Småland

Småland lies in southern Sweden between the Baltic coast and Lake Vättern. The landscape looks just the way many people imagine Sweden: endless forests, thousands of lakes, stone walls and red wooden houses in forest clearings. This is no coincidence, because this is where Astrid Lindgren’s stories are set. As it is quick to reach from the south, Småland is one of the most popular holiday regions for families.

In the footsteps of Astrid Lindgren

Astrid Lindgren was born in Vimmerby. There you can visit Näs, the house where she grew up, and at the theme park Astrid Lindgren’s World actors bring Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and Ronia the Robber’s Daughter to life. The film locations are also nearby: the Katthult farm at Gibberyd and the village of Sevedstorp, which became known as Bullerbyn (Noisy Village).

The Kingdom of Crystal

Between Växjö and Kalmar lies Glasriket, the Kingdom of Crystal. Glass has been blown here since the 18th century. In glassworks such as Kosta you can watch the glassblowers at work and shop in the factory outlets. One old tradition is hyttsill, a herring supper in the still-warm glassworks.

Towns in Småland

• Kalmar: with its magnificent Renaissance castle by the water and the bridge to the island of Öland.
• Växjö: a university town with a cathedral and the emigrant museum, which commemorates the great emigration to America.
• Jönköping: located at the southern tip of Lake Vättern. More on the Jönköping page.
• Eksjö: one of the best-preserved wooden towns in the country.
• Västervik: gateway to the east coast archipelago.
• Älmhult: the first IKEA furniture store opened here; today it houses the IKEA Museum.

Nature and activities

• Paddling: the lakes and rivers are ideal for canoe trips, including with children. Lake Åsnen has been a national park for a few years now.
• Moose parks: in several parks you can get very close to the animals.
• Hiking: in Store Mosse National Park, the largest bog and wetland area in southern Sweden, or in the Skurugata ravine.
• Fishing: for pike, zander and perch, with a fishing licence.
• Berries and mushrooms: in late summer you can find them everywhere in the forest.

Holiday cottages in Småland

Most visitors stay in a holiday cottage by a lake. There is a wide choice, but for the summer holidays you should book early. When choosing, pay attention to the distance to the nearest town, because supermarkets are often far apart.

Getting there

From the ferry ports of Trelleborg and Malmö you can reach southern Småland in two to three hours. Trains run from Copenhagen and Malmö to Växjö and Kalmar. Once there, a car is almost essential.