Lessebo: Handmade Paper and Industrial Heritage

Lessebo Handpappersbruk is more than 300 years old and still operates commercially. Its history began in 1719, when it received the rights to make paper. Today, the paper mill is housed in a stone building dating from 1897. Production follows traditional methods: Hollander beaters, vats and moulds are used, and each sheet is formed by hand.

Handmade Paper and Preserved Industrial Heritage

Lessebo Handpappersbruk offers guided tours. There is also a shop selling handmade paper. If you plan to take a tour or visit the shop, check visiting arrangements in advance. The history of paper can also be found in Lessebo kyrka: it contains a work of art by Susanna Arwin, made from handmade linen paper produced at Lessebo Handpappersbruk.

Lessebo has largely preserved industrial and residential areas and is among the most valuable historic industrial environments in Kronoberg County. Smedraden comprises purpose-built workers’ houses from the early 19th century, intended for the ironworks’ blacksmiths. Djurhult, meanwhile, is one of the few unchanged residential areas from the early 20th century. Together, the different districts tell the story of ways of working and living in different periods.

The Kulturstig Trail and Traces in the Landscape

The Lessebo Kulturstig trail runs along Lake Läen, is just over six kilometres long and takes about two hours to walk. It is close to the centre of Lessebo. White rings painted on the trees mark the route; 25 information boards describe events from the past. Parking is available at the power station, at Ekebacken or near Nyäng in the direction of Toragöl.

The history of the landscape is also part of the trail: iron ore was mined by Lake Läen to make tools, and the Kulturstig trail bears witness to these activities. It also passes through areas where people settled as early as the Neolithic period. The walk thus combines information about local history with traces of earlier settlements and work in the landscape.

Those planning to spend time by the water will find the Hägnaviken bathing area on Lake Läen, right next to Ekebacken. It has a barbecue area and a wind shelter; the bathing area is within cycling distance of central Lessebo. Lessebo bathing area has a bathing jetty, toilets and changing facilities.

Church, Art and Getting Around

Construction of Lessebo kyrka began in 1958, and it was inaugurated in 1960. Its north wall features a stained-glass window designed by Erik Höglund of Boda. Ceiling paintings dating from 1936 in Kulturhuset 51:an depict scenes from Lessebo’s former industries and pastimes. Lessebo Municipality is also part of Glasriket.

The Kust-till-kust railway between Gothenburg and Kalmar stops at Lessebo station. Take the timetable into account when planning your trip. Lessebo Handpappersbruk is on Route 25 between Växjö and Kalmar. This gives you specific themes to plan around for a stay focused on the history of paper and industry; if you would like to spend more time outdoors, you can include the Kulturstig trail and the bathing areas.

Lessebo Tourist Information is located in the contact centre at the municipal building. Naturkartan provides maps, directions and historical information for places to visit in Lessebo Municipality. Discover more destinations: Hovmantorp, Lessebo, Skruv, Kosta, Alvesta, Ljungby, Markaryd, Hamneda.

For the regional travel overview: Kronoberg.