Hike with the family in Småland

Halfway between Gnosjö and Värnamo, on the western side of the Småland highlands, lies Store Mosse National Park. It is the largest marshland area south of Lapland and consists of 7,740 hectares of untouched wetlands — an area equal to around 10,840 football fields. The nature in Store Mosse resembles that of northern Sweden and is characterised by a rich diversity of animals and plants, ranging from lakes and bogs to cranes, moose and eagles.

Yes indeed — Swedes just do it: snowshoe hiking in summer. And with good reason, as it has become a popular hiking activity for families — and you don’t need any snow at all. Snowshoes are perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes of Store Mosse. Head out together with a guide who shows you the hidden natural treasures of this vast national park.

Trollstigen at Gråstensmon is a 2-kilometre loop around the lake Långegöl, where cute trolls surprise you along the trail and a shelter near the end offers a nice spot for a break. The hike can easily be combined with a visit to the lovely Orranäs glassworks — or with Målerås glassworks, where you can take on a small challenge before the hike and receive a glass souvenir afterwards.

If you start at Målerås Glassworks, children (up to 12 years) receive a little card. They can then walk the 2-kilometre troll trail just outside Målerås and count all the trolls created by artist Mats Jonasson. Whether they get the number right or not, they receive a small glass item when they return the card to the glassworks.

Lövö runt is a pleasant circular hike of about 2.7 km that takes you through large parts of the Lövö Nature Reserve in Kalmar County. The trail passes through a beautiful landscape of forest, open pastures and cultural environments close to the sea, where you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature, traditional farmland and perhaps spot grazing animals along the way. It’s a perfect outing for families — bring some fika and take a swim if the weather allows!

Hiking with children on Visingsö is both easy and fun thanks to the flat terrain and well-maintained trails. The three circular routes start near the harbour, making them easy to reach even with a stroller or with smaller children who are eager to get moving. The hike leads through Sweden’s largest continuous oak forest, planted in 1831 for shipbuilding in the navy. Here children can walk beneath tall trees, play explorers and learn about both nature and history along the way. The trails are well suited for families and can be adapted to age and energy levels. Choose between the Red Central Loop (3.8 km), the Yellow Southern Loop (6.4 km) or the Green Northern Loop (7.2 km).