Småland may be best known for its forests, but there is much more to outdoor life in the region, such as great fishing and beautiful pebble ridges.
Just 80 km north of Växjö lies one of Småland many pearls - Vetlanda. A trip to Vetlanda offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing and golf. Hiking through mines and panning for gold are just a few of the more unique experiences that you can find in the region.
Vetlanda's history stretches back to Viking times, but the town's heyday was in the 1800s when it served as an important railway hub. Today you can no longer travel to Vetlanda by passenger train, but the bus to Nässjö only takes 40 minutes and connects the town with fast trains from both north and south.
A weekend in Vetlanda is a weekend full of natural wonders. The Illharjen Nature Reserve is home to some of the municipality's most popular hiking trails, which include a swamp and some of the best waters for fishing in the area. Two of the natural walking trails are also accessible to wheelchair users. You can cross the river Em by a wooden bridge and visit the Illharjen Burial Grounds from the late Iron Age.
Oxhagsbergets Nature Reserve and Drags Udde Nature Reserve both offer breath-takingly spectacular views. Drags Udde is an excellent walking area with several different types of terrain, including a ridge at Ridder Bergsviken and a high plateau. The 30 metre-high Oxhagaberget offers a view out over the stunning Värnen Lake.
The Östanå Recreation Area is a favourite amongst Vetlanda locals, both in summer and in winter. It boasts well-illuminated exercise trails, sports facilities, a swimming area, boat rentals, fishing, restaurant and much more.
Those who prefer well-groomed fairways over leafy promenades can instead visit one of Vetlanda’s two beautiful 18-hole golf courses: Vetlanda Golf Club and Ramkvilla Golf Club. Or if leisurely swimming is more your style, Vetlanda has a total of 22 different beaches on offer.
A weekend trip to Vetlanda can be both exciting and culturally enriching. Visit the heart of the earth in the Kleva Mine, which offers activities for the whole family. There's all sorts to do here, including panning for gold and wall-climbing. Hörnebo Slate Quarry is another interesting destination that has been called the most beautiful open-pit mine in Sweden. Learn more about the history of Vetlanda at the Vetlanda Museum, the town's art and cultural history museum.
A trip to Vetlanda brings you closer to the classic nature of Småland - forests, rivers, ridges - and you may even get to see the wind caress the golden wheat fields that give the town its name.
