Things to do in Småland

Outdoor activities in the countryside

The countryside of Småland will have you high-fiving for its variation and variety of outdoor pursuits and activities on offer, for example its hiking trails that include the Store Mosse National Park and Isaberg, a beautiful forest and lake area between the towns of Jönköping, and Halmstad (Halland). Bundles of activities are on offer such as cycling, canoeing, horse-riding and fishing. Or rent a cabin here and do zilch for a couple of weeks and let the kids do the activities.

And how about that east coast and archipelago? Sandy beaches, swimming, boat trips, shimmering rocky isles and waterside dining.

Find out about some very famous smålänningar

Three very famous people come from Småland. One is Astrid Lindgren, the world famous children’s books author. She has her own world at Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby where she grew up. All the characters from her books are here; Karlsson, Emil and Rasmus and the strongest girl in the world Pippi Longstocking. Kids love this place and you just might too for the impressive settings, theatres, live performances and kid-centric activities. If you want to stay over there is chalet and campsite accommodation. In the town of Vimmerby there are many Astrid Lindgren-centred attractions and activities.

From world famous author to world famous furniture founder. Ingvar Kamprad, who founded mega furniture group IKEA, was also born in Småland. Want to visit the very first IKEA store? Then pay a visit to the IKEA Museum in Älmhult. Still on the design theme, did you know that world famous furniture designer Bruno Mathsson was from Småland? Now that you do, pay the Bruno Mathsson Center in Värnamo a visit. Read more about famous Smålanders at Visit Småland.

Shop for design and furniture

In Småland there is the Kingdom of Crystal and the furniture district. They have been making world famous glass in this part of Småland since 1742 and this district spreads across four municipalities, several glassworks and studios and a number of hotels – all of it revolving around glass. In some of the glassworks you can try glass blowing and you can also get some glass retail therapy at the factory seconds stores in the area. For glass-themed accommodation look no further than the Kosta Boda Art Hotel.

The area around the town of Lammhult in Småland is the heart of the Swedish furniture design industry and around the area, you’ll find world famous furniture design names like Svenssons in Lammhult, Bruno Mathsson International, Källemo, Abstracta and others. If you like Swedish furniture design, you’ll love this.

Ever wanted to see a wooden town, a museum dedicated to matchsticks, or take a steamboat adventure? Now you can, in Småland. Find out more about Småland's museums, history, manor houses and other cultural attractons.

Where and what to eat and drink in Småland

Isterband (pork, barley and potato sausage) with pickled beetroot and dill stewed potatoes is a classic Småland dish. And there are many other delicious dishes from the region. Find out more about Småland’s culinary heritage.