Discover Åsnen National Park - a Småland wilderness adventure near Smålandstorpet
Entering Åsnen National Park is like opening a door to another world. Here you'll find tranquillity, birdsong and a landscape shaped by nature itself over centuries. Just a short drive from Smålandstorpet, you'll be greeted by one of Sweden's most captivating national parks - a place that attracts nature lovers, hikers and bon vivants from all over Europe. For those who want to combine comfort and proximity to the wilderness, Smålandstorpet is an ideal base for your adventure in Åsnen.
Read more about Åsnen National Park here.
A national park with a thousand islands - what makes Åsnen so unique?
Åsnen National Park is Sweden's 30th national park and was opened in 2018. Located in southern Småland - on the border between Tingsryd, Alvesta and Växjö municipalities - it extends over 1873 hectares. What makes Åsnen so unique is that 75% of the park consists of water. Lake Åsnen with its over 1000 islands form a glittering inland archipelago, a mosaic landscape of islets, bays, deciduous forests and marshes.
Here, northern and southern meet - a biological crossroads where the coniferous forests of the taiga coexist with hardwood forests such as beech and oak. If you are looking for silence, wilderness and genuine nature experiences, this is a place to long for.
Two entrances - many experiences
There are two main entrances to the national park: Sunnabron in the north and Trollberget in the west. Both are well equipped with parking, information boards, toilets, picnic areas and fireplaces - and offer hiking trails for different needs and interests.
Sunnabron - the gateway to beech forest and tranquility
Sunnabron leads you into the north-eastern part of the national park, with direct access to the valuable deciduous forest at Bjurkärr. Here, paths stretch through lush beech groves where the sun filters through the treetops. It's a place where you can really feel the changing seasons. In spring, the ground explodes in green, in summer the beech trees form a cool canopy, and in fall the forest sparkles in every imaginable shade of gold, orange and red.
In Bjurkärr there are several accessible trails, for example the 1.7 kilometer long boxing loop, perfect for those who want to experience the forest in a comfortable way. For the more adventurous there is also The beach loop (2.6 km), where you hike along rocky, narrow paths with views of Åsnen.
Trollberget - fairy tales and forest walk
Trollberget is sometimes called "the donkey in miniature" because it contains so many different types of nature in a small area. Here you will find marshes, pine forests, beach environments and deciduous trees. But the area is best known for the Trollberget gorge - a deep crevice in the mountain where legends tell that trolls celebrated Christmas. It's easy to see why the place has captured the imagination of generations. There are short trails for children and beginners, such as Troll's Tail (0.3 km), but also longer trails like the Forest Trail (2.2 km).
Hike, bike or paddle - experience Åsnen at your own pace
One of the great advantages of Åsnen National Park is that you can experience it in so many ways - on foot, by bike or by kayak.
Hiking for all levels
The national park has a well-developed network of trails. Choose between short walks in easy terrain or more demanding trails in hilly woodland. The trails are color-coded and vary in length from 0.3 to 2.6 kilometers - but they can also be combined for longer day hikes. There are rest stops and viewpoints along the way, and many trails are accessible.
Cycling through silence
Do you want to experience the area at a leisurely, rolling pace? Then the cycle paths around Åsnen are an excellent option. Banvallsleden and Åsnen Rundt pass through the national park, and large parts are car-free. You cycle along old railway embankments and pass small station communities, beech forests and water views. At Trollberget there are bike racks so you can easily combine cycling with hiking.
Paddling among islands and bays
Kayaking or canoeing is perhaps the most magical way to experience Åsnen. Gliding silently over the water, between islands and bays, gives a feeling of really being part of nature. You can hear the call of the common guillemot, and maybe you'll spot an osprey on the hunt. Remember to be considerate - many islands are protected during the breeding season from April 1 to July 31.
World-class birdlife
Åsnen National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Ospreys, guillemots, grebes and white-tailed eagles nest here. In late autumn, you can see thousands of curlews gathering in the bays. Lesser flycatchers, green warblers and bees also thrive in the deciduous forest. At dusk, you can hear the melancholy song of the common guillemot echoing across the lake - an unforgettable experience.
It is important to respect the protection zones during the breeding season. Maps of no-entry zones and protected areas are available for purchase in the area.
Treasures from the forest - flora, fauna and decaying magic
The richness of nature in Åsnen is not only visible in the magnificent landscape. In the old beech forest in Bjurkärr, rare lichens, mosses and fungi grow - including the Småland landscape fungus coral tag funguswhich thrives in decaying wood. You can also see old "Carolinian oaks", planted in the 18th century, and even older oaks with a circumference of over four meters.
The deep forests are also home to lynx, elk and otter - shy but present. Traces of their presence are everywhere, for those who know what to look for.
Rest areas and barbecues - how to take a break in nature
Åsnen National Park is well equipped with rest areas. At both entrances there are jetties, fireplaces (firewood is usually available), toilets and seating. It is also possible to bring a picnic or coffee and sit down by the water.
Don't forget that the right of public access is limited within the national park. Fires may only be lit in designated areas, and you may only camp for one night - and only at the special campsite at Trollberget.
When should you visit Åsnen?
The donkey is equally beautiful all year round - but each season offers its own magic.
- Spring : The beech forest explodes in green.: The beech forest explodes in green, and birdsong fills the forest.
- Summer : Hike under the cool of the trees.: Hike under the coolness of the foliage, paddle on mirror-like waters.
- Autumn : mushrooms, fiery colors: Mushrooms, fiery colors and the farewell of the guillemot.
- Winter : When the ice sets in: When the ice settles, walk along the shoreline and watch the eagles circle over the landscape.
Live comfortably - and close to nature
If you want to explore Åsnen National Park over several days, Smålandstorpet is a perfect place to start. Here you will stay in beautifully renovated crofts close to both forest and lake - and only a short drive from the park entrances. After a day in nature, you can relax in the sauna, cook in the fully equipped kitchen or just sit down with a book on the veranda.
Unlike the limited accommodation options in the national park itself, Smålandstorpet offers peace, comfort and all the amenities you need for a longer stay - without losing the feeling of being in the middle of Småland's nature.
Tips before you go
- Bring your binoculars and camera - there's plenty to discover.
- Pack light, but practical - comfortable shoes and clothes for the weather.
- Follow the rules of the national park - for your sake and for the sake of nature.
- Get a map of the Åsnen area - especially if you are going canoeing.
A day trip to Åsnen National Park - directly from Smålandstorpet
For those staying at Smålandstorpet, it is easy to make a day trip to Åsnen National Park. By car, it takes just over an hour and a half to drive the approximately 11 miles to one of the national park's two main entrances - Sunnabron or Trollberget. The way there is part of the experience: small country roads lined with meadows, farms and forests give a taste of the authentic Småland, far from highways and noise.
Perhaps you start the day with a quiet breakfast on the croft's veranda, before packing a backpack with coffee, sandwiches, binoculars and camera - and setting off for one of Sweden's most unique nature areas. Once there, a full day of hiking, tranquillity, bird watching and the opportunity to just be awaits you - in a world where nature is allowed to be as it is.
Smålandstorpet offers an excellent combination of relaxation and accessibility. You live in a peaceful environment, but at the same time have all of southern Småland's natural gems within reach. Åsnen National Park is a perfect example of how a slightly longer day trip can provide an unforgettable memory without requiring either special equipment or strenuous planning.
Plan your day - three suggestions for a day out
Here are some inspiring suggestions on how to organize a day trip to Åsnen National Park from Smålandstorpet:
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Hike and coffee at Sunnabron and Bjurkärr
- Departure from Smålandstorpet at 8 am.
- Arrival Sunnabron about 9:30.
- Walk along the the boxing ring and Strandslingan - enjoy the view of the lake and the green of the beech forest.
- Coffee at the rest area at Famntaget - a quiet place where a beech and a pine grow close together.
- Visit information panels and learn more about the park's unique species.
- Back at Smålandstorpet in good time for sauna and dinner.
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Fairy tales of the Trollberg and the song of the stork
- Pack a picnic lunch and thermos.
- Departure towards Troll Mountain, arrival around 10:00.
- Discover the The Magic Tail and the the viewing loop, sit down for lunch at the fire pit or at the viewing bridge.
- Look for the "entrance to the troll's treasure chamber" - a popular feature for adult children too!
- Afternoon coffee at the car before returning to Smålandstorpet.
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Active day of canoeing and cycling
- Start early and rent kayak or bike in the Åsnen area (book in advance).
- Cycling part of the Banvallsleden or paddle among the islands in the western part of the park.
- Take a break at one of the uninhabited islands - but remember to respect the bird protection zones!
- Return to solid ground and end the day with an evening swim before the drive home.
Åsnen National Park all year round - day trips in all seasons
The beauty of having Åsnen as a daytime destination from Smålandstorpet is that it is equally suitable all year round:
- Spring : Watch the beech forest turn bright green: Watch the beech forest turn bright green and listen to the birds return from the south.
- Summer : Paddle in calm waters: Paddle in calm waters and take a dip off a cliff.
- Autumn: Pick mushrooms, experience the glowing colors and smell the damp earth.
- Winter : Walk along frozen beaches: Go for a walk along frozen beaches and look for sea eagles in the sky.
Smålandstorpet is open all year round and every season has its charm - just like Åsnen National Park.
Welcome to nature - and to Smålandstorpet
Åsnen National Park is not just a destination - it's an experience for all the senses. Here you'll find tranquillity, beauty and inspiration all in one. Whether you want to hike in beech forests, paddle between islands or just listen to the silence, Åsnen is a place to return to.
And at the end of the day, Smålandstorpet is waiting for you. Here you live comfortably, close to nature and personally - right in the heart of the Småland landscape.
Read more about our houses, see pictures and book your stay directly at www.smalandstorpet.se - we look forward to welcoming you!
