Stora Stenbrottet i Hällekis
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Stora Stenbrottet Kinnekulle Quarry

4.6
·337 reviews·, Sweden

A breathtaking old quarry with a vibrant turquoise lake, offering stunning 'Grand Canyon' views, hiking, and fishing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny days

Lake's turquoise color shines

CrowdMedium
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Stora Stenbrottet i Hällekis

Stora Stenbrottet Kinnekulle Quarry

Best Time

Sunny days

Lake's turquoise color shines

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking old quarry with a vibrant turquoise lake, offering stunning 'Grand Canyon' views, hiking, and fishing.

4.6
(337 reviews)

"An extraordinary scenery at this old quarry spot, feels like you are in Grand Canyon!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Fishing Fun

Fishing cards are available for purchase. Enjoy casting a line in the beautiful quarry lake.

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good hiking boots are recommended.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turquoise Quarry Lake

Turquoise Quarry Lake

The main quarry basin

A breathtaking, vibrant turquoise lake surrounded by towering quarry walls. Perfect for photos and contemplation.

TikTok
Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Around the quarry and surrounding forest

Explore scenic paths offering dramatic views of the quarry and opportunities to spot wildlife.

TikTok
Picnic & BBQ Areas

Picnic & BBQ Areas

Designated spots around the lake

Enjoy a meal amidst stunning scenery with free-to-use picnic tables and BBQ facilities.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Quarry's Grandeur

This massive quarry, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Kinnekulle,' boasts a stunning turquoise lake. It's a prime spot for hiking and fishing, offering a unique natural spectacle. Be prepared for potential mud after rain and a fair number of flies, especially in warmer months. Reddit

Plan Your Visit Wisely

While free to camp and with ample picnic/BBQ spots, consider the season. Some visitors note a lot of flies, and cellphone service can be spotty with certain providers. Reddit+1 It's a fantastic destination for a road trip or a day of exploration. TikTok

Best Times

When
Sunny days
Why
Lake's turquoise color shines
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on quarry walls
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Fewer flies, pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the Grand Canyon of Kinnekulle 😍 a massive quarry with a turquoise lake where you can swim and go fishing. #sweden #kinnekulle #visitsweden #grandcanyon #stenbrott #fyp #travel
@sophiabergholm
94 likes • 3.1K views

🎣 Fishing Fun

Fishing cards are available for purchase. Enjoy casting a line in the beautiful quarry lake. Reddit+1

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good hiking boots are recommended. Reddit

One of the most beautiful places to explore in Sweden! ⛰🪨 Have you been here? #kinnekulle #stenbrott #quarry #hike #hiketok #hikingadventures #explore #sweden
@revolutionrace
107 likes • 25.2K views
Discover the beauty of Kinnekulle Quarry 🌿⛏️ An adventure through history and nature, all in one place. #Kinnekulle #QuarryAdventures #NatureLovers #Sweden #DjiCreator #HikingAdventures
@jonaslindstrom_
592 likes • 25.9K views

🦟 Fly Repellent

Be prepared for flies, especially during warmer months. Bring insect repellent for comfort. Reddit

🚐 Camper Friendly

There's a stellplatz for vans and motorhomes, offering a flat and spacious camping experience. Reddit

Nr 3 på vår bucket list var nattvandring på kinnekull, en väldigt mysig med live musik, korv med bröd med mera längst med vägen. Vi startade strax innan 21 och var i mål vid 23. . . #foryou #vandra #hike #vandraisverige #kinnekulle #kinnekullestenbrott
@mikaelahammar
195 likes • 12.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Fishing Fun

Fishing cards are available for purchase. Enjoy casting a line in the beautiful quarry lake. Reddit+1

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good hiking boots are recommended. Reddit

🦟 Fly Repellent

Be prepared for flies, especially during warmer months. Bring insect repellent for comfort. Reddit

🚐 Camper Friendly

There's a stellplatz for vans and motorhomes, offering a flat and spacious camping experience. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The quarry's dramatic landscape is incredibly photogenic, especially with good lighting. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(337 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, almost 'Grand Canyon'-like scenery of this old quarry, particularly the vibrant turquoise lake. It's praised as a great spot for hiking, fishing, and enjoying picnics with free BBQ facilities. Some note the presence of flies and potential mud after rain, and cellphone service can be inconsistent.

"Great place to visit . Kinnekulle an ancient place with great interest for visitors. The bluagoon surrounded by plateau mountains has great opportunities for trucking , fishing . some how not found any one swimming in the beautiful pond"

Raghu Bhattathiripad

"A extraordinary scenery at this old quarry spot 📍🤩👌 Houses a stellplatz for vans and motorhomes 🚐 if you like, you can pay (100SEK/night) 📲 relatively flat and spacious, might be quite muddy when raining 🌧️😬
Nice walk around 🐾 the turquoise lake (in sunshine) ☀️, also close to bike and walking trails 🚴‍♂️🚶. A lot of picnic tables and bbq places free to use. Large waste bin 🗑️ Fishing card for purchase 🎣
One parking for motorhomes and one for regular cars 🅿️🚐🅿️🚗 Spend some pleasant hours here, quite a lot of flies though 🪲🪳🐝🪰☝️🙈
Cellphone service workable with Telia 😐 Nothing with Comviq 🙅‍♂️"

Uki Bear

"Great place for hike, feels like you are in Grand Canyon. There are bbq and grill spots, people also fishing (but not sure if it is allowed)"

Lena Ray

What People Like

Spectacular turquoise lake
Dramatic quarry scenery
Free picnic/BBQ areas

What People Dislike

Presence of flies
Muddy after rain
Inconsistent cell service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The quarry is accessible by car, with designated parking areas for regular vehicles and motorhomes. It's a popular stop for road trips in the Kinnekulle region. TikTokReddit

Public transport options might be limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the quarry. Check local bus schedules for nearby villages if relying on public transport. TikTok

The quarry is located in the Kinnekulle area. GPS navigation to 'Stora Stenbrottet Kinnekulle' or nearby addresses should guide you effectively. TikTok

Roads leading to the quarry are generally well-maintained, but can be narrow in rural areas. Be mindful of local traffic and potential mud after heavy rain. Reddit

Yes, the area around Kinnekulle is popular for cycling, and you can cycle to the quarry. There are also bike trails nearby. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the quarry and its surrounding areas is generally free. You can explore the site without purchasing tickets. Reddit

Parking is typically free for regular cars. There is a fee for overnight stays if you are using the stellplatz for vans and motorhomes (around 100 SEK/night). Reddit

The quarry is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. TikTok

Camping is free at the designated stellplatz area. However, overnight stays for motorhomes and vans incur a small nightly fee. Reddit

While the lake is beautiful, swimming is not explicitly recommended or advertised. Some visitors mention not seeing anyone swimming. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking, photography, picnicking, and fishing. The dramatic landscape also makes it a great spot for nature observation. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, it's a great place for families to explore. Kids will enjoy the open spaces and the unique scenery. Supervise children closely near the quarry edges. TikTok

Basic facilities like waste bins are available. Restrooms and shops are not typically found directly at the quarry site, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing wild deer and signs of brown bears in the surrounding forest. Be quiet and observant for the best chances. Reddit

The main areas around the lake are relatively flat, but some trails can be uneven. Accessibility may vary, so check conditions upon arrival. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or cafes directly at the quarry. It's best to bring your own food and drinks for picnics. Reddit

Yes, there are designated BBQ spots available for public use. Remember to bring your own grilling supplies. Reddit

You'll need to drive to nearby villages or towns for restaurants and grocery stores. Plan your meals in advance if visiting for an extended period. TikTok

While not explicitly stated for this quarry, foraging is generally permitted in Swedish forests under the 'Allemansrätten' (Right of Public Access), but always be respectful of nature. TikTok

Occasionally, events like night hikes might have food vendors, such as sausage with bread. Check local listings for any special happenings. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The edges of the quarry offer dramatic perspectives of the lake and walls. The surrounding forest also provides beautiful natural shots. TikTok

Sunny days make the lake's turquoise color pop. Golden hour light in the late afternoon can create stunning shadows and highlights on the quarry walls. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check local rules and be mindful of privacy before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be respectful of other visitors and any private property nearby. TikTok

Wide-angle shots capturing the vastness of the quarry, close-ups of the unique rock formations, and reflections in the lake are popular. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Stora Stenbrottet is an exciting destination for families. The vast open space of the quarry and the unique 'canyon-like' scenery will capture children's imaginations. It's a fantastic spot for a picnic lunch with plenty of tables available. Reddit Encourage them to explore the hiking trails (with supervision) and imagine the quarry's history. TikTok

While swimming isn't advised, the visual spectacle is engaging. Be mindful of safety near the quarry edges and bring insect repellent as flies can be present. The free camping option also makes it a budget-friendly adventure for families looking for an overnight stay. Reddit

🚐 Budget Travelers & Campers

This quarry is a gem for budget-conscious travelers. Entry and exploration are free, and there are ample free picnic and BBQ areas to enjoy your own meals. Reddit The designated stellplatz for motorhomes and vans offers an affordable overnight option, with a small fee per night. Reddit

It's an ideal spot for those who enjoy self-sufficient travel, bringing their own supplies and enjoying the natural surroundings. The opportunity for free camping makes it a highly attractive destination for backpackers and road-trippers looking to save on accommodation. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

For photographers, Stora Stenbrottet is a dream location. The dramatic quarry walls and the vibrant turquoise lake offer endless composition possibilities. TikTok+1 Visiting during the golden hour can yield spectacular results with unique lighting. TikTok

Nature lovers will appreciate the unique geological formations and the chance to spot wildlife in the surrounding forests. The serene atmosphere, despite the industrial past, makes it a peaceful place for observation and appreciation of natural beauty. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Quarry's History and Geology

Stora Stenbrottet is a testament to Sweden's industrial past, having been an active limestone quarry. The dramatic cliffs and the striking turquoise lake are a result of its quarrying history and the subsequent natural processes. The unique geology of the Kinnekulle area, known as 'The Flower Mountain,' contributes to the distinctive landscape. TikTok

Exploring the quarry offers a glimpse into the scale of past operations. The sheer size of the excavation is impressive, and the way nature has reclaimed parts of it creates a fascinating contrast. It's a place where human industry meets natural beauty, offering a unique visual experience for visitors. TikTok

Geologically, the area is rich in fossils and sedimentary rocks, making it of interest to geology enthusiasts. The water in the quarry often appears a vibrant turquoise due to the mineral content, especially when sunlight hits it. This color is a major draw for photographers and nature lovers alike. TikTok

Outdoor Activities and Recreation

The quarry is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a primary activity, with trails winding around the lake and through the surrounding forests, offering varied perspectives of the quarry. These paths are great for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous trek. TikTokReddit

Fishing is another popular pastime here. Visitors can purchase fishing cards to try their luck in the quarry lake. The serene environment makes it a relaxing spot to cast a line. Reddit

For those who enjoy camping, the quarry provides a stellplatz for vans and motorhomes. It's a convenient and scenic spot to stay overnight, with free access to the area. Remember to be prepared for potential mud and flies, especially during certain seasons. TikTokReddit

Photography Opportunities

Stora Stenbrottet is a photographer's dream, offering a dramatic and unique landscape. The vibrant turquoise water against the stark, towering quarry walls creates a striking visual contrast. TikTok+1

The best light for photography is often during the golden hour, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is when the sun casts long shadows and highlights the textures of the rock faces, adding depth to your shots. TikTok

Beyond the main quarry, the surrounding forests offer opportunities for nature photography, with chances to spot wildlife like deer. Experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the raw beauty and scale of this extraordinary location. Reddit

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