Summer in Småland is something truly special. The light, the scents, the tranquility – it all comes together to create a feeling of timelessness and genuine Swedish countryside. Here with us in Urshult, beautifully situated on the southern shore of Lake Åsnen, you have the perfect base for discovering the very best Småland has to offer. I’d love to share some of the experiences that are close to my heart and which I believe make a summer here unforgettable. It’s everything from peaceful nature encounters to flavourful adventures and fascinating cultural history.
Embrace nature around Lake Åsnen
Urshult’s location by Lake Åsnen is no coincidence. This vast lake, now proudly featuring its own national park, is the very heart of our region. Åsnen National Park offers a unique archipelago-like environment with hundreds of islands, lush deciduous forests, and rich birdlife – a truly special landscape. Gliding along in a canoe or kayak on an early summer morning as the mist lifts from the water is an almost magical experience. For the patient observer, the chances of spotting osprey and white-tailed eagles are high. If you prefer solid ground beneath your feet, there are plenty of hiking trails winding through the national park and surrounding nature reserves. Here you can truly feel the calm and disconnect from everyday stress. Don’t forget to pack a ‘fika’ basket – there are countless beautiful spots to pause and enjoy.
Hiking and panoramic views
Beyond the national park, the Småland landscape invites exploration. For those seeking a breathtaking view, I recommend a trip to the Nykulla observation tower nearby. Standing 25 meters tall, it offers a sweeping panorama of the Småland countryside. On a clear day, it is said you can spot as many as ten church towers on the horizon! Exploring the various trails by foot is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the Småland nature.
Flavours of Småland from apples to local delicacies
Urshult is widely known as ‘Äppelriket’ – the Kingdom of Apples – and rightly so. Our region’s mild climate and stony, rolling landscape have proven perfect for fruit cultivation, a tradition stretching back hundreds of years. The first known orchards with apple and pear trees were planted here as early as the 1630s, and knowledge of grafting gradually spread.
Äppelriket the Kingdom of Apples
What makes this area particularly unique are the traditional ‘ängsfruktodlingar’ – meadow orchards. Here, apple trees, often older local varieties grafted onto hardy wild apple rootstocks, grow directly in hay meadows, combining fruit growing with producing winter fodder for animals. Cycling through this undulating landscape in late summer, when the air is filled with the scent of ripe apples, is an experience for all senses. You can explore routes like the cycle tour in Äppelriket, passing old stone walls and fruit-laden trees. Be sure to stop at local producers like Klasamåla Gårdsmusteri, where you can taste and buy authentic Småland apple cider (‘äppelmust’). Check their Facebook page for current opening hours, as these can vary. For a ‘fika’ break along the way, I warmly recommend Amy’s Café on the island of Sirkön, known for its homemade treats and the classic Småland cheesecake (‘ostkaka’) – a creamy, delightful regional specialty, often served with jam and cream. They often open for the season around Easter, and also have a handy self-service farm shop.
Beyond apples Småland’s culinary treasures
However, Småland offers more than just apples. The region’s food culture is rich and varied. Do try ‘isterband’, a slightly tangy, coarse Småland sausage, often served with dill-creamed potatoes – a true classic comfort food. And don’t forget the lingonberries, the forest’s red gold, frequently served as a condiment to many dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, a trip to Gränna to see how ‘polkagrisar’ (peppermint rock candy) are made is almost a must when in Småland, though it’s a bit of a drive from Urshult. For a more refined dining experience, there are award-winning restaurants like PM & Vänner in Växjö, focusing on local ingredients from forest, lake, and meadow. But perhaps the best meal is one enjoyed outdoors. You might even explore the concept of ‘The Edible Country’ – an initiative where you can book beautifully situated outdoor tables across Sweden and cook a gourmet meal yourself using local ingredients, often foraged from the surrounding nature, guided by provided recipes. It’s a unique way to connect with the landscape through flavour.
Adventures and culture for everyone
Besides cycling and hiking, there are plenty of other activities to fill your summer days. Why not try an adventure at Korrö Hantverksby? This charming craft village, beautifully situated on an island in the Ronnebyån river, is a historical gem right here near Urshult. You can paddle a canoe along the river, hike in the nearby nature reserves, or simply soak up the idyllic atmosphere. Korrö also offers a lovely wilderness spa with hot tubs and saunas, perfect for relaxing after an active day. Their restaurant serves well-prepared food with local ingredients, and in the summer, the outdoor seating overlooking the river is unbeatable. They often offer summer packages combining accommodation, food, and activities.
Active days and thrilling experiences
For those seeking more adrenaline, Little Rock Lake Zipline isn’t too far away. Here you can soar through the treetops on Europe’s longest zipline course – a guaranteed thrilling experience for the brave! For families, there’s also much to discover in wider Småland, although it might require a car journey. Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby, bringing beloved storybook characters to life, and the Wild West theme park High Chaparral are popular day trips.
Historical gems and unique excursions
Småland isn’t just beautiful nature; it’s also a region rich in history and culture. Near Urshult, there are several fascinating places to visit. Granhult Church, just a short drive away, is Sweden’s oldest preserved timber building dating back to the 13th century. Its beautiful paintings and preserved interior offer a captivating glimpse into the Middle Ages and are well worth a visit for anyone interested in history. Another, much more unusual, attraction is the Car Graveyard Kyrkö Mosse in Ryd. Here, nature is slowly reclaiming about a hundred car wrecks from the mid-20th century, creating a peculiar and almost haunting atmosphere. It’s a thought-provoking place that certainly makes for unique holiday photos and tells a different kind of local history. And don’t forget to explore the old meadow orchards themselves, like Ellenäs and Kurrebo (look for designation E99), which tell stories of generations of cultivation and love for this region.
Planning your Småland summer getaway
Småland enjoys a pleasant summer climate, often with many hours of sunshine, especially here by Lake Åsnen. In fact, according to Swedish climate data, the eastern parts of Småland are among the warmest areas in Sweden in July, and the region even holds the national heat record for June (an impressive 38.0°C recorded in Målilla)! This creates optimal conditions for a successful summer holiday. To easily get around and discover all the hidden gems, I recommend a car, but as mentioned, cycling is a fantastic way to experience the immediate area around Urshult. Many local businesses and attractions, like cafés, farm shops, and smaller museums, have varying opening hours depending on the season, so it’s always wise to double-check their websites or social media before visiting, especially outside the main July-August period. During the peak summer months, I also highly recommend booking popular activities (like the Zipline or Korrö packages) and accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment. The official tourism organisation, Visit Sweden’s Småland section, often has good compiled information and tips for planning your trip in detail.
Where the heart of Småland beats warmest
Spending summer in Småland, and especially here in Urshult, means giving yourself the chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature and authenticity. It’s about the small moments – the taste of a sun-ripened apple straight from the tree, the sound of waves lapping against the canoe, the silence of the forest. These are experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, culture, or good food, I dare say you’ll find it here. I hope these lines have given you inspiration and a taste of what awaits. Welcome to create your own unforgettable summer memories here in the heart of Småland!
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