Uppvidinge: Nature, Hiking Trails and Cultural History

Uppvidinge combines extensive woodland with traces of a long cultural and industrial history. The municipality has 20 nature reserves, reflecting both the old cultural landscape and the unspoiled wilderness of the forest areas. When planning your trip, you can choose nature destinations, hiking routes and historic sites based on the themes that interest you most.

Hiking Trails and Cycling Routes

Several routes of varying lengths and landscapes are available for hiking. The Höneströmsleden is about 15 kilometres long, follows the Alsterån and passes the Kärngölsområdet nature reserve. The Vildmarksleden is 37 kilometres in total. Check the route information before setting out. The Framtidsleden is a 38-kilometre hiking and cycling route in the southwest of the municipality, around Alstermo, Målerås and Älghult. It passes through historic glassmaking areas.

The cycling route between Klavreström and Åseda can also be included in an active trip plan: it is 16 kilometres long and forms part of the former narrow-gauge railway line between Växjö and Västervik. In Åseda, Smalspåret offers railbike rides; heritage trains run between Virserum and Åseda. When planning, check the respective operating dates to make sure your chosen activity fits your travel dates.

Enjoy Nature and Get Active Outdoors

The Uppvidinge Bird Protection Association maintains three observation sites. The Hemsjön/Varsjön birdwatching site has a viewing platform suitable for people with limited mobility. The bird tower in Svartshult also offers a viewing point. This lets you make nature observation a focus of your trip.

If you would like to add other activities to your days, there are several options: Little Rock Lake offers canoe trips on lakes and has more than 4.5 kilometres of ziplines through the forest. Strömfiske Alsterån covers an approximately 15-kilometre stretch of the river; in summer, access may depend on water temperature and water levels. Uppvidinge also has seven municipal bathing areas. In Åseda, there is an indoor swimming pool at Hälsans hus. Uppvidinge Golfklubb has a nine-hole course in Klavreström, east of Änghultasjön.

Churches, Glass and Industrial History

Granhults kyrka is Sweden’s oldest fully preserved wooden church and was built in the 1220s. Its interior retains wall and ceiling paintings from the 1750s. Lenhovda tingshus dates from the 1770s and is a listed building protected by the state. Guided tours are available there by arrangement, so coordinate your visit in advance.

In Sävsjöström, a two-kilometre trail runs through the old industrial area, focusing on the town’s industrial history. The museum on the history of Klafreströms Bruk covers the development of the ironworks from 1736 to 1972. The history of rural buildings is also part of the municipality’s heritage: Uppvidinge has around a hundred well-preserved loft barns. If you are interested in crafts and regional culture, you can combine these themes with the historic sites on your trip.

The Uppvidinge Biodlarmuseum presents the history of beekeeping from the 16th century to the present day. Check the current arrangements for visits before you arrive. At Målerås Glasbruk, Målerås Bistro is a lunch restaurant; panoramic windows offer a view of the glassworks. As opening information may change seasonally, check it before your visit.

Uppvidinge in Glasriket

Uppvidinge is one of the four municipalities in the wider Glasriket region, where glassmaking culture and nature experiences come together. This fits with the range of themes you will find in Uppvidinge: walks through forest and river landscapes sit alongside traces of glassmaking, church and industrial history. Naturkartan provides information, maps, route descriptions and history for various excursion destinations in Uppvidinge. If you are looking for a hotel, you can base your choice on the destinations that matter most for your trip and plan individual activities to suit your interests.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Fröseke, Klavreström, Lenhovda, Åseda, Älghult, Sävsjöström, Norrhult, Alstermo, Möcklehult.

Back to the main travel overview: Kronoberg.