Uppvidinge has twenty nature reserves. They reflect both the historic cultural landscape and the unspoiled wilderness of the forest areas. Those exploring the outdoors on foot or by bike can choose routes of different lengths and with different points of interest; churches, museums, and industrial history also offer another perspective on the municipality.

Hiking trails with different points of interest

The Vildmarksleden is 37 kilometres long. At 38 kilometres, the Framtidsleden is almost the same length; it is a hiking and cycling route in the southwest of the municipality around Alstermo, Målerås, and Älghult. It also passes through historic glassmaking areas. The Framtidsleden combines a similar overall length, access on foot or by bike, and links to glassmaking history.

The Höneströmsleden is considerably shorter, at about 15 kilometres. It follows the Alsterån river and passes the Kärngölsområdet nature reserve. This means two longer routes of similar length are complemented by a shorter route with specific links to a river and a nature reserve. Check trail updates before setting out on the Vildmarksleden.

Naturkartan provides information, maps, route descriptions, and historical background for various destinations in Uppvidinge. This helps you plan a themed outing and locate places and routes on a map.

Observe nature and enjoy outdoor activities

The Uppvidinge Bird Protection Association maintains three observation sites. The Hemsjön/Varsjön birdwatching site has a viewing platform suitable for people with reduced mobility. The bird tower in Svartshult also offers a vantage point.

For a different kind of nature experience, Little Rock Lake has more than 4.5 kilometres of ziplines through the forest and offers canoe trips on the lakes. The Strömfiske Alsterån section is about 15 kilometres long; in summer, access may depend on water temperature and water levels. Take these conditions into account when planning.

Churches, industry, and crafts

Granhults kyrka is Sweden’s oldest fully preserved wooden church and was built in the 1220s. The interior retains wall and ceiling paintings from the 1750s. The building thus brings together an early construction date and decoration added several centuries later.

Lenhovda tingshus dates from the 1770s and is a listed state building. Guided tours are available by arrangement, so coordinate your visit in advance. In Sävsjöström, a two-kilometre trail runs through the old industrial area. The museum on the history of Klafreströms Bruk covers the development of the ironworks from 1736 to 1972.

The history of rural buildings is also part of the picture: the municipality has about a hundred well-preserved loft barns. The Uppvidinge Beekeeping Museum traces the history of beekeeping from the 16th century to the present day. Check visiting options before your trip.

Glasriket and a break in Målerås

Uppvidinge is one of the four municipalities in the wider Glasriket region, where glassmaking culture and nature experiences come together. In Uppvidinge, the Framtidsleden passes through historic glassmaking areas. Målerås Bistro at Målerås Glasbruk offers another link to glass: the lunch restaurant has panoramic windows overlooking the glassworks. Opening information may change seasonally; check before visiting.

Cycling route and nostalgic rides

The 16-kilometre cycling route between Klavreström and Åseda is part of the former narrow-gauge railway line between Växjö and Västervik. Smalspåret offers railbike rides in Åseda and nostalgic train rides between Virserum and Åseda.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Fröseke, Klavreström, Lenhovda, Åseda, Älghult, Sävsjöström, Norrhult, Alstermo, Möcklehult.

To the regional travel overview: Kronoberg.