Culture & history
Picturesque & historical Småland
Our landscape is rich in well-preserved sites where time has stood still. Driving from farm to farm on Småland’s winding country lanes, it seems that little has changed over the years. Many of the wooden houses are painted in red or yellow, providing joyous accents to the lush green countryside. Coupled with historical buildings in the villages and the old farmyards in local history museums, it’s easy to imagine you’ve been transported to the Småland from the past.
The Old Town of Kalmar
Kalmar has a rich history. Before you visit Kalmar Castle, you can walk along the cobblestone streets and see the beautiful buildings from the Middle Ages in Kalmar’s Old Town. There are plenty of buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that will take you back to earlier days as you wander down the winding alleys. Castenska Gården, for example, is one of Sweden’s oldest stores still in operation, and Västerport from 1658 reminds of the olden times.
Eksjö - the Unique Wooden Town
The wooden town of Eksjö is one of the best preserved of its kind in Sweden, and a unique cultural treasure. One of the reasons for this, is that the townspeople were relatively successful in protecting it from the fires that destroyed many similar towns. Eksjö has been awarded a highly regarded Europa Nostra diploma for the remarkable renovation of the traditional buildings. Town walks are available: you can join a guided walk or explore this wonderful part of history independently with an audioguide.
Linnés Råshult
Råshult invites you to an amazing journey through time, back to the 18th century landscape and gardens. The childhood home of botanist Carl Linnaeus is now a tranquil cultural reserve with a café and shop. Experience the 18th-century landscape for yourself or join a guided walk, led by the great man, Carl Linnaeus, himself.
Åsens By
The quaint village of Åsens by is a cultural treasure where time has stood still for more than a hundred years. The village is made up of red houses, barns and ancient but beautiful fences around the fields. Today, the village is a cultural reserve with a café, a hostel and a country store, and you can explore the buildings and signed footpaths in and around Åsens by. During the summer, there are animals at the reserve and a wide programme of activities for all ages.
Korrö Craft Village
A former craft village located by the stream Ronnebyån, Korrö played an important role in regional manufacturing during the 19th century. Back then, you could find for example a tannery, sawmill, flour-mill and a shop here. Today, the historic buildings house a restaurant, a café, a hostel and a hotel, and you can also rent bikes or canoes for some outdoor fun.
Kronoberg Castle Ruin
The medieval ruins of Kronoberg Castle lie on an island in lake Helgasjön. The castle was originally a bishop’s castle, intended to protect the Swedish border from the invading Danes. Today, the castle ruin and grounds are a popular place to visit, with its picturesque café and various activities arranged in the summers. The steamboat Thor has its home port next to the castle.
Stensjö By
Travel back in time in this delightful village and cultural reserve near Oskarshamn dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Pack a picnic and stroll among the carefully preserved landscape and buildings that served as the film set for ‘The Children of Noisy Village’, based on a book by Astrid Lindgren.