Småland
Småland is the Sweden of imagination: endless forests, red wooden houses (stugor), quiet lakes, moose, and the stories of Astrid Lindgren. The province in the southeast is sparsely populated, deeply rooted, and one of the country's culturally richest regions — IKEA was founded here (in Älmhult, where the IKEA Museum stands), glass art was perfected, and the world's most beloved children's books were written.
Småland is also one of Sweden's poorest regions — at least historically. The barren soil, long winters, and isolation made life here hard. In the 19th century, over a million Swedes emigrated to America, many of them from Småland — Vilhelm Moberg's novel series "The Emigrants" tells their story and is one of the most-read Swedish books of all time. Today, it is precisely this barrenness that holds the appeal: quiet lakes, impenetrable forests, and an authenticity that attracts tourists in droves.
Kingdom of Crystal
The Kingdom of Crystal between Nybro and Växjö is home to over a dozen active glassworks, producing mouth-blown art glass since the 18th century. The region became the "Kingdom of Crystal" thanks to a perfect combination: endless forest (firewood for the ovens), sand (raw material for glass), and hydropower. Today, it is a UNESCO-associated cultural heritage and one of the most fascinating craft regions in Europe.
The Main Glassworks
- Kosta Boda: The oldest glassworks in Sweden (founded in 1742, named after founders Koskull and Stael von Holstein). Huge showroom, factory outlet (30–50% discount on slightly flawed pieces — hardly distinguishable from perfection with the naked eye), an excellent glass museum, and the unique Kosta Boda Art Hotel: Each room was designed by a different glass artist — you literally sleep in art. The glass bar in the hotel serves drinks in handcrafted glasses (cocktail from 145 SEK). Overnight stay from 1,495 SEK (130 €).
- Orrefors: Known for elegant, minimalist design — Swedish glass art at its finest. While Kosta Boda stands for colorful, expressive art, Orrefors is the school of clarity and simplicity. Showroom and outlet. The glassworks itself can be visited (you can watch the glassblowers at work).
- The Glass Factory (Boda): Museum for modern glass art with a workshop where you can blow your own glass (Eigenblås workshops, from 350 SEK, 30 minutes — you take your self-blown glass home). The exhibition shows glass art as sculpture, installation, and political statement.
- Bergdala: Small, family-run glassworks where you get particularly close to the glassblowers and can blow your own drinking glass in a workshop (300 SEK).
- Målerås: Known for the "Glashäxan" (Glass Witch) — a tradition where glass figures are designed according to local legends.
★★ Hyttsill — The Kingdom of Crystal Ritual
A special experience is Hyttsill — a tradition practiced since the 18th century: In the evening, when the day's work is done, the residual heat of the glass ovens is used to prepare a meal. Herring (sill), potatoes, bacon, and bread are cooked on hot stones and in the embers. Accompanied by schnapps (snaps), beer, and stories. The glassblowers and their guests sit in the dim light of the hut, surrounded by glowing ovens, and share an ancient ritual. Several glassworks offer Hyttsill evenings — booking in advance is mandatory! From 500 SEK per person, including food and drinks.
💡 Tipp
In the Kingdom of Crystal, you can blow your own glass object in many huts for 300–500 SEK (26–43 €) — a unique souvenir you will never forget. The glassworks' outlet stores offer 30–50% discounts on B-grade items. Best travel time: May–September (all huts open, Hyttsill evenings available). Tip: Visit 2–3 huts per day and combine the route with nature — idyllic lakes and forests lie between the huts.
Astrid Lindgren's World
Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby is a theme park that brings the stories of Sweden's most famous children's book author to life: Pippi Longstocking in Villa Villekulla, Emil of Lönneberga on the Katthult farm, Ronja the Robber's Daughter in her Mattis Castle, the Children of Noisy Village in the village, and Karlsson-on-the-Roof in his house on the rooftop.
The park is not an amusement park with roller coasters, but a storytelling experience: Professional actors perform the stories live every day (in Swedish, but the stories are so well-known that the language hardly matters). The performances are lovingly staged and surprisingly high-quality — some move adult visitors to tears. Children can play and climb in the authentic settings: You can enter Villa Villekulla, real animals sit on the Katthult farm, and in the Noisy Village, you feel like you're in the 1920s.
For children aged 3 to 12 (and nostalgic adults), it's a dream — many Swedish families come year after year. The atmosphere is heartwarmingly authentic, the staff loving, and the park is clean, quiet, and entirely without the stress of large amusement parks. Plan a whole day.
Astrid Lindgren's Birthplace (Näs)
In Vimmerby itself, you can visit Astrid Lindgren's birthplace — the red wooden house on Prästgårdsgatan, where she was born in 1907 as Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson. The attached museum tells her extraordinary life story: From growing up in rural Småland to the scandal of her illegitimate pregnancy at 18 to her worldwide success as an author and her political activism (she brought down the Swedish government in 1976 with a satirical tax scandal essay). The gardens are beautiful and designed after Lindgren's books.
Museum: 140 SEK (12 €). May–September daily 10:00–17:00.
Nature, Lakes & Moose
Småland is the storybook Sweden: red wooden houses between birches and pines, quiet lakes with their own rowboat, moose in the morning mist, blueberries, and chanterelles in the forest. The region has over 5,000 lakes and is ideal for nature experiences:
Canoeing
The river Emån and Lake Åsnen (a national park since 2018 — Sweden's youngest!) are perfect for multi-day canoe tours through the wilderness. The Åsnen National Park consists of over 1,000 islands in a quiet lake — the combination of water, forest, and absolute tranquility is magical. Canoes can be rented (from 500 SEK/day). Providers often deliver to the starting point and pick up at the destination.
Moose Safari
Småland has one of the highest moose densities in Sweden — about 40,000 moose live here. Guided moose safaris start from Kosta, Vimmerby, or Eksjö at dusk (about 2–3 hours). You drive with an off-road vehicle or walk quietly through the forest. The success rate is about 80–95% — you almost always see at least one moose, often cows with calves. The best time is May to October, especially in June/July (long, bright evenings). Cost: 300–500 SEK per person.
If you search on your own: Drive slowly along forest edges, clearings, and moors at dusk (sunset to 1 hour after). Moose are most active when it gets cooler.
Hiking
The Smålandsleden (long-distance hiking trail) leads through forests, over moorlands, and along quiet lakes. The Höga Kusten-Leden and the John Bauer-Leden (named after the illustrator who drew the trolls and elves of the Småland forests) are particularly atmospheric.
Fishing
Excellent freshwater fishing areas — pike, perch, and trout in clear lakes. Fishing license (Fiskekort) locally available (from 80 SEK/day). The Allemansrätten allows fishing in the sea for free; for lakes, you need the license.
IKEA Museum Älmhult
In the birthplace of IKEA stands the IKEA Museum — housed in the first IKEA store (1958). The exhibition tells the story of a 17-year-old Småland boy (Ingvar Kamprad) who started with mail-order sales and built the world's largest furniture retailer. Interactive, nostalgic, and surprisingly honest (the controversies are also addressed). Admission: 60 SEK.
