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Hot air balloon
A hot air balloon ride over the lush forests of Småland. The rural parts of Småland are vivid, with a rich wildlife and numerous historical sites and villages to visit.
Photo credit: Patrik Svedberg/imagebank.sweden.se

Småland – as Swedish as it gets

‘Sweden for real’ is the official slogan of the region of Småland in the southeast of Sweden. With a rich culture, pristine nature and a proud culinary tradition – also the birthplace of IKEA and famed children’s book author Astrid Lindgren – Småland is 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.

Traditional crayfish party

Crayfish party at Wallby Säteri in Småland. Crayfish parties are an annual tradition in Sweden where people come together to eat crayfish and to spend time together.

Photo: Patrik Svedberg/imagebank.sweden.se

Småland’s cities have a lot to offer

While its small towns and verdant countryside are this region’s claim to fame, Småland’s cities offer the perfect harmony between urban life, outdoor activities and timeless culture – Sweden for real.

Jönköping

Sitting on the southern edge of Lake Vättern – the second largest lake in Sweden – city life, beach vibes and outdoor adventures blend seamlessly in Jönköping, making it the perfect base for exploring the region. The city has a unique collection of museums – such as Tändsticksmuseet (Match Museum) and the Husqvarna Museum, featuring royal weapons, motorcycles and other equipment made by this internationally popular brand (named after a town just east of Jönköping).

Kalmar

For a taste of the coastal life, make your way down to Kalmar on Småland’s southeast coast. This seaside city is awash in history, with its 16th century castle – complete with moat. It also offers several local boutiques, cosy cafés and restaurants. Do your taste buds a favour and book a meal at Postgatan, serving small dishes as well as à la carte based on local ingredients, combining Swedish flavours with an international twist.

You can’t leave Kalmar without popping over to the stunning island of Öland. In the summer you can take a ferry to this popular island, or go by car on the connecting 6 kilometres long bridge. With white sand beaches and endless hiking trails, this is a favourite summertime escape for Swedes from all over the country, including the royal family who has summered here since the 16th century. You’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with the large selection of restaurants on the island.

Växjö

Växjö is a ‘small metropolis’ nestled away in the heart of Småland. Located a little over an hour by train inland from Kalmar, and 2,5 hours from Copenhagen, Växjö’s culinary scene rivals that of any larger city. Five of its restaurants are featured in the White Guide (Scandinavia’s leading restaurant guide), and the hotel/restaurant PM & Vänner was awarded a Michelin star for its modern take on Småland cuisine. In 2015, Växjö was named Gastronomic Capital of the Year by the Swedish government.

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Jönköping city in Småland

Aerial photo of Jönköping in Småland.

Photo: Småland Turism

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Jönköping city in Småland

Photo: Småland Turism

Aerial view of Jönköping, Småland

Photo: Småland Turism

Kalmar castle

Photo: Emmy Jonsson/Scandinav Bildbyrå/imagebank.sweden.se

The rooftop bar at PM & Vänner in Växjö, Småland

Photo: Åke E:son Lindman / PM & Vänner

Welcome to Gränna, the origin of the candy cane

A short half-hour drive up the lake from Jönköping takes you to the sweet little town of Gränna, where one of the world’s most beloved sweets were created. Known in Sweden as ‘polkagris’, you’ll instantly recognize these red and white striped peppermint candies. It was back in 1859 that single mother Amalia Erikson whipped up the first batch of these stripy confections. The first versions took the shape of peppermint rocks, but later took the shape of the banded canes that are now a Christmas staple around the world. If you want to stretch and twist your own minty treat, visit Grenna Polkagriskokeri. All the candy makers offering these workshops can be found at visitsmaland.se.

Polkagris
Polkagris is a special candy stick made in Gränna, Småland. Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se

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.

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Bullerbyn at Astrid Lindgren's World

Children playing around the small red cottages at Bullerbyn at Astrid Lindgren's World, Småland.

Photo: Astrid Lindgrens Värld

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Bullerbyn at Astrid Lindgren's World

Photo: Astrid Lindgrens Värld

Scene from Emil i Lönneberga at Astrid Lindgren's World

Photo: Astrid Lindgrens Värld

Practical information before your trip to Småland

Welcome to Småland

Explore the region of Småland in southern Sweden

Hot air balloon
A hot air balloon ride over the lush forests of Småland. The rural parts of Småland are vivid, with a rich wildlife and numerous historical sites and villages to visit.
Photo: Patrik Svedberg/imagebank.sweden.se

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.

Hiking in the forest

Hiking on the John Bauer trail in the dense forests of Småland. The trail is 46 kilometers long and there are several sights along the way, such as historical homesteads, remnants of an old monastery, a historical village and a mountain with beautiful views over the surrounding nature. There are numerous picturesque hiking trails all over Sweden.

Photo: Patrik Svedberg/imagebank.sweden.se

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. 

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Eating in a forest in Småland, Edible Country

‘The Edible Country’ is a do-it-yourself gourmet restaurant where the visitors forage and cook their own food in Swedish nature.

Photo: August Dellert

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Eating in a forest in Småland, Edible Country

Photo: August Dellert

Isterband

Photo: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se

Lingonberries

Photo: Ted Logart/imagebank.sweden.se