Visitors choosing Gullringen for a stay can give different emphasis to nature, water and local history. The Sme-åna nature trail offers a clearly defined circular walk; at the Dammen bathing area, the lake and jetties are the main attractions. There is also the history of the settlement’s founding, an unusual rock formation and activities at the library’s Hantverkshus. This variety makes it possible to tailor your stay to your own interests.

Hiking and scenery

The Sme-åna nature trail is four kilometres long and well marked. This circular nature trail runs around the Vervelån and the bathing pond. Along the route are information boards, rest areas, bridges and signposts. Its length makes the trail an easy-to-plan standalone hike; rest areas provide places to take breaks along the way, while signposts help with navigation. The loop therefore combines a clearly defined route with several features right along the way.

For the Smé-åna nature trail, parking is available at Gullemons Idrottsplats, Ålhultsvägen 30, 598 73 Gullringen. Check parking availability before travelling.

Gullringsbygden lies in the northern part of Vimmerby Municipality and is characterised by deep forests, sparkling lakes and a vibrant rural landscape. There are good forest trails for hiking in the area. Gullringsbygden thus complements the circular trail with a broader perspective on the landscape and hiking opportunities. One section of the Vervelån has a stable otter population. As wildlife presence can vary by season, a sighting is a possibility rather than a reliably plannable part of your itinerary.

By the water at Dammen

At the Dammen bathing area, jetties extend 24 metres into the lake from a rocky outcrop. You can park for the bathing area at the Gullemons grusplan football grounds; from there, a footpath of about 150 metres leads to the water. This information helps you factor in the final stretch from the car park to the bathing area. Water conditions and facilities can change, so it is advisable to check the current situation before your visit.

The Brännebro power station and a waterfall are situated beyond the Dammen bathing area. These two features add an industrial structure and another element of the landscape to the view of the bathing area.

Local history and distinctive places

The settlement of Gullringen arose directly as a result of the construction of the Östra Centralbanan railway around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. King Oscar II inaugurated Gullringen station on 8 June 1902. The town’s origins are thus linked to a precisely dated event in local railway history.

Another local curiosity is the “liggande hönorna” (“lying hens”): large blocks of stone rest on a rock slab, supported by three smaller stones. The unusual arrangement makes the formation striking and sets it apart from the hiking trail, lake and railway history.

Various activities are often held at Gullringen’s library Hantverkshus. The programme may vary; if you would like to include an activity there in your stay, check the relevant dates in advance.

Discover more destinations:

Vimmerby, Storebro, Södra Vi, Tuna, Solnehult, Pelarne

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