Five stages of the Höglandsleden pass through Nässjö Municipality. The trail is primarily intended for hiking, but can also be cycled. At the same time, this nature experience stretches across the entire Småland Highlands and covers 44 Swedish miles. In Nässjö, trails through varied landscapes meet art in public spaces and a city history closely tied to the railway.
Hiking between the highlands and Lövhult
The Höglandsleden route passes through vast forests, open fields, meadows, lakes and marshes. There are shelters and overnight cabins along the trail; it is also signposted and marked in orange. Information on the length of each stage and parking options can help you plan. Guidance is also available on getting there by bus or train, as well as on nature, culture, shelters, lakes and rest areas along the trail. Check traffic information before travelling if you are planning your journey around it.
For shorter outings, there is a nature guide with six routes described in and around Nässjö. They are just under 5 to 7.5 kilometres long. The guide covers different types of paths: mostly paved routes suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, as well as winding forest tracks and trails. When considering the individual routes, you can take into account both their length and the type of surface described; trail conditions can change.
The Lövhult Nature Reserve is close to Nässjö. It consists mostly of forest, but also includes meadows and pastureland. The Lövhultabäcken stream, as well as smaller rivulets and streams, runs through the area. There are numerous marked trails, including some wheelchair-accessible routes, as well as shelters, fire pits and picnic areas. Lövhult can be reached by bicycle, car or bus. From the “Nässjö Lövhult” bus stop, it is about a kilometre on foot to the nature reserve; allow for this walk when planning your journey.
Activities in the Lövhult area include hiking, cycling, mountain biking and disc golf. There is also a challenging obstacle course. In winter, you can cross-country ski on groomed trails. The options range from paths through the nature reserve to other activities in the area; which ones suit your trip also depends on the time of year.
Art in public spaces
Nässjö konsthall is located in Kulturhuset Pigalle. It presents contemporary art from local, regional, national and international perspectives and hosts six to eight exhibitions each year. Admission is free; check visitor information in advance. The programme includes artist talks, cultural evenings, lectures, concerts and workshops. Events vary, so checking the current programme can help when planning a visit.
Art can also be found in public spaces beyond the gallery. A signposted street art route leads through Nässjö: along the way, you can view murals and read the stories behind the works. The murals are presented as expressions of the city’s rich cultural life and industrial heritage; a new one is added almost every year. Several statues and sculptures are located in central Nässjö and are within walking distance of Nässjö resecentrum.
Railway history and excursions
Nässjö Järnvägsmuseum explores when the railway arrived in Nässjö in the 19th century and how it shaped the city’s development. Extensive documentation on railway history complements a collection ranging from small uniform badges and model trains to full-size locomotives and carriages. A visit brings you face to face with both small objects and full-scale examples.
The Nässjö Järnvägsmuseum association runs trips on a historic train at regular intervals. Dinner is served in a dining car during the journey. As individual departures should be checked in advance, find out about the trips before travelling.
Experiences on the water and practical information
You can kayak on several lakes in Nässjö. Kayaks and equipment are available to rent; some providers deliver them to the lake of your choice. Providers and delivery arrangements may change, so it is a good idea to enquire before making plans. At Fredriksdalssjön, you can fish for pike, perch, zander, burbot, tench and roach. Check local rules and conditions before fishing.
There are also several convenient starting points for getting around and travelling to Nässjö: a bus terminal is located right beside the railway station at Nässjö resecentrum. When choosing between a trip on the Höglandsleden, the routes described in the nature guide and the marked trails in Lövhult, the distance, surface and surrounding landscape offer practical guidance. If you prefer city visits, the art gallery, street art route and railway museum offer other ways to discover Nässjö.
Discover more destinations: Bodafors, Flisby, Forserum, Malmbäck, Nässjö, Sandsjöfors, Bästhult, Solberga, Stensjön, Bäckafall, Grimstorp, Ormaryd, Norrasonarp, Anneberg.
For the broader travel overview: Jönköping.
