Established in 1621, Borås is the second biggest city in western Sweden. If you're interested in art and design, then Borås is the place for you. As the capital of Sweden's textile industry it is home to both the Swedish School of Textiles and the Nordic School of Design, as well as an Arts Museum, Textile Museum and the Albecita Corsettfabrik Arts Museum.
The city has plenty of parks to explore, such as the Rya Åsar nature reserve, as well as trees lining its river banks. Hire a car in Borås and you will soon find a quiet spot, and pack up everything you need for a picnic.
Families will enjoy Borås Djurpark where over 500 animals roam free in comfortable, natural surroundings, and the Navet Science Centre which showcases natural history. What's more, if you visit in the summer the town square hosts regular free concerts on Thursdays.
The city has also been recognised for its collection of outdoor sculptures, the large bronze statue of Pinocchio by Jim Dine and the statue of Bodhi submerged in the River Viskan are particular highlights. In the unlikely event you run out of things to do just hire a car in Borås and Gothenburg, Sweden's second city, is only about 40 miles away.
