Buy

Shopping in Skövde is no different to shopping anywhere else in Sweden. All the major chains are here, like H&M, plus a few more upscale boutiques. The alcohol store (systembolaget) is in the middle of town in the Commerce building. It closes at 15:00 on Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

Eat

Rådhuset Cafe sitting right on the town square serves surprisingly good coffee and sandwiches. Inside the cafe there are exhibitions of photography and paintings. Central Skövde can at times make you feel like you are surrounded by banks but Rådhuset helps keep the town social and friendly. It's always busy too - even in the winter months.

Drink

Hertig Johans Gata and S:t Sigfrids Gata are the centre of the Skövde entertainment scene. The several bars and restaurants get rowdy late at night but the food is good and the alcohol cheaper then in the bigger cities. For an older crowd try the Bishops Arms Pub in the town square.

Sleep

Skövde offers a wide variety of accommodation with hotels in the town center and at least one camp site just outside of the town. Among the notable hotels are Scandic Billingen and First Hotel Billingehus, as well as Knistad Country Club.