Attractions in Småland – 7 nature experiences in the landscape you didn't know you wanted to visit

Småland is often associated with deep forests, red cottages and lakes. That's true, but the picture is far from complete. There are also vast bogs, old-growth forests, dramatic mountain gorges, high-altitude viewpoints and a cultural landscape where glassworks and hiking trails meet.

This is the fourth article in the series "Attractions in every landscape" , after Skåne, Blekinge and Halland. This time we turn our attention to Småland's nature experiences. The selection is suitable for both those looking for an easy day trip and those who want to plan a longer hike with a backpack.

The question is not just where to go. The question is also: What do you want to experience – open spaces, water, old-growth forest, altitude or a combination of nature and culture?

1. Store Mosse – Småland's open wilderness

Store Mosse National Park is the largest bog area in southern Sweden. The landscape is clearly different from the forest that many people associate with Småland. Here, raised bogs and open spaces spread out, with pine forests, swamp forests, lakes and spans over the wetlands.

Walking on a boardwalk gives a special feeling. The ground is often easy to follow, but the weather and wind are more noticeable than in a protected forest. On a sunny summer day, the bog can feel open and peaceful. In rain and wind, the same stretch becomes more demanding.

The national park has several trails and attractions, including the area around Kävsjön and Stora fågeltornet. Here there are good opportunities to see cranes and other wetland birds. Read more about trails, rules and current conditions on the Swedish National Parks page about Store Mosse .

Bring: water, rain gear and clothes that work in wind. For a longer trip you also need to plan rest areas carefully. On an open bog there is not always shelter when the weather changes.

2. Åsnen National Park – lakes, islands and deciduous forest

Åsnen shows a different side of Småland. The national park consists largely of water and is characterized by a lake archipelago with islands, skerries, deciduous forests and beach environments. Here you can combine hiking with canoeing or cycling, depending on how you want to spend the day.

At Bjurkärr you will encounter valuable deciduous forest with old oaks, beeches and hazels. Such environments provide a different hiking experience than the coniferous forest in the highlands. The path may feel softer, but roots, moisture and uneven ground still require attention.

Åsnen is particularly suitable for those who want to stay in the same place for a long time. Take time to listen for birds, follow the shoreline or sit by the water. Ospreys and white-tailed eagles are found in the area, but the nature experience will not be improved by trying to get too close. Keep your distance and respect temporary bird protection areas.

Visit Småland's guide to Åsnen National Park has information about entrances, trails, rest areas and overnight accommodation. Always check the latest information before you go.

3. Norra Kvill – old forest with a fairytale feel

Norra Kvill National Park is small in size, but the experience is concentrated. Here you walk through a forest that has been allowed to develop relatively undisturbed for a long time. Rough trees, dead wood, moss-covered boulders and quiet forest stars create an environment that feels older than it actually is.

There are two marked loops: Stora Idgölenrundan, about 2.5 kilometers long, and Lilla Idgölenrundan, about 4 kilometers long. The longer loop passes Lilla Idgölen and goes up towards Idhöjden.

Norra Kvill is a good choice if you want to experience old growth forest without planning a multi-day hike. At the same time, don't underestimate the terrain. Roots, boulders and shorter steeper sections make sturdy shoes more useful than light walking shoes.

Special rules apply in the national park. Camping and campfires are not allowed, so plan your trip as a day trip. See the Swedish National Parks' information about Norra Kvill before you go.

4. Skurugata and Skuruhatt – mountain gorge and view in the same trip

In the Skurugata nature reserve, about eight kilometers northeast of Eksjö, Småland's forest landscape takes on a dramatic shape. Skurugata is a long mountain gorge with high walls, boulders and fallen trees. It is not a smooth walk through the forest. You need to step, balance and sometimes use your hands.

The marked Skurugatastigen trail is approximately 2.2 kilometers long. From the parking lot, there is also a shorter and easier route to the Skuruhatt viewpoint. From there, you get a view of the forests around Eksjö.

This makes the location easy to adapt to the group. If you want a more accessible excursion, you can stick to the road towards Skuruhatt. If you want a more physical trip, choose the entire loop through the gorge.

Shoes are crucial here. Choose soles with good grip and expect that the stones can be slippery after rain. The County Administrative Board's information about Skurugata Nature Reserve contains current information about the area.

5. Tomtabacken – hike to the highest point in Småland

Tomtabacken is the highest point in Småland, the South Swedish Highlands and Götaland. The height is usually given as about 377 meters above sea level. It is not an alpine climb, but the place returns for a reason: it provides a clear finish point in the highland forest landscape of Småland.

From the parking lot it is a short walk to the observation tower. For those who want to make more of the trip, the Höglandsleden trail passes close to the site, and Tomtabacken can therefore be included in a longer hike in the Highlands.

Don't expect a sweeping mountain view from ground level. The experience is more in the height, the forest and the feeling of reaching the highest point of the landscape. It's a good half-day trip or as a stop on a longer route.

OnNässjö Municipality's page about Tomtabacken you will find directions and practical information. Check if the tower is open and use it at your own risk.

6. The Kingdom of Crystal – where forest hiking meets local history

The Kingdom of Glass is more than glassworks and glassworks. Between the towns in eastern Småland, a classic forest and lake landscape spreads out, and several trails make it possible to combine nature with cultural history.

The Glassworks Trail is approximately 26 kilometers long and runs between Flerohopp and Bodasjön near Boda. Along the way, you pass Orrefors, among other places. This makes the trail interesting for those who want to hike between different environments and at the same time understand why the glass industry grew up here.

You can do the entire trail as a longer hike or choose parts for a day trip. Plan your transportation before you start. A trail that goes between two towns requires more logistics than a circular route.

On the Kingdom of Glass hiking page you will find information about trails and places to visit. The nature map for the Kingdom of Glass is a good complement when you want to check the map and current trail information.

7. Blå Jungfrun – granite, sea and a completely different Småland feel

Blå Jungfrun is a forested and granite-domed island in Kalmarsund. Here, the inland coniferous forests and lakes are replaced by cliffs, sea views and a more barren nature. The island is one of Småland's national parks and offers shorter hikes rather than long distances.

The terrain is hilly and rocky. In some places you walk over smooth slabs, in others through forests and past formations such as caves and boulders. The weather can change quickly on an island. A windbreaker, water and shoes with good grip are therefore more important than extra gear.

Boat traffic and disembarkation may be seasonal. Always check departures, weather and regulations before planning your trip. Read more about the Blue Maiden at Visit Småland .

How to pack for Småland's diverse nature

Småland rarely requires extreme equipment. It requires the right equipment for the right place. A trip on a footbridge over Store Mosse has different needs than a rocky hike through Skurugata.

Start with the most important thing:

1. Shoes with grip. Choose according to the surface. Rocks, roots and wet patches require stability.
2. Layered clothing. A moisture-wicking layer, a warming mid-layer and wind or rain protection often go a long way.
3. Backpack with space for water and reinforcements. See HikingStore's backpacks for different sizes and uses.
4. Navigation and a charged phone. Marked trails are not the same as being able to ignore the map and weather.
5. Rest equipment according to the length of the trip. For a day trip, food and a seat pad are often enough. For overnight stays, you need to think about a tent, sleeping system and spare clothes.

If you are going to spend the night, prioritize good sleep over squeezing every gram. A sleeping pad that is too thin can lead to cold ground and poor recovery, especially on cold nights. Please read the complete guide to bird down in sleeping bags before choosing a sleeping bag or other insulating sleeping system. You can also find sleeping pads , sleeping bags and tents at HikingStore.

Småland rewards those who choose the right level

Småland doesn't have a single typical nature experience. You can walk across open bogs, follow a lakeshore through deciduous forest, step between boulders in a mountain gorge or climb to the highest point in the landscape.

Choose a location according to the weather, company and level of ambition. Store Mosse and Åsnen are suitable for slow nature days. Norra Kvill provides old-growth forest on a short distance. Skurugata requires more of the legs. Tomtabacken provides a clear goal. The Kingdom of Crystal combines hiking with culture, and Blå Jungfrun shows that Småland can also feel coastal and barren.

The best equipment isn't the lightest on paper. It's the one that works when the ground gets slippery, the wind picks up and your legs start to get tired.