Vaggeryd: Discover forests, bogs and trails

Vaggeryd brings together river landscapes and forest areas, with hiking trails, bathing spots and cultural and historical attractions. The Östermoskogen Nature Reserve borders the town of Vaggeryd and extends north along the Lagan River. When planning your trip, it is worth exploring the different options: riverside paths, routes through bog landscapes or time by a lake each offer their own experiences.

Forest, bog and open landscapes

Östermoskogen comprises old, conifer-rich mixed forest with natural features and numerous large, mature trees. Lingonberries and blueberries grow among the trees. A wide, easy-to-walk path runs alongside much of the Lagan; there are also smaller forest trails and a small car park. There are several different routes through the river and forest landscape on the outskirts of town.

The Lyngemadssjön Nature Reserve combines centuries-old forest, rocky cliffs, bogland and a cave. The habitats there provide suitable conditions for rare birds, mosses and lichens. Gärahovs storäng, a species-rich hay meadow, showcases a different type of landscape: grazing animals and mowing shape the area, whose mineral-rich bedrock consists of Vaggeryd syenite.

Store Mosse National Park extends across the municipalities of Vaggeryd, Gnosjö and Värnamo. Its more than 50 kilometres of hiking trails lead through landscapes that include grazing areas. Birds can be observed in the park’s four bird-rich areas: Stora gungflyet, Blådöpet, Horssjön and Häradsösjön. Naturum Store Mosse is located next to the national park’s main entrance and provides information about the park and its wildlife.

Hiking trails with nature and cultural heritage

In Store Mosse National Park, the Wibecksleden and Svargölsleden trails are fully accessible; Naturum is also accessible. For longer hikes, the Höglandsleden forms part of the Smålandsleden and runs through Vaggeryd Municipality, from Gnosjö Municipality in the west to Sävsjö Municipality in the east.

The 18-kilometre Fågelforsleden is a nature and cultural heritage trail along the Lagan between Skillingaryd and Vaggeryd. Information boards along the trail explain the area’s history.

The Munkaleden trail also connects nature and history: it passes through historic landscapes between the former medieval convent in Byarum and the monastery in Nydala. At junctions, blue markers and arrows bearing an abbot’s seal point the way. Information boards describe nature and historic sites; meditation boards are provided at rest areas. The route is therefore ideal for travellers who would also like to discover historical connections while hiking.

Swimming spots, cycling routes and fishing

The municipality has public swimming spots at Hjortsjön, Linnesjön, Långasjön, Rasjön, Sandsjön and Rolstorpasjön. Hjortsjön swimming spot lies on the outskirts of Vaggeryd and has a small sandy beach, a bathing jetty, a playground, a grassy area and barbecue facilities. You can plan specifically to use these facilities at a single swimming spot.

The municipality offers cycling routes ranging from 4.7 to 25 kilometres. They pass through small forest villages, along fences and stone walls, and by lakes. Mountain biking trails are available at Bäckalyckan in Vaggeryd. The different route lengths and landscapes give you practical options for planning time outdoors on a bike.

Fishing is also possible in lakes and waterways of various sizes; fish populations are described as diverse and healthy. A fishing licence is required to fish in the municipality’s lakes. Keep this requirement in mind when planning a fishing trip.

Local history and special experiences

Miliseum is a military history centre about the lives of conscripted soldiers and their families, as well as the work of the engineering corps. The area around Miliseum includes carefully preserved buildings that are now listed state buildings, and Lillemo, a 19th-century soldier’s cottage setting. At Byarums Hembygdsgård, visitors can see historic buildings and objects. Seasonal visitor offerings include homemade cakes, open sandwiches, ostkaka and waffles. A handicrafts shop on the grounds sells locally made crafts; its selection may vary by season. Check opening dates before your visit.

Waggeryds Museiförening accepts bookings for guided tours for schools, groups, individuals and other visitors. The tours include exhibitions on the local history of Vaggeryd and Götafors. Confirm your booking and access to the exhibitions in advance. If you would like to include golf or wellness in your trip, Hooks Herrgård has two 18-hole golf courses, Parkbanan and Skogsbanan, as well as a 1,300-square-metre spa with swimming facilities, hot and cold springs, and a sauna area.

Discover more destinations: Hok, Skillingaryd, Vaggeryd, Månsarp, Hok, Gnosjö, Nässjö, Eksjö.

Return to the main travel overview: Jönköping.