Illharjen lies along the Emån River. This natural delta is an easily accessible walking area for wheelchair users and people with strollers. Around 60 different bird species nest here every year. The area includes an approximately 875-meter-long wheelchair-accessible trail, parking, bridges, information boards and an accessible toilet. For an alternative route, the Illharjen runt trail loops around the nature reserve.
Trails with Different Highlights
The Vetlandarundan offers a different scale: This 27-kilometer hiking route loops around the main town of Vetlanda. Its landscape includes Lake Grumlan, the Emån River and the Vetlandabäcken stream; the route also passes churches and prehistoric burial grounds. Nature and traces of history come together along this named circular route.
The Planetrundan combines exercise with public art. This cycling and walking trail leads from the Sun sculpture in central Vetlanda to Neptune in the Östanå recreation area. Signs at each planet point to the next planet in the solar system. The sculptures and their signposts guide visitors along the route. While the Vetlandarundan is described in terms of its length and its landscape and historical features, the Planetrundan is defined by its planetary stops.
Art and History in Vetlanda
The Vetlanda Museum offers exhibitions, a children’s trail and a wide range of activities. Its collection includes Swedish contemporary art, archival material, photographs and cultural history objects related to Vetlanda. The Vetlanda skolmuseum focuses on older schools in the surrounding area: Visitors can see objects, furniture and school materials, as well as a teacher’s residence and a large collection of school wall charts.
The historical walk also tells the story of different periods. It leads from the medieval village to the modern commercial town and passes, among other places, the distinctive town hall on the town square. Parts of the lower floors of the Vetlanda kyrka tower date back to the 12th century. Together, the route and the church offer different ways to explore the town’s history.
At Apoteksparken, Hantverksgården hosts exhibitions by local artisans. Its offerings include sheepskins, handwoven rag rugs, woodwork, blacksmithing, ceramics and textiles; individual items may vary. The Vetlanda Konstförening holds exhibitions several times a year in its building in Apoteksparken. The Digitala arkitekturvandringar offers another perspective on architectural history: Its first walking tour focuses on old Stationsgatan in Vetlanda and architectural details typical of its period.
Discoveries Beyond the Town Center
Outside central Vetlanda, Kleva Gruva offers mine walks, treasure hunts, gold panning and climbing for families. The mine is open to visitors during the summer season. You can explore it independently with a map or guidebook; guided tours are available on request. The ticket for Guldvaskningen i Ädelfors includes all the equipment, boots and a lesson from a gold prospector.
Getting There
Vetlanda Resecentrum has a train station, a bus stop, taxi service and a kiosk. For planning your specific journey, it’s a good idea to check the latest connections.
Discover More Places
Discover more destinations: Holsbybrunn, Korsberga, Kvillsfors, Landsbro, Näshult, Skede, Skirö, Stenberga, Vetlanda, Pauliström, Nye, Björköby, Lindshammar, Kvillsfors, Lillarp.
See the full travel overview: Jönköping.
