nostalgia trip

from Visit Vättern 2023

THE GOLDEN TOWN OF KARLSBORG

4. fiket in gränna

At Fiket in Gränna, you can step straight into the 50s, enjoy a coffee and watch the crowds on the street outside. After visiting Gränna and Visingsö we continue along the old national road, which is today a tourist route, toward the town of Ödeshög. There are several pleasant stops along the way in the fantastic countryside of the Vättern Scarp. Girabäcken Nature Reserve is one of them. Or enjoy spectacular views from Kleven Café.

1. HUSQVARNA MUSEUM

Our nostalgic tour of the 50s and 60s starts at Husqvarna Museum. The museum, which is open all year round, is also the starting point for the annual Husqvarna Rally, with hundreds of enthusiasts on two wheels travelling around the area. This year's rally will take place on the 3rd of June. Every Wednesday during the summer, cars and bikes meet in Huskvarna Folkets Park. People with a passion for classic vehicles of many different models and periods meet to socialise and admire other vehicles.

5. 56:ans Bar in Ödeshög

In the centre of Ödeshög you will find 56:ans Bar. Listen to the jukebox, eat a classic burger and experience a true 1950s environment. For almost 20 years, Husqvarna-branded motorcycles were produced here in Ödeshög.

2. the moped museum in björkenäs

In the spring of 1962, National Road 1 was re-labelled to the E4. We choose to follow the old route of National Road 1, which was the main road between Helsingborg and Stockholm between 1945 and 1962. It takes us past Vista Kulle, Kaxholmen and Skärstad. At Ölmstad we turn off toward the beautiful lakeside village of Bunn. This is where John Bauer was inspired to paint and where the Bauergården now serves good food. The next stop is the Moped Museum in Björkenäs. This year, the museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

3. the nostalgia museum on visingsö

On the way to Visingsö you pass Sweden's oldest country hotel, Gyllene Uttern, the Golden Otter, which was built in the 1930s. The hotel was featured in Ingmar Bergman's 1957 film Wild Strawberries. Book the ferry across to Visingsö and experience the Nostalgia Museum, a great place for those who dream about being back in simpler times. The exhibition includes a home and a café, together with a BP petrol station from the 1950s.

6. Sunday meets in Väderstad

If you're out on a Sunday, take a trip to Väderstad and their Sunday meets, where car enthusiasts gather during the summer. On the way to Väderstad, don't miss a stop at the famous Rök Runestone or a visit to Naturum Tåkern nature centre. Väderstad offers cute shops and Väderstad Centralkonditori is mentioned in the White Guide.

7. Nostalgia meet-ups in Vadstena

For over 20 years, Slottsgården in Vadstena has arranged nostalgia meet-ups on Wednesdays. Shiny cars and live music make a perfect pairing, and the meet-ups are always very popular in the summer. Don't miss a visit to the newly opened Café Nostalgi on Rådhustorget. In Vadstena you can cycle a draisine and experience what it was like to take a train in the mid-20th century. Sweden's oldest preserved narrow track takes you across the beautiful Östgöta plain.

8. The Motor Museum in Motala and Hotel Nostalgi

At Motala harbour, you will find the Motor Museum, which is open all year round. Cars and motorbikes from all periods are on display in the exhibitions, which makes for a real nostalgia trip for the whole family. Hotel Nostalgi is next door to the museum. Swedes of a certain age will remember the call “Stockholm-Motala!” which came from the transmission station in Motala. A visit to the Swedish Rundradiomusum immerses you in the history of radio.

9. Stop off in Askersund

The annual antique market in Askersund harbour attracts 10,000 enthusiasts and is a popular festival for those who like old things and curios. Here you can browse amongst antiques and other items from around 170 exhibitors. The market is organised by Askersund Auction House and held in August. The harbour is also a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by.

10. rockabilly-musical in forsvik

In July-August you can experience a colourful rockabilly show at Forsvik Bruksteater. The musical ‘KLING – A life in ice cream’ offers great flavours, comedy, dance, acrobatics, and above all, swinging music inspired by the rock’n’roll-era. This flavourful entertainment tells the story of Sweden's first great ice cream-maker, Harry Kling. And don't miss a visit to Forsvik Bruksmuseum or the highest locks on the Göta Canal.

12. Brandstorps lanthandel & café

The shop and café in Brandstorp is another stop on our nostalgia trip. A classic country shop with lots of local products and a café decorated in the best retro style.

11. Nostalgia meet-ups in Tidaholm

In Tidaholm, there’s enormous interest in classic cars amongst both young and old. Classic American car culture is alive and well here, and has passed on to youngsters driving licence-free cars. The Swedish band Eddie Meduza started here in the 60s. Just one of many bands drifting from the stereo of a Chevrolet Impala parked at the hot dog kiosk. And don't miss out on the Tidaholm Museum, exploring Tidaholm Bruk's production of fire trucks, buses and lorries.

Welcome

Knalla Gruva

For thousands of years, metals have been extracted from around Åmmeberg and Zinkgruvan. Today, the mining museum explores mining history, with a fire truck, geology room and laboratory. Furthermore, if you’re interested in a ride, you can also take a trip on the mining train For runners, the mining company Zinkgruvan Mining also organises Run of Mine, a unique race where part of it is run underground. The competition is held in mid-September. On the other hand, if you want to experience something completely different, Mårsätter Nature Reserve is just a stone's throw away. The area offers beautiful and interesting flora and fauna in hilly terrain.

Our nature

You’ll find a wide range of beautiful natural landscapes in and around Askersund. During the summer, Fagertärn is a jewel best known for its beautiful red water lilies. Tiveden offers Sweden's southernmost wilderness and is perfect for visiting all year round. Dovrasjödalen is an area of wilderness with narrow lakes lying in a deep valley, and makes an excellent destination with varying lengths of hiking trail. Some restaurants and cafés in Askersund also offer pre-packed lunches at an affordable price, perfect for taking on your hike.

The town centre

For the shopaholic among you, Askersund is a real gem. Here you will find cafés, restaurants and food stalls together with unique shops selling everything from liquorice to toys. Even outside the town centre, whether it's Hammar in the south or Asbro in the north, there are farm shops and outlets offering great shopping all year round! We look forward to seeing you here!

Kulturhuset Sjöängen

Located in the centre of Askersund, Sjöängen is an award-winning culture centre. For those who want to experience art and culture it’s an opportunity you sholdn't miss, with concerts, shows and exhibitions all year round. Artists such as Tommy Körberg and Jonas Gardell have performed here, and the library has also been called “Sweden's most beautiful”. It’s well worth a visit, not least during spring and autumn when the weather can be changeable.

Check out the full programme here: