What to See and Do in Småland

A visit to a moose park can be an exciting and unique thing to do in Småland, which is home to a healthy population of moose in its dark forests. There are a number of moose parks where you can get up close to these gracious animals and even feed them.

From Markaryd in the south to Nässjö in the north, there are plenty of moose parks scattered all throughout the region. Drive through the park in your rental car or sign up to a guided tour in one of the parks' own safari vehicles. Some parks have moose which are tame enough that you can actually pet them and feed them. Make the excursion into a whole-day affair – several of the parks have playgrounds and cafés as well as spots to barbecue.

Astrid Lindgren's World is the home of all things Astrid Lindgren, the beloved children's author whose books have touched hearts not just in Sweden but all across the world. The park is located in the city of Vimmerby in the northern part of the Småland region. If you don't want to travel by car, you can get a direct bus from the nearby town of Nässjö, which is in turn well-connected to cities like Linköping and Norrköping.

Meet Pippi Longstocking and many other Lindgren characters who you may remember from your own childhood and introduce your children to their nostalgic charm. Let your kids play to their hearts' content at the Mattisskogen Playground and Woodlands or sit back and enjoy a play in English straight from the pages of Astrid Lindgren's storybooks.

A hike in the forests can be just the thing to do in Småland, a region best known for its enchanting forests. Don't miss the chance to explore them along one of the region's many excellent hiking trails.

There are plenty of options to choose between no matter what part of the region you decide to explore. For example, why not plan a multi-day hiking and camping trip along the incredible, 55-mile-long Smålandsleden Trail? Or if that sounds a bit much, opt instead for a more relaxing afternoon walk along part of the Vildmarksleden Trail. Another option is to give your hike a spiritual twist by choosing one of the many pilgrim routes that wind their way through Småland. For example, set off on the Munkaleden Trail which brings you through woodlands on your way to the medieval ruins of an old monastery.

The Isaberg Mountain Resort is a Mecca for mountain-bikers with trails winding down wooded hills or going along paved and gravel paths. The resort is located 37 miles to the south of Jönköping. Buses stop just over half a mile away from the reception desk and bikes are available to rent if haven't got your own with you. Save up your energy by taking the lift to the top and cycling down.

Hone your skills at the resort's obstacle courses or put your balance to the test on the slackline. Take the kids on a gentler ride along the Lilla Sjöleden Trail or train your endurance on the hilly terrain along the Bäckhultsleden and Hestraleden Trails. You can even sign yourself up to an MTB course while at Isaberg Mountain Resort in order to really boost your skills under the instruction of an expert.

The Västervik Archipelago is home to thousands of endearing little islands and skerries as well as many charming B&Bs where you can moor or rent a boat and go exploring. The archipelago is a part of the larger Tjust Archipelago and is located in the north-eastern part of Småland, just over 37 miles to the north of Oskarshamn. It can be reached by direct bus from Oskarshamn or by train from Linköping.

One of the most popular spots in the archipelago is the island of Hasselö where you'll find local farm and grocery shops, quaint restaurants and places where you can hire a bike to go exploring. And be sure not to miss the gorgeous bathing spots at Stora Askö or the charming little wooden chapel on the skerry of Väderskär.

Little Rock Lake Zipline offers you the chance to soar through the treetops at an impressive speed, safely strapped in and attached to a sturdy zip wire. The zipline park is located just over 24 miles to the north of Växjö, in central Småland.

Because of its secluded location in the heart of the region's forests, arriving by public transport can be tricky and most visitors choose to go by car. Little Rock Zipline offers everything from family-friendly experiences at heights of up to 15 metres and speeds of up to 30 mph through to more high-octane thrills where you travel at 46 mph, 52 metres off the ground.

At Ramoa Adventure Village, your very accommodation will become part of the adventure. The activity centre and adventure park is located in the village of Ramkvilla in the very heart of Småland, just 30 miles north of the regional capital, Växjö. You'll need a rental car in order to make your way here.

Rent private accommodation on an island all to yourself in the middle of the gorgeous Örken Lake. Paddle out to your accommodation and settle in for a tranquil evening with some unbeatable views. You can even get breakfast delivered by speedboat the next morning for an extra fee.

The Sydostleden Bike Trail covers around 185 miles of varied landscape including open fields, deep woodlands and gorgeous coastlines. The route stretches from the town of Växjö in Småland and goes through Blekinge on its way to the seaside gem of Simrishamn, in the magnificently beautiful Österlen region.

You naturally don't need to cycle the whole 185 miles if you don't want to. The trail is divided into 7 stages which vary in difficulty from very easy to moderate, making it simple for you to tailor your experience. Plan a day trip with a picnic, pack your tent and make a weekend out of it or book a five-night package trip with accommodation and meals provided along the way.