Värne on Lake Solgen: Trails, nature protection and mill history

Värne is located on Lake Solgen. When choosing a destination, several clearly distinct interests come together: the historic use of a mill site, a hiking trail, a canoe route and protected landscapes around the lake. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip. The routes differ in mode of travel and destination; the historical trail offers a different perspective on the area than the activities on the water.

Mill history at Värnedammen

Written records show that the site at Värnedammen was used as a mill site in 1477 and 1482. These two dates place this mill history in the late 15th century and give the area's history a specific point of reference. The former use of a particular site therefore stands as a distinct historical connection alongside the themes related to the water. If you are also interested in local history during your trip, the mill trail offers a separate point of connection with Värne.

Hiking trail and canoe route

The Sjösvängen hiking trail starts at the local heritage museum in Värne and follows the Solgenån River to the birdwatching tower in Söraby. Its route provides a clear geographical framework for the walk: from Värne, along the river, to a named destination in Söraby. If you want to explore on foot, the Sjösvängen can be considered as a distinct factor when choosing where to visit.

The Höglandet canoe route starts in Värne on the Solgenån River, follows the Emån River and continues to the east coast. Its route comprises a sequence of waterways and extends beyond its starting point in Värne. Unlike the Sjösvängen, it is a canoe route; hiking and travelling on the water appeal to different interests.

The main points of comparison are the activity and direction: walking to the birdwatching tower in Söraby or canoeing along the Emån to the east coast. This lets you compare the two routes according to the kind of travel that interests you.

Lake Solgen, protected areas and fishing

It helps to distinguish between the lake and the river: Värne is located on Lake Solgen; the Sjösvängen follows the Solgenån River, and the canoe route starts on this river. The similar-sounding names refer to different bodies of water. The lake is the geographical reference point for the area and its protected areas, while the river forms part of the routes.

Three nature reserves around Värne protect large parts of Lake Solgen and its islands. For nature enthusiasts, Solgen is therefore not only a geographical reference point but also a protected lake and island landscape.

Fishing is also limited to a defined area: around Värne, the western part of Lake Solgen is the Mellby fishing permit area. Fishing permits are sold online through iFiske. If fishing is part of your travel plans, check that your intended section is within this western part of the lake in advance, and find out which fishing permit you need.

Discover more destinations: Ingatorp, Hjältevad, Höreda, Bruzaholm, Hult, Mariannelund, Eksjö.

Go to the main travel overview: Eksjö.