Vaggeryd is best explored through its landscapes and trails: the Östermoskogen Nature Reserve borders the town and extends north along the Lagan. This old, conifer-rich mixed forest is home to many mature, sturdy trees, as well as lingonberry and blueberry growth. A wide, easy-to-walk path runs along much of the Lagan, alongside smaller forest trails and a small car park.

Forests, bogs and bird habitats

The Lyngemadssjön Nature Reserve offers a different combination of landscapes: centuries-old forest, cliffs, bogland and a cave all come together here. These habitats provide suitable conditions for many rare birds, mosses and lichens.

Store Mosse National Park spans the municipalities of Vaggeryd, Gnosjö and Värnamo. More than 50 kilometres of hiking trails lead through the park, including through grazing landscapes. Wibecksleden and Svargölsleden are designated as fully accessible trails; the Naturum visitor centre is also accessible. It is located next to the main entrance and provides information about the national park and its wildlife. For birdwatching, the park identifies four areas rich in birdlife: Stora gungflyet, Blådöpet, Horssjön and Häradsösjön.

Trails between river and history

The 18-kilometre Fågelforsleden is a nature and cultural trail along the Lagan between Skillingaryd and Vaggeryd. Information boards along the route tell the story of the area. The trail thus connects its riverside setting with a glimpse into local history.

Munkaleden also passes through historic landscapes: it links the former medieval nunnery in Byarum with the monastery in Nydala. At intersections, the trail is signposted with blue markings and arrows bearing an abbot’s seal. Information boards along the route tell visitors about nature and historic sites; there are meditation boards at rest areas.

Cycling, swimming and fishing

The cycle routes in Vaggeryd Municipality are between 4.7 and 25 kilometres long. They pass through small villages in the forest, along fences and stone walls, and by lakes. Mountain bike trails are available at Bäckalyckan in Vaggeryd.

Municipal swimming spots are located at Hjortsjön, Linnesjön, Långasjön, Rasjön, Sandsjön and Rolstorpasjön. Hjortsjön swimming spot is on the edge of Vaggeryd and has a small sandy beach, a bathing jetty, a playground, a grassy area and barbecue facilities. Fishing takes place in lakes and watercourses throughout the municipality, in bodies of water of various sizes with diverse and healthy fish populations. A fishing licence is required to fish in the lakes.

Culture and local history

Miliseum is a military history centre about the lives of enlisted soldiers and their families, as well as the work of the engineer troops. The surrounding area includes carefully preserved buildings that are now listed state heritage buildings, and the Lillemo soldier’s croft milieu from the 19th century.

Byarums Hembygdsgård is a living cultural environment where visitors can see historic buildings and objects. The craft shop on the grounds sells local handicrafts; its selection may vary by season. The visitor café is also seasonal, offering homemade cakes, open sandwiches, Ostkaka and waffles. Check opening dates before visiting. Waggeryds Museiförening accepts bookings for guided tours for schools, groups, individuals and other visitors. These include exhibitions on the local history of Vaggeryd and Götafors; arrange a tour with the association in advance.

Getting there

The Krösatågen train stops in Vaggeryd, the main town in the municipality. If you plan to travel by train, check departures for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Hok, Skillingaryd, Vaggeryd, Månsarp, Hok, Gislaved, Aneby, Eksjö.

Return to the main travel overview: Jönköping.