Skeppshult: Foundry, mill history and trails along the Nissan

Skeppshult offers several starting points for planning your trip: industrial production, historic sites and activities along the Nissan. Skeppshultcykeln makes its bicycles in Skeppshult, while Skeppshults Gjuteri manufactures cast-iron household products. There is also Bölaryds kvarn, with a history dating back to the 17th century, and the Nissanleden, a walking trail between Skeppshult and Smålandsstenar. Local history and craftsmanship sit alongside opportunities to explore the area on foot or on the water.

Manufacturing and practical planning

Skeppshultcykeln makes all its bicycles in Skeppshult. The manufacturing process includes hand-welding, wheel-spoking and assembly. This means production involves several distinct stages. Skeppshults Gjuteri has a different focus: it is the only remaining foundry in Scandinavia that makes cast-iron household products. Bicycle-making and cast-iron production thus show two different sides of the manufacturing tradition associated with Skeppshult.

Skeppshult Factory Store is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours again before setting out. Opening hours are shorter at weekends than on weekdays.

Mill history and historic use

Bölaryds kvarn has been in existence since the 17th century. One stage of Kanotled Nissan ends at Bölaryds museikvarn. Bölaryds kvarnförening holds mill days there and demonstrates how flour is milled. If you would like to see a demonstration, check the dates in advance.

A former guesthouse dating from the 1650s has been preserved in Skeppshult and is now used as a school. Together, these historic connections show different aspects of the area: the mill’s long history and the present-day use of a former guesthouse.

Walking and paddling along the Nissan

The Nissanleden is an approximately 8-kilometre walking trail between Smålandsstenar and Skeppshult, running alongside the Nissan. At its southern end, it reaches Skeppshult’s illuminated exercise trail. Its approximate length and two endpoints provide useful details when planning a walk.

One stage of Kanutled Nissan consists mainly of gentle river paddling and is described as family-friendly. The main difference from the walking trail is how you get around: on the Nissanleden, you travel on foot, while the stage mentioned here follows the water.

The Skeppshult campsite on Kanotled Nissan has a wind shelter, barbecue area, supply of firewood and toilet. These facilities are also useful local points of reference along the paddling route.

Discover more destinations: Hestra, Smålandsstenar, Bosebo, Anderstorp, Burseryd, Broaryd, Gislaved, Reftele.

Back to the main travel overview: Gislaved.