Småland Gravel
Discover gravel cycling in northeastern Småland, where Swedish nature and Astrid Lindgren’s fairy tale world come together. Småland, with its forests, lakes and red cottages, is a vibrant part of Sweden and an enchanting cycling destination.
Fantastic gravel roads
Here you can pedal over picturesque gravel roads and pass iconic places like Mariannelund, Lönneberga and Bullerbyn. But the experience doesn’t stop at grazing along kilometer after kilometer of fantastic gravel road, no matter how beautiful the surroundings may be. It’s the whole thing that makes cycling around Vimmerby, Eksjö and Hultsfred something special.
4 tips you shouldn’t miss
Gravel cycling is so much more than just cycling itself, it’s about stopping and enjoying life along the way too. The experience becomes so much greater, especially when you are in such historical land as in northern Småland. These are simply 4 tips that you shouldn’t miss!
🚲 Cycle through Vimmerby and the picturesque streets of Eksjö.
🚲Lönneberga, Mariannelund, Katthult and Bullerbyn from Astrid Lindgren’s works.
🚲 Get up early and cycle on winding forest roads at dawn.
🚲 The over 1,000-year-old Kvilleken, or Rumskullaeken, just south of Norra Kvill National Park. One of Sweden’s oldest and largest oaks with a circumference of around 13 meters!
Sweden’s best area for gravel cycling
Småland Gravel has been voted by readers of Happyride, one of the country’s largest cycling sites – Sweden’s best gravel cycling area in 2024! There are still many secrets to disc…
Småland Gravel has been voted by readers of Happyride, one of the country’s largest cycling sites – Sweden’s best gravel cycling area in 2024! There are still many secrets to discover here. With a mix of winding gravel roads, deep forests and beautiful lakes, this is a true dream for anyone who loves gravel cycling. So pack your bike and set off on a journey through the fantastic landscapes of Småland. An experience awaits you here that combines awesome gravel cycling with world-class nature experiences and culture.
“Småland feels like a real little gravel mecca with picturesque and dreamy roads that take you back to the fairy tale world and the characters in Astrid Lindgren’s books. The roads are in fantastic condition and Småland is also quite hilly.”
– Jessica Clarén, Founder of SHe Rides
Cycling tours around Vimmerby
Djursdalaturen – 30,4 km
Starting at Vimmerby Torg, you will make your way on paved roads along beautiful Lake Krön, past the Musteriet restaurant and apple musterie, historic Djursdala and back to Vimmerby via Snokebo.
Katthultrundan – 54,4 km
This tour takes you on a journey from Vimmerby Torg and the Astrid Lindgren statue to Gibberyd and all our Emil in Lönneberga’s Katthult and then back to Vimmerby via Rumskulla. The roads are surrounded by the Småland nature and the surface alternates between asphalt and gravel.
Bullerbyrundan – 37,1 km
Head out into the Småland countryside and experience the area’s roads and trails that take you from Fredensborgs Herrgård to Pelarne and the filming location for Astrid Lindgren’s All the Children in the Village in Sevedstorp. The route then takes you back to Fredensborg in a southerly direction via Faggemåla.
“The region is a real gem for cycling, the landscape offers authentic Småland character along the roads of the countryside. The amount of gravel roads feels endless in places and the roads are almost car-free, which I really like. The variation is great and there are both hilly areas in the Småland highlands and flatter sections to suit a variety of different types of cycling.”
– Mattias Carlsson, ABLOC
Cycling tours around Hultsfred
Hultsfred Gravel – 73,4 km
A very varied tour that goes south on beautiful roads with many lakes. Don’t miss Björnnäset nature reserve which is right next to Stora Hammarsjöns wilderness camping – a popular area all year round. Here there are plenty of hiking trails, lakes to take a dip in and nice places to stop and have a coffee. The tour goes around beautiful Lake Hulingen which takes you all the way to the site of Sweden’s most legendary music festival – Hultsfredsfestivalen. The site is next door to Hultsfred Strandcamping & Våffelcafé. The tour continues on a challenging climb after Norrhult before it is rounded off with a visit to the genuine mill community of Storebro and ends at Fredensborgs Herrgård.
Hulingen Gravel – 44,2 km
Hulingen Gravel is a round that stretches around Lake Hulingen in Hultsfred. It goes on fantastically fine gravel roads through several beautiful nature reserves and along sparkling lakes. Of course you pass the site of Sweden’s most legendary music festival – Hultsfredsfestivalen.
Skärvetenturen Gravel – 20,3 km
The Gravel rock climbing tour takes you through the heyday of the furniture industry and the beautiful landscape in and around Virserum. Here you cross several watercourses in the Emån catchment area that were of great importance for the rise of the industries.
Vrånganäs Gravel – 44,1 km
The tour takes you through the deepest forests of Småland. The terrain is varied but technically easy. You cycle past red cabins with white knots, farmland and winding roads that contain a couple of climbs. In the village of Vrånganäs there is Café Tre Systrar with a focus on homemade, locally produced and organic food. Note! The café has limited opening hours, keep an eye on their Facebook page to see when they are open. The tour continues towards Skärslida and Kråketorp, taking you along the Skärveteån to take you through Virserum and up towards Dackestupet.
Cycling tours around Eksjö
Eksjö Gravel West – 40,4 km
Explore the endless gravel roads of Småland on a bike ride from Eksjö Stadshotell back to Gamla Stan. With winding gravel roads we take you past historical cultural treasures such as Hyttens kvarn and the picturesque Norra Solberga church. Enjoy the tranquility of the lakes you pass and experience the enigmatic atmosphere of the Småland landscape with every step. A beautiful journey through history and nature awaits.
Ullingerundan – 46,6 km
Experience the diversity of the Småland Gravels area on the bike ride from the historic Old Town in Eksjö, through the unique nature area at Skedhults gård. With every pedal past the golf course, fishing lakes and through the picturesque surroundings you will encounter many sights and historical buildings. At Lake Södra Vixen and past Hotell Ullinge, a journey full of adventure and discovery awaits.
Skurugatarundan – 36,5 km
Discover the beauty of Småland’s nature on our bike tour from the picturesque town of Eksjö via Skuru Gata back to Eksjö. Skurugata is an approximately 800 meter long “skura” or fault crack that is often described as southern Sweden’s most peculiar natural phenomenon. With its winding roads, the tour takes you through forested heights past lakes and beautiful valleys, where each crest reveals a new view to be enchanted by. Experience the pulse of altitude differences and enjoy the fresh air as you explore this idyllic part of Sweden.
Keep in mind that…
…cycling in nature is the best thing there is and that’s why we take extra care to protect it. If you’re a little unsure about where you can and can’t cycle, please read about the right of public access.
…cycling in nature is the best thing there is and that’s why we take extra care to protect it. If you’re a little unsure about where you can and can’t cycle, please read about the right of public access.
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Kids and family
Småland has lots of fun activities for children of all ages – both the active and the curious. So if your family likes stories, wildlife and a dose of adrenaline, then go for it!
Småland has lots of fun activities for children of all ages – both the active and the curious. So if your family likes stories, wildlife and a dose of adrenaline, then go for it!
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