Gislaved: Industrial Heritage, Trails and Green Spaces

By the Nissan waterfall stands the former Remfabriken factory, Gislaved’s oldest factory building, dating from 1893. Today, it houses the Gislaved Industrial Museum. The site brings together a striking piece of industrial history with trails, parks and other experiences in the town and its immediate surroundings.

Industrial history and local heritage park

The Industrial Museum brings Gislaved’s industrial history to life through its products and machinery. The materials on display include rubber, glass, celluloid, Bakelite, plastics and leather. The development of the industries can also be traced over time. In the 20th century, leather and rubber were initially dominant; later, plastics gained importance as a key material. The museum is accessible to everyone and also serves as an InfoPoint for certain tourist information.

Another way to explore the town’s history is to visit the local heritage park in the northern part of Gislaved. It comprises around ten buildings and approximately 600 objects. Next to the park is a Domarring, a prehistoric stone circle now interpreted as a burial site. The buildings’ different dates of construction reflect distinct periods in history: Väståkrastugan is an 18th-century detached house with an entrance porch and ridge pole; Tingstensstugan was built at this site in 1845. Orrastugan was originally a crofter’s cottage belonging to Gislaved’s old inn and was moved to the heritage park in 1961.

Public art also adds distinctive touches. Stjärnfall, an artwork in a roundabout, covers almost 3,800 square metres. It consists of 125 six-metre-high brushed stainless-steel columns. A bronze sculpture inspired by dance and music stands in Musiktorget. Another bronze sculpture in Kyrkparken is Gislaved’s first public artwork.

Walking trails with different themes

The Nissan Nature and Culture Trail is a walking route within Gislaved. It passes through the local natural and cultural landscapes, giving visitors the opportunity to discover them along the way. The Nissan Culture Trail is a separate route: this 3.6-kilometre circular trail starts outside the Gislaved Industrial Museum. Information boards explain the area’s industrial and cultural history.

The Solar System trail has a different focus. The walking route starts in the Dalen residential area and runs a total of four kilometres to the final planet in Mossarp. The stone installations are built to a scale of 1:1.5 billion. The trail highlights the scale of the solar system and its representation along the route.

For exercise in town, there is also a 2.5-kilometre illuminated running and exercise trail in southern Gislaved, next to the Nissan and along Kappeledsvägen. The gravel football pitch, boules court and outdoor exercise equipment in Dalenparken add to the opportunities for outdoor activities.

Parks and nature in the surrounding area

Dalenparken is Gislaved’s largest park and lies by the Nissan. Kyrkparken is in the centre and features a fishpond, seating, shade trees, summer flowers, perennials and flowering cherry trees. Torgparken lies below Stortorget and offers seating and a water feature with a fountain pond. It provides shade during concerts and other events. The parks each have a different focus: a place to spend time by the river, a central park with planted areas, or a public space with a water feature and seating.

The Anderstorps Stormosse nature reserve is nearby and within walking and cycling distance of the edge of town. A gravel cycling and walking trail of about 3.5 kilometres runs through the area. In the eastern part, near Stenbrohult, there is a birdwatching tower, parking, an information board, rest areas, a barbecue area and an outdoor toilet. As the condition of trails and facilities can change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

Leisure and places to eat

Gislebadet has a large 50-metre pool and a smaller teaching pool. Courses range from baby swimming to classes for children aged six and up. Aqua Power, Aqua Fitness and Aqua Deep are also offered as water exercise classes. Courses and schedules may change; check the latest information if you want to include a class in your plans.

At Glashuset, Gisle Bowling has eight lanes. The Filmcentrum there combines image and film editing with a range of courses. Visitors can try out cameras, equipment and technology with expert guidance; the programme and available equipment may change. The town centre also has several cosy cafés and restaurants, offering places to enjoy coffee, lunch and dinner.

Getting here and finding your way

The Nissastigen and national highways 26 and 27 meet in Gislaved. National Highway 26 runs between Jönköping and Halmstad, while National Highway 27 runs between Borås and Växjö. Along with the range of cultural, exercise and nature activities, this location provides a basis for planning your stay around your own interests.

Discover more destinations

Anderstorp, Reftele, Smålandsstenar, Gislaved, Skeppshult, Bosebo, Broaryd, Burseryd, Hestra

For the regional travel overview: Jönköping.