Zinkgruvan combines mining history with an old forest just south of the village. Knalla Nature Reserve borders Knalla gruva and the Zinkgruvan Mining Museum. This puts different options side by side for a stay: a mining museum with exhibitions and personal guided tours, a marked circular trail in the reserve, and the longer Gruvrundan vid skärgården. Which option you focus on depends on whether you are more interested in mining history, a hike, or an extended day trip.

Knalla: Old Forest and Trails

The old forest in Knalla Nature Reserve has never been subject to modern forestry. This gives the reserve a distinct natural appeal alongside the mining theme. Its location is clear: it lies immediately south of Zinkgruvan and right next to Knalla gruva and the Zinkgruvan Mining Museum. The forest and museum thus offer different perspectives on the area, without treating the two themes as one and the same.

The reserve has a marked circular trail of about 1.3 kilometres. Connections to the northeast and southwest lead to further hikes. This gives you a choice between a clearly defined loop and longer trails. If you do not want to stick to a single loop, you can take the connections in either direction to explore further.

Mining History at the Museum

The Knalla gruva Mining Museum is a lively, above-ground mining museum. Personal guided tours focus on the history of mining, past and present. Exhibits include mining machinery and vehicles, clothing and equipment, as well as mineral and photo exhibitions. The collection thus combines technical exhibits with other insights into the museum’s subject matter.

A large model shows the vast mine beneath visitors’ feet. It complements the individual exhibits with a depiction of the mine itself. Those interested in mining history will find machinery, vehicles and equipment here, as well as a vivid representation of the underground mine.

Touring Route and Other Activities

The Gruvrundan vid skärgården offers different route and time-planning options from the trail in Knalla. It is 44 kilometres long and runs over both gravel and asphalt. The route follows the mining railway between Åmmeberg and Zinkgruvan. As a varied day trip, it is lined with beautiful nature reserves featuring a range of natural environments, as well as a rich cultural and historical offering. Several opportunities for interesting detours are also part of its appeal.

Comparing the two routes helps you choose the right option: Knalla has a marked loop of about 1.3 kilometres and connections to further hikes; the Gruvrundan is a 44-kilometre day trip. The route brings together nature and culture along the way, while the circular trail offers a specific hiking option in the nature reserve.

One of the municipality’s two disc golf courses is in Zinkgruvan. Availability may change, so check the latest information before your trip if you plan to play disc golf. Another special event is Run of Mine, an annual one-day running event held underground in Zinkgruvan. If you would like to include the event in your stay, check the dates for that year’s edition.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Aspabruk, Olshammar, Hammar, Åmmeberg, Mariedamm, Åsbro, Motala, Askersund.

Back to the main travel overview: Askersund.