Småland: Astrid Lindgren's World, Kingdom of Crystal, lakes, forests

Småland could be called the home of Swedish culture. Småland has enchanted forests, idyllic glades, mirror-like lakes and falun-red homesteads where Vilhelm Moberg’s “emigrants” live (they featured in a terrific film starring Liv Ullmann and Max von Sydow) and the characters of Astrid Lindgren’s children’s books. The latter are also found in Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby, which is an unforgettable experience for many children and a great place to visit.

The Wild West, complete with Indians and cowboys, can be found in the High Chaparral amusement park near Store Mosse National Park, between Värnamo and Gislaved.

The Polkagrisar in Gränna (red and white striped candy canes) also attract many visitors, as well as the Kingdom of Crystal (“Glasriket”) in the southeast of Småland. The castle in Kalmar is particularly impressive.

Three regions

Småland consists of three regions or counties (which are called “län” in Swedish):

In the south, lies Kronoberg County with the city of Växjö (the county’s administrative centre) and the town of Ljungby.
In the east, you will find Kalmar County with the centres of Kalmar, Västervik, Oskarshamn and Nybro (with the Kingdom of Crystal).
And in the north, you will find Jönköping County with the centres of Jönköping/Huskvarna, Värnamo, Nässjö, Tranås and Vetlanda.

Although the island of Öland belongs to Kalmar County, it does not belong to Småland. It is a historical province of its own, Sweden’s smallest in fact.

Our recommendations for Småland

Hotels in Småland

Book now: Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in Småland

Camping cabins/cottages in Småland

Småland is a paradise for campers. If you don’t like pulling a caravan behind you, you’ll find cabins/cottages here at many campsites – from simple ones to comfortable ones. They are ideal if you are travelling with children. Here are som campsites we especially recommend:

Tingsryd Resort in Tingsryd and close to the Lake Åsnen National Park
Västervik Resort, Sweden’s largest and most modern campsite (5 stars)
First Camp Gunnarsö, 3 km away from Oskarshamn
Isaberg Mountain Resort in Hestra, with mountainbiking in summer and skiing in winter