About Småland

Ancient forests, red and white houses, and fantastic stories. Green meadows filled with flowers, berries, and delightful scents. Archipelagos, coastlines, and lakes with sparkling water. Thousands of islands and plenty of tranquility. Charming towns with life, culture, and fabulous restaurants and cafes.

In Småland, you will find the raw, unadulterated, and utterly wonderful version of Sweden – from the coast to the highlands, Vättern Lake in the north, and deciduous forests in the south. From moose parks and mountain bike trails to vibrant cities full of history.

It is a playground filled with experiences – whether you are a child, an adult, or a bit of both. Here, you can relax, hike, paddle, cycle, experience, explore, and taste so much that you will never experience it all.

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As fascinating as the nature in Småland is, equally captivating are the three major cities in the region. Kalmar is the historical city by the sea, with a rich cultural life, museums, cafes, and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy the proximity to the sea, stroll through the beautiful cobbled streets, and pass by Kalmar Castle, which features both permanent and changing exhibitions – and during the summer, it becomes a true adventure for children.

Jönköping, located at the southern tip of Lake Vättern, is a beautifully situated city with charming streets, lovely restaurants, and the opportunity for many exciting excursions and tours. Here, nature with lakes, forests, and even a mountain surrounds the city, and you can shop at both international retail chains and small local shops.

And in Växjö, you can experience the fantastic meeting between the city’s pulse and nature’s beauty in this small world city, which also offers world-class food – including at the gastro-hotel PM och Vänner, which is one of Sweden’s top food destinations.

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Småland’s design and craftsmanship are known worldwide. Just think of IKEA, the global design and business adventure that started in Småland’s Älmhult – an adventure you can learn more about at the IKEA Museum in the town. But Småland’s furniture design is more than just IKEA. Based on wood from the vast forests, there is a proud tradition of furniture with elegance, finesse, and Nordic simplicity. You can delve into this tradition at Möbelriket, an area with numerous furniture manufacturers, buzzing with activity. Here, you can experience how the heritage of past designs and craftsmanship traditions has left a clear mark on society.

And then there’s glass – the fragile, wonderful material that is yet another design success from Småland. Between Kalmar and Växjö, you’ll find Glasriket, a collection of villages with many glassblowing studios, which since 1742 has been a hub for a glass industry that is recognized around the world. Today, it is a popular tourist destination with glassworks and smaller glass huts, beautifully framed by Småland’s nature. Try glassblowing yourself and experience the fascinating world of glassmaking – from the hot furnace to stores selling glass in all shapes and colors.

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