Discover more

At Villa Gransholm, there’s plenty of space both indoors and outdoors. Sink into a comfortable armchair with a book or enjoy a good conversation. For those who want to be active, there’s a private tennis court (with rackets and balls available to borrow) as well as a variety of games for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a place to relax, there’s a wealth of experiences awaiting you. Everyone at Villa Gransholm cares deeply about the local area and is happy to share tips on beautiful outings. Don’t hesitate to ask about anything you’re curious about! 

Hiking and biking 
In this part of Småland, life moves at a calm pace, and the surrounding nature offers beautiful hiking trails and cycling paths for those who want to explore the area. A bike ride of about 12 km through the picturesque villages of Ellanda, Törnåkra, and Usteryd makes for a lovely day trip, or why not cycle to Huseby Mill? The agricultural landscapes around Gemla and nearby villages also provide scenic cycling routes. 

The Åsnen Runt cycle route passes right by Villa Gransholm, and you can easily follow a section, for example, around Lake Salen. Villa Gransholm has bicycles available to borrow, complete with reflective vests and helmets. Children’s bikes and electric bikes are also available for rent with advance booking. 

Several nature reserves are in the area, including Sweden’s newest national park, Åsnen National Park. The park covers a total of 1,873 hectares, with 75% water, offering a unique, untouched forest and lake landscape with a sense of wilderness and ancient beech forest. The entire area is well worth exploring over a few days, with maps available to borrow. Popular spots include the forest at Bjurkärr (entrance Sunnabron), known for its rich biodiversity and primeval character. For families with children, Trollberget on the western side of Åsnen is an adventure – an exciting forest hike perfect for little explorers. 

In Åsnen National Park, you can hike, cycle, fish, swim, paddle, grill, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Småland. 

Paddling and fishing  
In addition to Åsnen National Park, there are several lakes and the Helige River near Villa Gransholm, offering great opportunities for paddling, fishing, or simply a relaxing day by the water. You can rent a canoe or kayak and explore the calm waterways. The Helige River and Lake Salen provide a fantastic nature experience. If you’d like to bring along a well-stocked picnic basket, we can arrange that for you. Canoe bookings should be made at least five days before arrival. Please also let us know in advance if you’d like to try your luck at fishing. 

Cultural experiences 

Huseby bruk  
A short drive from Villa Gransholm lies Huseby bruk, a well-preserved ironworks from the 1800s. Here, you can explore historical buildings, beautiful gardens, and learn about the fascinating history of the mill. During the summer, exciting events are held, ranging from poultry exhibitions to opera performances. In November, Huseby transforms into a magical Christmas paradise during the popular Huseby Christmas Market – an experience that can easily fill an entire day. 

Linnés Råshult  
Visit Linné’s Råshult, the birthplace of Carl von Linné, the world-famous botanist. Here, you can wander through cultural landscapes and experience the environment that inspired Linné. A guided tour is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit. 

Växjö  
Just 15 minutes away is Växjö, the charming county capital. Here, you’ll find pedestrian streets with cafés, restaurants, and shops, as well as attractions like Växjö Cathedral, Småland’s Museum, and beautiful parks. Växjö is perfect for a day trip with something for everyone. 

Glasriket  
Småland is known for Glasriket (the Kingdom of Crysta)l, home to glassworks like Kosta Boda and Orrefors. Visit the glassworks to see skilled artisans creating glass objects – and maybe even try glassblowing yourself. Glasriket is a must-see when visiting Småland. 

Gemla Leksaksmuseum  
Gemla has been producing toys for over 150 years. At the Gemla Toy Museum, located at Gemla Hembygdsgård, you can see wooden toys from 1866 to the present day, most of them made in the area. Don’t miss the factory outlet at Micki Leksaker for a look at newer products. 

Möbelriket – furniture district 
Lammhult is known as the Furniture District, the center of Småland’s furniture and design tradition. Here, you’ll find 10,000 m² of furniture exhibitions and three major furniture stores, including Norrgavel, Svenssons in Lammhult, and Nilssons Möbler. The Furniture District is an excellent destination for design enthusiasts. 

Öja kyrka  
Just a couple of kilometers from Villa Gransholm is Öja Church, which hosts musical performances in the summer with both local and well-known artists. Öja Church is a peaceful and convenient excursion destination.  

Local culinary experiences

In addition to Villa Gransholm’s own kitchen, there are plenty of local culinary experiences in the area, with various restaurants and cafés. Many farms have farm shops where you can buy cheeses, charcuterie, honey, and other locally produced delicacies. 

Don’t miss Sweden’s largest food event, held annually in Växjö in September. The event, called MAT, is a meeting place for sustainable and locally produced food. Over 50 local producers participate in a food tour, and many of them are open for visits at other times of the year as well.