Färjestads Travsällskap

Description

As one of Sweden’s most historic horse racing venues, Färjestads Travsällskap has been thrilling spectators since 1936. I’ve gotta tell ya, this place has really held onto its charm while modernizing in all the right ways. The 1000-meter track isn’t just any ordinary racing venue – it’s where some of Scandinavia’s most exciting trotting events come to life.

What makes this place extra special is how it perfectly balances serious sporting action with family entertainment. Having visited several racetracks across Europe, I can honestly say the atmosphere here is uniquely Swedish – warm, welcoming, and wonderfully unpretentious.

Key Features

• Professional-grade 1000-meter racing track with optimal width for competitive racing
• Charming on-site riding school welcoming everyone from toddlers to seniors
• Modern restaurant facilities with trackside dining options
• Premium spectator areas with excellent track visibility
• State-of-the-art conference facilities for corporate events
• Family-friendly amenities including changing stations and kids’ activities
• Fully accessible facilities with wheelchair-friendly entrances, parking, and seating
• Year-round events calendar featuring major competitions

Best Time to Visit

If you’re looking to catch the real heart-pounding action, you’ll definitely want to plan your visit around Good Friday for the Prince Carl Philip’s Jubilee Cup – it’s honestly one of the most electric atmospheres I’ve experienced at any sporting event. The Union Trot, featuring an exciting Sweden vs. Norway competition, is another can’t-miss event that’ll get your adrenaline pumping.

Summer months tend to offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor viewing, but I actually prefer the slightly cooler spring and fall race days – there’s something magical about watching these magnificent animals compete while wrapped up cozy with a hot drink in hand.

How to Get There

The racetrack is conveniently located in Karlstad, and boy, is it easy to access! You can drive there (plenty of parking available, including valet service), or take public transportation from the city center. I usually recommend driving if you’re coming from out of town – it gives you the most flexibility, especially for those twilight racing events.

Tips for Visiting

Listen up, because these insider tips will make your visit so much better! First off, arrive at least an hour before the races start – trust me on this one. It gives you time to soak in the atmosphere, check out the horses in the paddock (my favorite pre-race ritual), and maybe grab a bite to eat.

Speaking of food, the on-site restaurant is actually pretty good – way better than your typical sporting venue fare. But if you’re planning to dine during a major event, definitely book ahead. I learned that lesson the hard way!

If you’re bringing kids along (which you totally should), check out the riding school area first. It’s a great way to get them excited about the races, and the staff there are absolutely wonderful with children. Oh, and don’t forget to pack some warm layers, even in summer – it can get surprisingly chilly when you’re sitting still watching the races.

For the best viewing experience, I recommend moving around the track during different races – each spot offers a unique perspective of the action. And while the main events are fantastic, don’t skip the regular race days – they’re less crowded and give you a more intimate experience of Swedish trotting culture.

For photographers (amateur or pro), the late afternoon races provide gorgeous lighting conditions, especially during the golden hour. Just remember to be mindful of other spectators when setting up your shots.

Lastly, take advantage of the accessibility features if you need them – the venue has clearly put a lot of thought into making sure everyone can enjoy the races comfortably. And y’know what? Even if you’re not normally into horse racing, give it a chance – there’s something truly special about experiencing this traditional Swedish sport in such a historic venue.

Location

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