8 incredible things to do in Småland, Sweden’s southern gem
Curious traveller searching for a taste of ‘real Sweden’?
Discover the breathtaking natural beauty, cultural experiences, mouthwatering food, and thriving design and innovation scene of Sweden’s southern gem with this guide to 8 incredible things to do in Småland.
The Småland region of Sweden’s south might be famous for its forests, meadows, and sparkling lakes - but its true appeal is that it offers the best of the food, culture, and innovation that makes Sweden, well, Sweden-ish.
We recently explored Småland with Visit Sweden, and discovered a land of genuine hospitality, a deep love of the outdoors, and the sense that a new adventure was always just around the corner if you wanted it to be.
Some days, we rode through the endless forests on two wheels; rolling gently past thick rows of tall pine trees and the occasional picturesque quaint red wood cottage before bursting from our glossy green tunnel into the golden afternoon sun and the sight of a glittering lake below.
Others, we marvelled at the talent of local designers while wandering the hallways of world-class galleries, poached ourselves in a hot sauna before racing each other to bomb into an icy lake, or laughed with new friends at tables laden with deliciously comforting food straight from the forests and lakes surrounding us.
Whether you’re a curious traveller, an outdoorsy two-wheeled-adventure sort, or a foodie seeking an authentic taste of Sweden, these are our favourite things to do in Småland, including our travel tips to help you plan your own travels there!
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN SMÅLAND, SWEDEN
#1 CYCLE THE MANY, MANY BICYCLE TRAILS
We’re guessing that cycling probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Sweden. Truthfully, it wasn’t for us either.
But if you think about it, Sweden is home to some of the most outdoorsy, nature-loving folk, breathtaking scenery, and the cleanest air you can imagine.
Surely, discovering the beauty of its forests and lakes with the wind through your air and the golden autumn sun at your back is the most obvious, and best, way to explore this beautiful country.
No trip to Småland is complete without a ride (or two, or ten) through its idyllic countryside. With miles and miles of cycle paths, country roads almost empty of cars, beautiful scenery, and a number of tasty pit-stops along the way, the region is made for two-wheeled adventures.
It’s only natural then, that we’d spend one of our days in Småland aboard a pair of e-bikes, exploring the rolling hills, lakes, and picturesque lanes around Jönköping and Huskvarna. Just don’t GoPro and cycle at the same time, as Mark discovered the hard (and very bruised!) way.
We also spent another afternoon cycling around Lake Skiro during our stay at Wallby Säteri, a 7km loop through the forest and quiet country lanes that we’d totally recommend too.
Some of the other cycling adventures on offer here are:
Isaberg Mountain Resort | southern Sweden’s largest mountain bike area and resort, Isaberg Mountain Resort has 12 gravel, asphalt, forest, and pump track trails on offer.
Vätternrundan bike ride | the more ambitious cyclists amongst you (read: crazy!) can partake in the Vätternrundan cycling race, a 300km round-trip around Lake Vättern, Sweden’s largest lake.
#2 INDULGE IN THE LOCAL FOOD TRADITIONS
After two trips to Sweden now (read about our time in Swedish Lapland here), something that’s always stood out is that Swedes genuinely cherish their locally-grown, organically-produced food. It’s all about seasonality, knowing exactly where your food is from, and of course, preparing your meals with love.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in Småland, where treasured traditions and quality produce are whisked together to create a gourmet destination in its own right.
We lost track of how many times locals pointed out that the veggies in our dinner were sourced from the farm just down the road, or that our tangy apple cider was straight from the Rudenstams orchard a few kilometres away.
While every single meal we ate in the region was insanely fresh and tasty, there are a few specific food experiences you can get involved with on your travels here too:
THE EDIBLE TABLE
The Edible Country project was born from a love of Swedish nature and the accessibility Across Sweden, there are tables in unique outdoor settings, where you can book a local chef (or do it solo!) and the idea is to forage in the surrounding environment and then —using a menu created by some of Sweden’s Michelin-starred chefs — whip up a beautiful feast to enjoy with your nearest and dearest.
Småland is home to two of these edible tables; one on the edge of the peaceful Skiro Lake at Wallby Säteri and the other in the soft, mossy forest surround Asa Herrgård. Find out more and book your edible table experience here
JOIN A CRAYFISH PARTY
As the summer sun begins to fade and autumn colour sprout from the trees above, another genuine Småland tradition begins: fishing for crayfish in the many crystal clear lakes, before enjoying a traditional Kräfstvika (crayfish party).
These parties are normally best enjoyed with a few different flavours of Schnapps, lots of singing and general merriment, and a couple of lobstery party hats to boot.
ENJOY AN AFTERNOON FIKA
We first discovered the simple joy of a fika break while in Swedish Lapland and it’s definitely one of our favourite Swedish pastimes. Contrary to what you might think, fika is not a type of coffee, but the art of enjoying a proper coffee break.
It’s always accompanied by delicious baked goods (there should be 7 to choose from!), and it’s about slowing down and savouring the good things in life - an idea we can definitely get behind.
#3 SPEND A NIGHT IN A TRADITIONAL RED CABIN AT WALLBY SÄTERI
Can you think of a more iconic Swedish scene than a cosy red cabin nestled into rolling meadows and tall woods, with a misty lake just a stone’s skim away…?! We didn’t think so.
To an outsider, the red cabins are probably the most instantly recognisable part of Swedish life (beyond, say, blue-and-yellow-branded furniture shops, or the sugary hit of a cinnamon bun!). But to nature-loving Swedes, abandoning the big cities and retiring to their summer cabin for warm days by the water is a beloved ritual deeply cherished by generations young and old.
You can experience this idyll for yourself by staying in a traditional red cabin at Wallby Säteri, in Småland’s Vetlanda area.
The cabin we stayed in was built in the 18th century (with a few ghost stories to boot!), and it was a gorgeous, quaint little thing with so much character and history inside.
As the owner, Magnus, told us on our first afternoon there, the goal at Wallby is to do nothing except enjoy your surrounds; and enjoy them we did.
Between a bike ride around the lake, a crayfish party, a sunrise over the moody lake, a traditional sauna experience, and stuffing ourselves to the brim with delicious, locally-sourced food, we certainly got to experience the best of Swedish summer!
THE DETAILS
Where | Wallby Säteri, 574 96 Skirö
#4 DISCOVER THE LOCAL DESIGN AND INNOVATION TRADITIONS
We all know Swedes are exceptionally good when it comes to clever design and life-enhancing innovation, and Småland is no exception.
In fact, the region has long-produced some of the country’s best known exports, from Husqvarna to IKEA, and world-leading furniture design to celebrated glass-design. Here a few of our favourite places to check out Småland’s design culture:
KULTURGATAN
Sure Swedish furniture design might now be synonymous with IKEA (which, funnily enough, was also founded right here in Småland) - but what many travellers don’t realise is that the region has a long, distinguished history of furniture design that extends far beyond its best-known export. In fact, to most Swedes, the Småland region has long been known the ‘Kingdom of Furniture’.
One of the best places to discover this cultural history is at Kulturgatan, an innovative design gallery, workshop, and designer-in-residence program operating out of the former house and workshop of the famous Lehmann family in Bodafors.
The project, and it’s accompanying foundation was set up by Leif Burman and Mikael Löfström, to protect the heritage of these local traditionals.
On the street where Swedish furniture factories once flourished, visitors can now explore exhibitions — like the annual Wood Art exhibition — participate in workshops, observe masters at work, and take some souvenirs home from the bookstore and design shop.
Then, finish off your visit with a trip to the books a good cup of coffee and fresh-baked cardamom bun at the cafe on-site. Perfect!
THE DETAILS
Where | Magasinsgatan 8, Bodafors
Opening hours | Check opening hours here
VANDALORUM MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN
On the outskirts of Varnamo, just a few minutes from the intersection of freeway #4 and highway 27 lie the 4 traditional barn-style buildings of the Vandalorum Museum of Art and Design.
This location near the highways that connect the whole of Sweden together was no mistake; the lively museum aims to bring together and celebrate prominent contemporary designers, artists, and innovators from Sweden and beyond.
Each year, Vandalorum presents 10-15 exhibitions that showcase unique modern art, as well as the collections of Småland’s art archives. Plan to spend 1.5 hours wandering around, and make sure you schedule in a lunch stop at the museum’s award-winning Syltan restaurant - , which serves up delicious locally-sourced, sustainable and organic fare. There’s also a great design shop (Mim wanted everything there!).
THE DETAILS
Where | Skulpturvägen 2, 331 44 Värnamo
Opening hours | 11am - 5pm every day
Cost | Adults 100 SEK, seniors / students 80 SEK, children up to 18 free
VISIT THE HUSQVARNA MUSEUM
We know what you're thinking. A lawnmower museum? Really?
But while Husqvarna might be best-known for its lawnmowers, chainsaws, and dirt bikes, we were just as surprised as you to discover that there is so, so much more to this iconic brand (which also happens to be one of the world’s oldest!).
See, Husqvarna’s history began in 1689 with weapons and muskets for the Swedish army. When the war ended and demand dropped, they introduced sewing machines and cast iron products.
Then came the bicycles and motorcycles, the home appliances, cookers, washing machines, the chainsaws and lawn mowers. At one stage, a Swedish kitchen was likely to look like just as much of a Husqvarna showroom as most apartments on airbnb are an IKEA one today
A walk around the Husqvarna museum takes you right down more than 300-years worth of memory lane, and really proves how much Sweden has lead the world when it comes to design, innovation, and making our lives just that little bit easier.
There’s a small shop and a cafe for refreshments here too.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hakarpsvägen 1, Huskvarna
Opening hours | October to April: 10am - 3pm weekdays / 12pm - 3pm weekends
May to September: 10am - 5pm weekdays / 12pm - 4pm weekends
Cost | Adults - 70 SEK, Seniors 50 SEK, Students 50 SEK
Guided tours | max of 25 people, 600 SEK weekdays, 1000 SEK weekends
#5 ENJOY A TRUE SWEDISH SAUNA EXPERIENCE
One of Mark’s long-term travel bucket list items has been to enjoy a true Swedish-style sauna experience, and we’re happy to report that it finally came true for him at Wallby Säteri in Småland.
Sitting in a hot sauna is one thing, but Swedes take the whole experience to an entirely new level. The idea is to poach oneself at around 80c in a wooden hut heated by a roaring hot wood-stove, before racing mad-dash across a wooden pier and fling that same self into the icy, dark lake.
In the winter months, it’s not uncommon for lakes to be drilled through or for some naked snow-rolling to take place instead before heading back into the sauna again to repeat.
What’s a shock to the system at first, rushing from boiling hot to the icy cold, quickly becomes a rush of feel-good endorphins - and Mark claimed to have had the best sleep in months that night!
#6 LEARN TO MAKE TRADITIONAL POLKAGRIS
The main street of Gränna is quaint, pretty - and surprisingly full of ‘ye olde worlde candy shoppes’ for a tiny village in Sweden’s south. Everywhere, red and white candy stripes beckon to us with nostalgic summer childhood memories where days revolved around sugar and sunshine.
Anywhere else, and this number of sweet shops might have health providers concerned - but Gränna is the home of polkagris - a much-adored traditional Swedish candy with an equally sweet tale of female entrepreneurship in a time when that really didn’t exist.
In the 1850s, Amalia Eriksson, a young widow struggling to make ends meet, whipped up the peppermint-flavoured rock to remedy the sore throat of her ill daughter. While its medicinal purposes might have been questionable, they recognised that the candy itself was delicious - and an iconic treat was born.
In 1859, she received a permit to open a bakery to sell her peppermints and assorted pastries, becoming one of the country’s very first female entrepreneurs.
Businessmen and travellers all detoured through Gränna to purchase the candy, and it eventually became a treat made by women at home. Amalia continued to make the candy in her traditional way, including whipping it laboriously on a hook!, until well into her 90s.
These days, Gränna is known for its plethora of polkagris candy shops, although there are just a few places where the sweet is made according to the traditional recipe.
You can watch the staff make the candy throughout the day, or book in for your own demonstration and learn how to make your own too. We did just that at Polkapojkarna, a sustainable and gorgeous old-world style candy dreamland straight out of Mim’s dreams.
THE DETAILS
Where | Polkapojkarna, Granna
Opening hours | Open every day, 9am - 5pm, with extended hours in summer
How to book | Contact Polkapojkarna here
#7 DRINK CISDER AND ENJOY LUNCH AT RUDENSTAMS
Lovers of good cider won’t want to miss a visit to the lovely Rudenstams Gårdsbutik + Cafe, just a few kilometres north of Jönköping.
The farm has grown fruit since the 1930s, and today the orchard is best known for its cider which made it onto the menu of just about every place we ate in the region.
The farm shop is also stocked full with all manner of delicious locally-sourced and produced goods as well as their own apple cider, apple juices, and sparkling blackcurrant drink - none of which are to be missed!
We enjoyed a delightful lunch overlooking the orchards and Lake Vättern after a long morning of cycling, in unseasonably warm and sunny weather (26c at the start of October!); the perfect remedy for our tired limbs before we hopped back on the bikes for our last little stretch into Huskvarna.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rudu Gård 50, 561 92 Huskvarna
Opening hours | 10am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 10am - 3pm Sat
#8 SOAK UP SOME WELLNESS AT HOOKS HERRGARD
If there’s one thing the Swedes have mastered to a fine art, it’s wellness - and there’s no better place to experience this than at the Hooks Herrgard spa.
A former Manor House built for a local family in 1778, Hooks Herrgard became a hotel in 1928 and was purchased by the current family about 60 years ago.
These days, it’s owned and managed by the 3rd and 4th generations to have grow up here, and we really feel like that’s the difference. Family-owned hotels just tend to have an element of care and quality that your average hotel chain just really can’t match.
Quality was definitely front of mind 5 years ago when the team added on the spa facility - a centre that has drawn people from all over Sweden and beyond each year.
There’s a 20m indoor swimming pool, massage and beauty treatments, saunas with experience showers, and best of all, hot and cold springs overlooking the peaceful lake just beyond.
Our favourite morning in Småland was definitely the one we spent here just after sunrise, soaking our stresses away in the thermal bath while watching the misty lake come to life right before our eyes.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hooks Herrgård, 560 13 Hok
Book | Check prices and availability for Hooks Herrgard here
A MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SMÅLAND, SWEDEN
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SMÅLAND TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
WHERE TO STAY IN SMÅLAND
Rather than using just the one base during your time here (which isn’t really possible due to travel distances between places), we’d recommend choosing a few main areas to explore, and booking a few nights at each place.
We stayed at the following accommodation whilst in Småland:
Väståna Slott, Gränna | Väståna Slott is one of Sweden’s best-preserved castle estates, and has been managed by the same family since 1785!
BOOK | Check prices and availability here
Slottsvillan, Huskvarna | We stayed at the gorgeous Slottsvillan in Huskvarna, which was the former manor house of the Directors of the Husqvarna group.
BOOK | Check prices and availability here
Hooks Herrgård, Hok | We’d recommend Hooks Herrgard for the spa alone (it’s seriously heaven!), but Hooks also offers beautiful grounds, two golf courses, delicious meals, and views over the tranquil lake Hookasjon.
BOOK | Check prices and availability here
Wallby Sateri, Skirö | Wallby Säteri offers the best of Swedish summer; a manor house, traditional red cabins, and abundance of delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to go lake swimming in, and cycling / hiking around lake Skirö!
BOOK | Check prices and availability here
HOW TO GET TO SMÅLAND, SWEDEN
We prefer to take land transport wherever possible to cut back down on our carbon emissions, but unfortunately Sweden is one place that’s more accessible by air.
We began our Småland adventures by flying from Budapest to Gothenburg airport, then driving from there to Jönköping area.
This is probably the easiest airport to fly into if you’re travelling to Småland from internationally, as the region’s main cities (Jönköping, Växjö and Kalmar) all have fairly limited international flights.
Check flights to Gothenburg airport on Skyscanner here.
HOW TO GET AROUND SMÅLAND, SWEDEN
We hired a car to get around the Småland region — which, despite its name, is far from small! — as this gave us more time and flexibility, although it is also entirely possible to navigate the region via local bus. For travel info visit www.sj.se and www.oresundstag.se
The more active amongst you might want to turn your travels into a cycling adventure around the region, which is also totally possible - check out the Småland tourism website for more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SMÅLAND
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Sweden without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a biking injury (like Mark’s little ‘over the handlebars’ incident in Småland), car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong even in a safe country like Sweden.
Insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
PLANNING A VISIT TO SWEDEN SOON?
We have a whole of essential reading before you travel to Sweden:
SWEDISH LAPLAND IN AUTUMN | Everything to do in Swedish Lapland during Autumn
FREEDOM TO ROAM | Rediscovering nature on our trip to Swedish Lapland
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | 15 useful things to know before you visit Swedish Lapland
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR SWEDEN ADVENTURES WITH THESE POSTS!
We visited Smaland in partnership with Visit Sweden and Visit Smaland. As always, musings and opinions are very much our own!
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