OUTDOOR PARADISE IN SOUTHERN SWEDEN
PARADISE IN SOUTHERN SWEDEN:
Deep forests, dreamy lakes and long, deserted stretches of coast: If you like pure nature and active sports, Småland is a real paradise for you! Hiking fans have the choice between countless well-signposted routes – and nothing stands in the way of a lonely, multi-day trek through the wilderness. Cyclists will be happy on leisurely round trips through gently rolling hills or on challenging mountain bike trails.
By the way, you can rent the right bike in almost any place. The innumerable lakes and rivers inland and the archipelago off Småland’s east coast offer the ideal environment for water sports enthusiasts. And if you are looking for more adventures, Småland also has climbing areas, high ropes courses and ziplines to offer …
What else Småland has to offer in terms of nature and adventure can also be found at
SPORTY ON THE ROAD IN THE VÄSTERVIK ARCHIPELAGOUS
5,000 rocky islands jut out of the water near Västervik, some only inhabited by seabirds, others built with small villages: the island world off Småland’s east coast is a dream destination for all active vacationers! How about a varied canoe tour?
The selection of kayak rentals in Västervik is large, so you can easily set out on your exploration tour of the archipelago either alone in a single or in a tandem kayak with two people. It doesn’t matter whether you dare to venture out to the open sea or just do a little lap, whether you take your break on one of the many uninhabited islets and let the silence of nature work on you or your fika in a cozy café, in the company of others Excursionist enjoys: The impressive beauty of nature and the diversity of the Västervik Archipelago are guaranteed to make the kayak tour an unforgettable experience.
Do you prefer to let yourself go? No problem! From Västervik, boat tours to various islands are offered, especially in summer, for example to Hasselö, where you can discover the island on a short hike or by rental bike and take a break on the beautiful sandy beach before returning by boat. When there are no boat tours taking place, you can also take a post boat or the archipelago taxi for a trip on the water.
WORLD FAMOUS BOULDER AREA
But Västervik not only has a lot to offer on the water. Do you fancy a special thrill? Various bouldering trails directly above the sea attract climbing enthusiasts from all over the world! But even beginners can gain their first bouldering experience on well-secured trails. After work comes the culinary pleasure: Make yourself comfortable in the restaurant “Slottsholmen On Water” on the peninsula of the same name, which belongs to ABBA singer Björn Ulvaeus. From the terrace there you have a great sea view.
BY BIKE TO ASTRID LINDGREN
Have you always wanted to pay a visit to the children from Bullerbü or Michel from Lönneberga? Or are you just looking for a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy? Then you shouldn’t miss “Filmbyn Småland” in Mariannelund. A complete film village awaits you here with various locations from Astrid Lindgren films, where you feel transported directly into the stories of the world-famous children’s book author thanks to countless original props. Die-hard fans can even shoot their own little film there or sing along to the soundtrack! You will also find the “Skogen” restaurant here, which Köttbullar has on the menu in all imaginable variations.
The best way to see other famous filming locations in the area is to get on your bike. You can rent it directly in the film village from “Cykla i Filmlandskapet Småland” and get helpful tips for the right route. Whether short and leisurely or sporty and hilly: All tours lead you past green pastures, pretty red wooden houses and several film locations. In “Bullerbü” you visit the three famous farms and at Michel’s “Katthulthof” you can fortify yourself in the nice farm shop with ice cream, coffee and cake.
RELAXED BY SMÅLÄNDIC NATURE
Enough of the film sets? Then just continue cycling through the typical Småland landscape with its rolling hills, large forests, small lakes and idyllic villages! The ecovillage Ingebo Hagar, about five kilometers south of Vimmerby, is also a worthwhile destination for your relaxed bike tour: while the children get to know the farm animals, you can make yourself comfortable in the café or buy some organic products for the next one in the farm shop Rest. And if you want to end your excursion through Astrid Lindgren’s Småland with a real Swedish meal, you are in good hands in Mossebo Gästhem, about twelve kilometers west of Vimmerby: You can enjoy real home-style cooking on the 19th century manor.
CLOSE TO NATURE IN THE ÅSNEN NATIONAL PARK
The Åsnen National Park offers you a unique forest and lake landscape with almost untouched nature. Most of the national park is located by Lake Åsnen, whose over a thousand islands form a unique archipelago. This wilderness is a real Eldorado for animal lovers, because countless rare bird species nest here. With a little luck you will even discover the so-called “Åsnen Big Five”: elk, white-tailed eagle, osprey, black-throated diver and crane. Don’t forget to have your binoculars and camera ready!
Would you like to experience this natural paradise not only through the lens, but up close? Then slip into your hiking boots and roam on one of the well-signposted paths through ancient beech forests and enchanted moorland.
Perhaps your tour will even take you to the legendary “Trollberget”, a place where you can let your imagination run wild between boulders and natural paths in different forest environments. Or you can rent a kayak and paddle across the lake between the more than a thousand islets. The clean water invites you to take a bath – you are sure to find your own bathing area there! The Åsnen area also offers signposted bike paths, exciting fishing opportunities and the opportunity to experience nature on horseback – not to mention historical places and Huseby bruk, an old ironworks in historical surroundings. Today you can immerse yourself in the past in various museums and buildings or stroll in the surrounding park and garden.
SWEET DREAMS IN SMÅLANDISH
Since one day is not enough to experience all facets of this fascinating landscape, it is best to stay longer here. There are several campsites and holiday homes in the vicinity – for example in the Getnö Lake Åsnen Resort. Camping lovers pitch their tent here on a beautiful natural campsite right by the lake. Do you prefer that typical Swedish feeling in a colorful wooden house? Just rent one of the holiday homes, many of which have their own fireplace, boat dock and sauna. A romantic sunset over Åsnen and sweet dreams are guaranteed to be included!
ON THE NATIONAL PARK TOUR THROUGH SMÅLAND
Has the national park fever seized you now? In addition to Åsnen National Park, Småland has other extraordinary natural landscapes to offer! How about a real jungle with fallen trees and moss-covered rocks? You can find it in Norra Kvill National Park, which is near the road between Vimmerby and Södra Vi. In this enchanted environment, adventurous hikes for every fitness level await. As a reward there is a great view from the Idhöjden hill. Do you prefer to explore secluded wetlands? In the Store Mosse National Park, you can walk on wooden boardwalks through raised bogs and watch the nesting areas of rare bird species from observation towers.
A really unique experience is a snowshoe hike on the moor – in the middle of summer! And if you like remote islands, Blå Jungfrun is the right destination for you. The gray-blue rocky island juts out of the sea and is best reached by boat from Oskarshamn in summer. Here you will find a mysterious labyrinth from the Stone Age, giant pomegranates, wild deciduous forests – and once again a host of different birds!
