Småland – as Swedish as it gets

A visit to Småland takes you to a region of dense old-growth forests, sparkling lakes, quaint red cottages and vibrant green meadows. It offers the perfect balance between nature and culture, with over 5,000 lakes and rivers, 200 kilometres of coastline, 400 nature reserves and several cities offering world-class dining and cutting-edge arts scenes.

One of the larger provinces in Sweden, Småland is also a hub of innovation and creativity. The Kingdom of Crystal (Glasriket) – a cluster of villages between the cities of Kalmar and Växjö – has been the centre of the country’s world-renowned glassblowing community since 1742. And the small town of Älmhult, on the central southern border of the region, is the site of the first IKEA store, now the IKEA Museum.

Childhood classics come to life at Astrid Lindgren’s World

A favourite for families, and those who are young at heart, the theme park of Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby will unleash your childhood fantasies. This is where famed Swedish children’s book author Astrid Lindgren was born, who may be best known for the international classic “Pippi Longstocking”. And here, her books come to life – recreated down to the last detail in this magical world where imaginations can run free. If you’d like to stay the night and explore more of the park and surroundings, Astrid Lindgren’s World offers self-catering accommodation – from camping to cottages.

Take a hike through Småland’s mythic forests

There’s a stretch of forest between Gränna and Husqvarna so beautiful it served as a muse to famed Jönköping painter John Bauer, known for his landscape and nature paintings with gnomes, trolls and other mythological creatures from Swedish folklore. The 50 km hiking trail, known as John Bauerleden (John Bauer Trail), takes you through lush green meadows, deep forests, stunning coastal walks and charming villages. Thanks to Sweden’s Right of Public Access, you can camp almost anywhere you please along the way.

If you’re up for a longer adventure, strap on your hiking boots and embark on the 160 km Ostkustleden, which snakes through old-growth forests, past tranquil lakes and along the coastline. Lilla Hycklinge, one hour up the coast from Kalmar, is the most popular starting point for this circular route. Every 20 km, you’ll find a cabin, open year-round, to recharge your batteries before hitting the trail again the following day.

From foraging to fine-dining, Småland is a foodie’s playground

In addition to upscale dining experiences like Växjö’s PM & Vänner and inventive local eateries sprinkled across the region, Småland’s forests offer a cornucopia of fresh ingredients waiting to be plucked and prepared for a foraged feast. A visit to one of Småland’s Edible Country tables is the perfect way to experience nature and prepare your findings. Read more about the Edible Country. 

As for fika tips, Nilssons Konditori in Oskarshamn is a bit of an institution. Located in the southern province of Småland, it swung open its doors in the 1920s and has retained its fine traditional patisserie craft ever since. In 2018, it was crowned patisserie of the year in the prestigious White Guide. And in 2017, owner Anders Oskarsson was awarded ‘World Confectioner of the Year” by the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners.

In keeping with its claim of offering ‘Sweden for real’, Småland is home to some of the country’s most iconic dishes. ‘Ostkaka’ translates directly to ‘cheese cake’ and traditionally, rennet is added to a milk and flour mixture giving the cake a soft, curdy texture. (The rennet can be exchanged for microbial or vegetable enzymes). Ostkaka is not as sweet as American-style cheesecake but has a slightly sugary, almondy taste perfectly complemented by some jam and a dollop of whipped cream. 

‘Isterband’, a pork sausage with a slightly tangy bite, is another Swedish classic with Småland roots and typically served with dill stewed potatoes, pickled beetroots and sometimes with lingonberry jam. And if you’ve eaten a serving of Swedish meatballs, you are well-familiar with the tart red lingonberry. Småland loves its lingon, which can be found in the forests between August and September. Lingonberry jam is a favourite accompaniment for meat dishes across Sweden.