Smålandsleden Gislavedsleden
Hike between picturesque accommodation
Via Gislavedsleden, which is about 100 km long, you get to experience the landscape of Småland up close: fabulous forests, small forest lakes, red cottages with white detailing and pastures. The trail stretches from Isaberg in the north to Lake Fegen in the south and goes through two nature reserves and a number of fascinating cultural areas.
Gislavedsleden is part of the larger Smålandsleden, which is a system of hiking trails for those wanting an even longer hike. In the south, the trail connects to Hallandsleden and in the north to Höglandsleden via Järnbärarleden.
Length: 100 kms
Marking: Orange
Surface: forest path, gravel road, paved road.
Severity: Easy/intermediate
Hiking between accommodation is a great way to adventure comfortably because you don't have to carry heavy camping equipment. There are a variety of options for those who like to camp though. Gislavedsleden has several accommodation options.
Isaberg - Näs approx. 20 km / Gislaved approx. 25 km
Start or end your hike in the Isaberg nature reserve. Isaberg is a primeval hill that rises 150 metres above its surroundings. From its peak, the reserve offers miles of views. Isaberg is surrounded by many other hiking trails connected to Gislavedsleden. All trails start from Isaberg Mountain Resort's central facility, which also offers accommodation and various outdoor activities. Between Isaberg and Näs you mainly walk on forest paths and gravel roads. The northern part of the trail is dominated by fabulous coniferous forest and the southern part by Småland's village landscape. In Näs you can rent a cottage with lake views, sauna and pool. 1 km south of Näs there is a connecting road to Gislaved (5 km). In Gislaved you can have a good dinner and stay overnight at Hotel Nissastigen. In Gislaved there is a bus station for those who want to end or start the hike here.
Discoveries along the way
The local heritage centre in Norra Hestra church village is set in an environment dating back to the Middle Ages. The schoolhouse from 1862 is a listed building
In Kyrkobol just before Norra Hestra church you will find Gislaved district's largest tree, a lime tree with a circumference of over 6 meters.
Jättegryta, a steep path on Ängaberget leads past a large cave. A naturally formed rock cave.
The mine shaft in Slätteryd was opened around 1950 to supply IFÖ with feldspar used in their production of sanitary porcelain. Mining lasted for only 6-8 years.
Näs/Gislaved - Arnåsholm approx. 25 km
The trail between Näs and Arnåsholm is one of Gislavedsleden's most beautiful. It runs through a district of five lakes. The trail between Näs and Arnåsholm is mainly gravelled forest roads and paths and some stretches run along the water’s edge. At the middle of the trail you will find Mjösundet campsite which is beautifully located on the headland overlooking the lake Majsjön. The small village of Arnåsholm is located between the two lakes Harasjön and Sävsjön. The village has a bus stop for those who wish to end their hike here and continue by bus.
Discoveries along the way
The trail passes Högåsen, which rises 280 metres above sea level.
Arnåsholm - Kätabo approx. 20 km
The trail between Arnåsholm and Kätabo runs along Lake Sävsjön and then into Fegen nature reserve. Hällabäck has a beautiful rest area next to Västerån. In Knavrabo, Gislavedsleden connects to Knavrboleden – an approximately 3 km long nature trail with a viewpoint, picnic cabin and remains of an old mill. Kätabo Hunting lodge can be found in the small village of Kätabo. Here you can stay in a cosy soldier's croft, hunting lodge or in the main house. The soldier’s croft is made of timber in the old-fashioned way, with hand-sawn rough logs. It is sealed with moss and has grass on the roof.
Discoveries along the way
Hällabäcks farm, which in the 1300s was owned by the Sparre family and later by the Folkunga dynasty.
Hällabäck swimming spot
Knavraboleden
Kätabo - Burseryd / Fegen approx.20 km
This part of the trail is mostly inside the Fegen nature reserve, which includes both the lake and its surrounding forests. It takes you through several villages with scenic views of Lake Fegen. In Sandvik there is a very beautiful stone church located right by the water. In the parish hall next to the church you can have a coffee & cake and see different types of crafts during the summer months. In Sandvik you can connect to the GG trail to continue to Burseryd, which has a bus stop. You can also continue your hike on Gislavedsleden down to Fegen where you can stay overnight at Fegen's hostel. Fegen has a bus station where you can end or start your hike.
Discoveries along the way
Sandvik’s stone church
Summer café and craft exhibition in the parish hall in Sandvik
Take a detour to Klockebo mill and Rosendalsstugan, which is a retained cottage from the 18th century.