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Discover the authenticity of Småland - Road trip Southern Sweden

As you might have noticed through previous blogs I really love Sweden, and especially road trips through Southern Sweden, for this area's tranquility, authentic culture, beautiful nature and diversity, which is easy to explore by car, as the roads are very good! Have you ever considered doing this with your own car?



During my first visit 5 years ago I already explored the South Swedish region Skåne by car, which captivated me, and last year 2 more regions, including Småland, which truly surprised me with their authenticity!


Exploring the authenticity of Southern Sweden


Småland forms quite a big area in South Sweden and is a unique place where nature meets cultural heritage. Once a collection of small lands surrounded by woods and thousands of quiet lakes, it now forms a nice combination of serene nature, adventure, history, and that pure Swedish vibe.



Småland is quite diverse, stretching from the open coastline in the east, to the highlands in the north of the region with endless forests, countryside and authentic villages in between.


This year I had the pleasure to explore even more of the region on a road trip with 3 fellow content creators from the Netherlands. We drove 2,500 kms from Amsterdam through South Sweden and back, in collaboration with Visit Småland, who created a unique itinerary for us. This way we could optimally experience the diversity and authenticity of this beautiful region.



In this blog I’m happy to show you all my favourite spots of this 7 day trip through the Småland region in June 2024, including a special Midsommar celebration! But first:


How to get to Småland - Sweden


South Sweden is easy to reach from the Netherlands via Denmark, with regular flights to Copenhagen through several airlines, but you can also take the train via Germany if you have more time to get there.


Choosing sustainability and practicality, this time we went to Southern Sweden by car, turning the trip into an exciting road adventure.



We drove from Amsterdam in the Netherlands towards Puttgarden in Northern Germany in less than 7 hours. From there we crossed over to Rødby in Denmark, with a Scandlines ferry, which is a quick and fun 45-minute voyage, since there are so many restaurants and facilities aboard. And it's faster than driving to Sweden via Denmark.



You can easily buy a flexible ticket for the ferry in advance, which includes the Øresund bridge toll fee already: Scandlines.com


The final leg of our drive to Sweden took us over this iconic bridge from Copenhagen, driving another 4.5 hours to reach our first destination in the heart of Småland.

To follow our exact 7 day route I made a custom Google map, with all my favourite spots, restaurants, sites, hotpots and all the accommodations we stayed at, to use for your own road trip:


Itinerary  - 7 day Småland road trip Southern Sweden



Teleborg historical castle hotel & restaurant


We started our adventure with a royal stay at Teleborgs Slott, located in a lovely park, just 3 km from Växjö city center. We arrived in the middle of the night, adding to the magic of this historic venue. Built in 1900 by Count Fredrik Bonde as a wedding gift for his young wife, Teleborg Castle is now a stunning hotel and tourist destination.



The castle grounds are well-preserved and open to the public as well, offering a nice walking area with beautifully manicured gardens, surrounded by a small forest and lake.


The castle has its own bar and restaurant serving lunch and dinner, also for non-hotel guests. And during summer Brygghuset’s Bistro in the garden is also open for visitors.


Read all about our overnight stay here in my Småland hotel blog, coming up soon!


Huseby Bruk castle, gardens & museum


A short 20-minute drive from Växjö brings you to Huseby Bruk, an estate that's the perfect setting for photography



Open to visit year round and free to walk around the extensive gardens.

There is however also a museum, shop, restaurant & café and several exhibits. These are open for a small fee from 22 June - 25 August and from 9 - 17 November for the Christmas fair.

Find all details on their website.


Huseby Bruk Manor House Smaland-Sweden
Huseby Castle, photo credits Liselotte @JournalofWonders

The manor house, known as ‘Huseby Castle’, is a stunning building from the 19th century. Open in summer, or throughout the year for guided group tours that can be booked in advance. With more than 20 rooms filled with original furniture, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Stephens family, who still lived there until 1979.


We also had a very special high tea here, about which you can read more soon.



The park of Huseby Bruk is very nice as well, designed by Elisabeth Stephens herself with extensive vegetable and rose gardens.


And the estate features an old ironworks museum, showcasing how people lived and worked in the 1800’s



Asa Herrgård hotel & restaurant


Continuing our journey, we arrived at Asa Herrgård, a 17th-century manor house located in the heart of Småland’s tranquil forests. Situated directly on lake Asa, the northern point of a 120 km long lake system, Asa Herrgård is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.



The manor itself has nicely decorated quaint rooms and a kitchen known for its delicious, locally sourced meals. There are plenty of hiking trails, there’s an outdoor sauna with 2 Jacuzzi’s by the lake and a small swimming pier, with boats and canoes for rent.

 Our group swimming at lake Asa of Asa Herrgård - Smaland Sweden
With Kirsten, Lisa & Liselotte swimming at lake Asa of Asa Herrgård, photo credits Kirsten @whereshegoes.nl

We also had a unique 3-course dinner here in the middle of the forest, which was truly magical! Read all about this and our overnight stay at Asa Herrgård in my next blog.


B&B Vol Liefde visit Norrhult 


From Asa, we drove over typical Swedish forest roads for about an hour to Norrhult, covering a distance of 48 km. Our next stop was a special one, namely the farm and B&B / camping of Bram and Esra of B&B Vol Liefde.



It was so unique to meet them and hear their story. Cause, while they both participated separately in this Dutch TV show, matched with other participants, they found love and their true match only after the show during the reunion, and are now together for more than a year!


They showed us around their permaculture farm, living almost completely off-grid, surrounded by extensive countryside and forests, with some quaint nature accommodations on their own land.



We really enjoyed their story, the nature setting and cute animals, with more than 80 ducklings! And it was great to learn about sustainable agricultural practices from Bram, who made this his life’s work and even wrote a book about his turbulent life.


In summer you can also stay here overnight in one of their accommodations or on the camping with your own tent or campervan, about which you can read more in my upcoming hotel blog!


Glassworks in Småland


All year round you can enjoy glass production in 14 individual glass works in Småland's 'Kingdom of Crystal'. The region has a long tradition of glass making, and while only a few workshops remain, they create beautiful pieces. Some of them are renowned for the unique graal technique, such as Orranäs and Mickejohans glassworks.



Located near Norrhult are Målerås and Orranäs glassworks, where you can watch the glass artists at work on weekdays for free. Or you can book your own glassblowing experience in advance for a fee.

Målerås glassworks also has a shop and an exhibition area showcasing art glass pieces, open on weekdays until 6 pm, and in the weekends and winter until 4 pm.


See more on Målerås and Orranäs or check all info and the opening times of the other glass work locations on Glasriket.


Kalmar historic coastal city


On the east coast of Småland the quaint city of Kalmar is a true must visit with its rich history, quaint neighborhoods and Hanseatic influences. The true highlight here is Kalmar Castle, surrounded by a moat, dating back to the 1200’s.



While Kalmar is quite a modern city, its unique history is evident and ever present. The imposing castle, old city center known as Gamla stan, and Krusenstiernska trädgården, a 150-year-old garden, offered glimpses into different eras of Swedish history.



Kalmar Castle


We visited this Slott through a unique guided tour in costume, which is done in English, only on certain days at 11.30 am. The history of the Vasa kings and their Renaissance palace is brought to life here through beautiful exhibits.



For a small fee you can also enter and explore the castle on your own, or book a guided group tour in advance. In summer the castle is open daily from 10 am until 6 pm. Find all opening times and more on Kalmar Slott.



Kalmar’s city center on the island of Kvarnholmen is a vibrant area with cozy shops, cafes, restaurants and a stunning Cathedral on the town’s square. But I liked the cobblestoned streets, medieval buildings and quaint streets with rose bushes all around the Gamla Stan area most!



Find out more about this versatile city on Destination Kalmar.


Eksjö historic wooden town


Our trip continued to Eksjö, a cute town, which I visited last year as well, and is so photogenic. Known for its wooden buildings that have survived several fires.



Eksjö’s old town, Gamla Stan, and its squares, Stora Torget and Lilla Torget, are lined by historic buildings that are picturesque and so typical for Sweden.



The town has about 60 listed historic buildings, including the 18th-century church and town hall, which is now a hotel.

Eksjö has even won prizes for its remarkable renovation efforts for the old town center. 



Read more on Visit Eksjo.


Butik Botanik flower & gift shop


On our way to the north of Småland, we made a quick stop at Butik Botanik in the small village Flisby.

Hanna, a florist from Malmö, set up this unique shop in her grandparents' old barn. Here she displays a lovely selection of flower bouquets, cut flowers, unusual plants, and carefully chosen interior items, gifts and delicacies.



In the orangery and on the quaint furniture throughout the shop, which is all for sale too, you can enjoy drinks and a traditional fika, surrounded by flowers and plants. Hanna also offers flower arrangement courses and other activities on the farm, a great place to visit!



Smålandsgården hotel & restaurant by the lake


As our road trip neared its end, we arrived at Smålandsgården, a traditional family-owned hotel from 1920. Set amidst the pure countryside of Sweden, directly on the lake, with an outdoor sauna, hottub and more.


The perfect place to relax, enjoy water activities, experience traditional Swedish hospitality and celebrate Midsommar.



This traditional Swedish hotel is located just outside Gränna, which also is as typical and quaint as Swedish towns get. Surrounded by several nature reserves, offering plenty of hiking opportunities and picturesque scenery.


Gränna, known for its traditional candy 'Polkagris', must be great to explore with cobblestoned streets, wooden houses, castle ruins and cute shops, complete with candy cane production workshops.



Unfortunately we did not have enough time for this now, but I would love to come back for it.

We were however able to experience something truly authentic, which happens only once a year in Sweden:


Midsommar celebration


Midsummer Eve is a traditional event from Scandinavia, that celebrates the start of summer. It’s symbolic for the end of a long winter period and in Sweden takes place every year on a Friday between 19 and 25 June, marking the solstice and the longest day of the year.



Every town celebrates it differently, but typically with lots of food, drinks, dancing, music, traditional games and fun. Very important are local dishes like potato salad, pickled herring and gravad lax, but also the strawberry Midsommar cake and Aquavit, a local snaps.



We celebrated Midsommar at Smålandsgården by making our own flower crowns, wearing long dresses and dancing around the maypole, as per the local tradition.


It was quite special to witness how this beautifully decorated harvest and fertility symbol was raised by the villagers on an open field by the lake.

Of course followed by live music and funny local songs, that require traditional ring-dancing around the pole. Finalized with a traditional BBQ, a unique and fun experience!



Return journey to Amsterdam


Unfortunately this also concluded our Småland adventure. The next day we drove back to Gedser in Denmark, where we took the Scandlines ferry to Rostock in Northern Germany for our last stay.



For this last night we stayed at a historic hotel in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, providing the perfect ending to a memorable road trip.

After which we drove back to Amsterdam in about 5 hours. Read all about our German castle stay in my next blog.



To me Småland is the epitome of Swedish authenticity, that truly has it all. Enchanting nature, rich history, and quaint local restaurants and accommodations, that offer unique experiences. My 3rd road trip through Southern Sweden included all that, in a unique mix of exploration and relaxation.


You can find everything you need to know for your own visit to this authentic and diverse region on: VisitSmaland. And for more inspiration do check my Sweden page to plan your ultimate Småland road trip in Southern Sweden.

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