Gränna/Visingsö

Gränna, on the south-eastern shore of Lake Vättern, is an idyllic Swedish small town with beautiful old wooden houses, well-kept gardens, a fairy-tale forest, and cobbled streets. From the harbour, ferries depart frequently for Visingsö – the gem of Lake Vättern!

Tourist information Infopoints:

• Persgården • Tempelgården • Gladhytt • Örserumsbrunn

Gestgifveri & konferens hotel • BauerGården

Destination Jönköping info@destinationjonkoping.se +46 (0)771 211 300 www.jkpg.com Event calendar:

Both Gränna and Visingsö offer beautiful views, castles, cobblestones, charming wooden houses, castle ruins, trails, and oak forests. And not least, a fascinating history. Wherever you set foot, you find yourself surrounded by history. Come and enjoy the tranquillity, nature, and atmosphere. You can also choose from a wide selection of culture, activities, and adventures.

Nature experiences

Beyond the peppermint candy shops and the cobblestone streets are fairy-tale forests and magical trails. Scenic sites worthy of exploration. The stunning nature is rich in unique plant and animal species, several of which are rare or even endangered. There are plenty of hiking trails and charming country roads for cycling, both in Gränna and on Visingsö. The area between Huskvarna and Gränna is a paradise for cyclists, with its quiet country roads and winding gravel paths. The variety of routes makes it easy to find one that suits any cyclist’s skill level and interests. If you prefer to put your hiking boots on and enjoy nature on foot, there are several trails to choose from. Hike near the idyllic summer village of Röttle, along the magical John Bauer fairytale trail, or Klevens nature trail. On Visingsö, you can opt for a somewhat different mode of transport and book the popular horse-drawn carriage known as ‘remmalag’. For more than 100 years, they have transported visitors around the beautiful island. The ride is at a leisurely pace, allowing you to enjoy the sights and smells of nature.

Start your day early with a walk along Lake Vättern, or maybe out on one of Gränna’s many lakes. Take a guided boat tour on the beautiful lakes of Bunn and Ören, or rent a canoe or kayak and glide quietly across the crystal-clear water.

Intriguing history

Whether on Visingsö or in Gränna, you will find plenty of historical landmarks. In Gränna, you can visit the Grenna Museum, which highlights polar history, including an exhibit on S.A. Andrée’s famous polar expedition. If you want a taste of what S.A. Andrée must have encountered en route to the North Pole, you can book a hot air balloon tour and discover Gränna from a whole new vantage point. Several castle ruins and towers in the county bear witness to former periods of great power. In Näs, on Visingsö’s southern point, you’ll find the ruins of Sweden's first royal castle from the 12th century. The Visingsborg Castle ruin, located at Visingsö Harbour, is another relic from the 16th and 17th centuries, when this area was control by counts.

Yet another popular remnant from the same period is Brahehus, beautifully situated at the top of northern Gränna with stunning views of the town and the water. Röttle Village, just south of Gränna, is Count Per Brahe's industrial village from the 17th century. Here you can visit the Rasmus Mill and see how they used to grind flour back in the day.

Local delicacies

The peppermint candy production started in Gränna in the 1850s by impoverished widow Amalia Erikson. Peppermint candy sticks have been produced here ever since, and every year, new, exciting flavours and shapes of this highly popular souvenir are introduced. Today, there are numerous shops in Gränna where you can watch the production process. In some shops, you can even try making your own candy canes.

But Gränna and Visingsö are so much more than just sweet peppermint candies. Several local delicacies include homemade cider, tea, crispbread and chocolate.