Regna brings together local history and trails through lakeside and forest landscapes. Regna kyrkby lies in the southern part of Regnaren; the Regnaholms lövskog nature reserve is about 1.5 kilometres north of Regna, on the lakeshore. Highlights include the marked trail in the reserve, hiking routes with views of Långtvaren, and the bathing area at Älgsjön. In the village centre, the history of Regna kyrka is one of the area’s distinctive themes.

Forest, traces and species in Regnaholms lövskog

The Regnaholms lövskog nature reserve lies on the shore of Regnaren, near Regnaholm Castle. A marked 2.2-kilometre hiking trail runs through the area. Along the trail are remains of clay kilns, a charcoal-burning platform and traces of a charcoal burner’s hut. These traces of earlier work add a cultural-history dimension to the hike without distracting from the nature of the reserve.

In the Hästhagen area of the nature reserve, the very rare butterfly “svartfläckig högstjärt” has been recorded, along with 183 other insect species. This biodiversity complements the visible traces along the trail with a natural-history aspect that also offers a point of interest for insect enthusiasts.

Hiking trails and swimming at Älgsjön

The trail between Regna kyrka and Älgsjön is part of the Östgötaleden long-distance trail network. It is easy to walk and runs almost entirely along gravel and forest tracks. At the Älgsjön bathing area, you can swim in clear, shallow water. Two other trails are distinguished by their landscape views: the trail between Rejmyre and Regna kyrka offers beautiful views near Lake Långtvaren; the trail between Regna and Tjuttorp offers beautiful views along Långtvaren. You can therefore choose between different features: the route to Älgsjön is characterised by its easy terrain and surface, while the views shape the experience on the trails around Långtvaren.

Regna kyrkby and its church

Regna kyrkby is the historic centre of the area. The first known church on this site was built of stone in the Middle Ages. The present-day Regna kyrka was built in 1785 to plans by district architect Magnus Beurling. A major fire destroyed the church in 1913; it was rebuilt on the old walls in 1914–1915. Comparing the first known church with the present building makes clear that the history of the church site spans several building phases: from the medieval stone church, through the late 18th-century building, to the reconstruction after the fire. This reveals a timeline that places the village centre in context across more than one era.

When choosing a focus, it is worth noting the difference between the historical perspectives: the nature reserve has several remains along a trail, and Hästhagen is also home to a documented diversity of insect species. In Regna kyrkby, by contrast, the history centres on a church site with a clear sequence: a medieval predecessor, the 1785 building, the fire and the reconstruction. The perspectives are distinct: trails and landscape in the nature reserve, and architectural history in the village centre.

Discover more destinations: Ljusfallshammar, Skedevi, Risinge, Hällestad, Rejmyre, Finspång, Grytgöl.

Back to the main travel overview: Finspång.