The Höglandsleden trail
The Höglandsleden trail winds its way through the Småland highlands. In total, there are 440 kilometers of marked hiking trail that offers both deep forests and cultural history. On this page, however, we have selected a section of 90 kilometers between Lövhult and Mariannelund. The Höglandsleden starts north of Gnosjö and stretches eastward to Mariannelund. There are many options for starting and ending points for your hike, and public transportation is easily accessible.
The Höglandsleden trail in short
Discover The Höglandsleden trail
As the name suggests, the Höglandsleden passes through a “highland” area, most of which is situated between 200–250 meters above sea level. This gives the nature and climate a resemblance to the southern parts of Norrland. You will hike up and down hills and mountains. There are several deep and impressive rift valleys along the trail—exciting and scenic stops on your journey through Småland. You will pass numerous lakes suitable for swimming, which may tempt you to take a dip. The hike takes place on paths, gravel roads, and paved roads.
See and do along the trail
At Eksjö Museum, you can find the collections of the illustrator, painter, and author Albert Engström.
An interesting stop and a rest for your hiking legs.
Don’t miss
For those who want to hike more along the Höglandsleden, there is a connecting trail starting in Klinten. It is a ten-kilometer one-way hike to Västra Lägern, a beautiful rift valley lake.
Transport to the trail
One suggestion is to take the train (sj.se) to Nässjö and then a bus to the Lövhult recreation area.
Alternatively, you can drive your own car and park it at the recreation area. After completing your hike, you can take the train back to Nässjö.
Trail markers
The trail is marked with the color orange on trail posts and trees.
Below is a description of the route over four hiking days, but it is possible to shorten the longer days and camp in a tent or shelter along the way.
Sections of Lövhult – Mariannelund
Here are hiking tips for those who want to hike between Lövhult and Mariannelund, which is part of the Höglandsleden. If you want more information about each stage, you can find it on Visiteksjo.se.
Of course, you can hike in the opposite direction from the order of the hiking tips.
Section 1: Lövhult–Eksjö
29 kilometers, 8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Various forms of accommodation are available in Eksjö
The trail starts at Lövhults Recreation Area, ten minutes by car or bus from central Nässjö. There is a parking lot here. The stretch begins with a hike in a southwesterly direction toward Lake Södra Vixen. A few kilometers before the lake, you pass Kulla Backar, 342 meters above sea level, unfortunately without a view. In the Hackareviken Nature Reserve, located 200 meters from the trail, you can find rare and exciting plants such as lesser celandine and toothwort. After the village of Paradis, the trail turns north and loops around Lake Norra Vixen. After Lake Gysjön, the trail enters the central part of the stage’s destination, Eksjö. If you wish to stay in a shelter, continue through Eksjö and hike to Skidstugan, which is located a few kilometers outside the town.
For those who wish to split the day into two, there are shelters with fire pits at two locations near Lake Norra Vixen.
Section 2: Eksjö–Klinte
13 kilometers, 3 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent or shelter
This day is rich in nature reserves, ensuring beautiful nature experiences. First, you will experience untouched high bogs in the Kakelugnsmossen Nature Reserve. The highlight of the stretch is the Skurugata Nature Reserve, an 800-meter-long rift valley with cliffs up to 35 meters high. The rift valley is between 7–24 meters wide. The stage destination, Klinten, is located in the Klintens Nature Reserve, where there are shelters, toilets, a fire pit, and a swimming area.
Section 3: Klinte–Ingatorp
31 kilometers, 8 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent or shelter
This day also offers impressive and scenic rift valleys, first Hässleåsa Damm and then Skrölehie. A little over a kilometer from the trail is Bruzaholm, an old industrial community with a visit-worthy industrial museum. In Valbacken, just past the stage destination, Ingatorp, there is a shelter with a beautiful view. For those who do not wish to hike 30 kilometers in one day, there are shelters with fire pits along the route, at Lövsjön and Nässjasjön.
Section 4: Ingatorp–Mariannelund
19 kilometers, 6 hours of hiking
Accommodation: Tent or shelter
Your hike continues eastward, and shortly after Ingatorp, you reach Uvberget with its 150-year-old majestic pines. The oldest pine is 250 years old. Afterward, you pass through cultural landscapes. The trail finally runs alongside the Silverån River, which is classified as a nationally valuable waterway with high natural values. The village of Mariannelund is located one kilometer from the trail. From here, you can take the train back to Nässjö.
Accomodations along the Höglandsleden trail
Discover more
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More about lowland hiking
Sweden has many paths and trails suitable for walking, in which you take the time needed to discover the natural world at your own pace.