The Småland trails
The Smålandsleden is a combination of several hiking trails: Västra and Södra Vätterleden, John Bauerleden, Holavedsleden, Anebyleden, Höglandsleden, Gislavedsleden, Järnbärarleden, and Kävsjölänken. Together, these nine trails offer a total of 900 kilometers of hiking. You can choose from approximately 60 different starting points, accessible by car, train, or bus.
On this page, we describe two of the Småland trails: Järnbärarleden and Kävsjölänken. These trails offer a delightful hike from Hestra to Store Mosse National Park.
Järnbärarleden and Kävsjölänken in short
Map of Järnbärarleden
Navigate past map or other external content.A map of Kävsjölänken will be available soon. This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).
Discover Järnbärarleden and Kävsjölänken
Järnbärarleden and Kävsjölänken in western Småland offer beautiful natural landscapes, ranging from deep forests to culturally and historically significant routes. The terrain is mostly flat and easy to hike, making it suitable for both walking and cycling. The route described below can be divided into several stages to shorten the days and make it family-friendly. In addition to STF accommodations, there are also shelters available for overnight stays.
At Kärringabacka, Järnbärarleden connects with Höglandsleden, which stretches 440 kilometers eastward through the Småland Highlands. The landscape along Höglandsleden is dominated by farmland, and you will tackle many ascents and descents. To the west, Järnbärarleden links with Gislavedsleden, which winds south along the lakes Majsjön, Sävsjön, and Fegen. Where Järnbärarleden ends in the south, Store Mosse National Park takes over with its own network of trails.
See and do along the trail
You will pass by several lakes along the trail, offering opportunities for swimming.
Don’t miss
In Hestra, you’ll find Sweden’s largest mountain biking destination, Isaberg Mountain Resort (isaberg.com). Fun on wheels for the whole family!
Transport to the trail
You can take a train (sj.se) to Hestra. The trail starts at Hestra station. (Google Maps link)
Trail markers
The trail is marked with orange markers on trees, rocks, and posts. In Store Mosse National Park, the markers vary depending on the specific trail.
Sections of Järnbärarleden and Kävsjölänken
Below are descriptions of the stages of the Småland trails, Järnbärarleden and Kävsjölänken, including distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.
You can, of course, hike in the opposite direction from the order presented.
Section 1: Hestra–Töllstorp/Gnosjö
17 kilometers, 5 hours of hiking over four days
Accommodation: STF Gnosjö Hostel
The trail starts at Hestra station. Between Hestra and Gnosjö, you hike along Järnbärarleden, named after the 18th century when the area was used for iron transport. Coniferous forests dominate the landscape, except in the Ettö Nature Reserve, where you will walk through deciduous forests and meadows. In Nissafors, you pass through an old industrial area. About halfway, at Mellansjön, there is a shelter with a fire pit and dry toilet. Water can be drawn from a stream south of the shelter. The second half of the trail runs along beautiful paths in varied nature. The endpoint, Töllstorp, is 500 meters from STF Gnosjö Hostel.
Section 2: Töllstorp/Gnosjö–Kävsjö
19.9 kilometers, 6 hours of hiking over four days
Accommodation: Stora Mosse Hostel (Not STF)
On day two, the trail changes its name to Kävsjölänken. Again, you hike through classic Småland forest and cultural landscapes. At Rudö, you pass a larger ridge, but the rest of the terrain is flat. Midway, you’ll find the shelter Intaget, equipped with a fire pit and dry toilet. There’s a well 100 meters south of the shelter for water. The entrance to Stora Mosse National Park is just under two kilometers south of the endpoint in Kävsjö.
Tip for day 3: Hike in Store Mosse National Park
Accommodation: Stora Mosse Hostel (Not STF)
Store Mosse National Park offers 40 kilometers of hiking trails in various loops. It is Sweden’s largest, mostly untouched, raised bog area south of Lapland and is part of Natura 2000, the European Union’s network of protected natural habitats. Here, you’ll experience the vast bogs, bird hides, carnivorous plants, and mystical forest creatures. STF accommodations within the park are available at Lövö and Svänö.
Accomodations along the trail
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