In the municipality of Gnosjö, lakes and waterways are just as much a part of the landscape as ridges, valleys and open farmland. There are 111 lakes here in total, each covering more than one hectare. The trails vary in length and destination; museums and bathing spots offer other kinds of experiences.

Hiking trails with different destinations

Three sections of Smålandsleden, a hiking trail network spanning more than 900 kilometres, pass through Gnosjö: Järnbärarleden, Kävsjölänken and Höglandsleden. Järnbärarleden is approximately 20 kilometres long, starts at the Töllstorp recreation area and connects Gnosjö with Isaberg Mountain Resort. It is classified as moderately difficult. Kävsjölänken is also about 20 kilometres long, but leads from the Töllstorp recreation area to Kävsjö Church. So if you are choosing between the two trails, you can base your decision on the destination: their stated lengths are similar, but they end in different places. Trail conditions may change.

For a loop with a choice of distance, consider the trail around Töllstorpasjön: it is five or seven kilometres long and runs partly alongside the water and through deciduous forest. Another route is the two-kilometre paved Gnosjöslingan. It is suitable for roller skiing and roller skating. This makes it possible to compare the hiking trails with the routes mentioned here without treating them all as the same kind of outing.

Nature and bathing spots

The Ettö Nature Reserve is located in the municipalities of Gislaved and Gnosjö. Its features include flower-rich pastures, butterflies and bodies of water. The reserve has a blue-marked hiking trail through hilly terrain, a cycling route and a bathing spot. The options range from hiking and cycling to spending time by the water, with the landscape itself providing a common backdrop.

Gnosjö Beach is on the north shore of Lake Hären, three kilometres south of Gnosjö. It has jetties, changing rooms, toilets, play equipment, a barbecue area and a ramp. The Töllstorpshallen swimming pool in Gnosjö has a large pool and a small pool, as well as an area for younger children. The pool and the beach therefore offer different swimming options, while the facilities mentioned above are available on the shore of Hären.

Getting to Gnosjö and its culture

Gnosjö railway station is on the Kust-till-kustbanan line. From there, trains run east to Kalmar and west to Gothenburg. If you are travelling by train or planning an excursion by rail, check the timetable before your trip.

Several museums bring industrial history to life through specific machines and manufacturing processes. At Töllstorp Industrial Museum, the production process on display ranges from drop hammers and wire drawing to hand looms and simple manufacturing machines. The waterwheels are still turning; traditional wire drawing and the production of everyday items from Gnosjö wire are also demonstrated. Demonstration times may change.

At Hylténs Industrial Museum, visitors can see historic factory machines in operation, particularly in summer. The museum is open year-round; guided tours can be booked by phone for individual groups or companies. Opening hours and tour arrangements may change, so check before visiting. Gåröström Industrial Museum showcases working machines, nail-making and authentic settings that illustrate the development of small-scale industry in the 20th century. For a different cultural experience, visit the Första rummet exhibition hall in the Gnosjö Library, where artworks by local, national and international artists are displayed.

Discover more destinations: Åsenhöga, Nissafors, Hillerstrop, Gnosjö, Kulltorp, Vaggeryd, Eksjö, Aneby.

For the main travel overview: Jönköping.