Join this self-guided cycling trip around Lake Vattern in the region of Smaland in southern Sweden, where you’ll travel off the beaten track and away from the crowds on hidden paths, exploring beautiful places and experiencing nature, culture and history on this week-long adventure.
The tour starts and ends in the historic town of Jonkoping on the southern shores of the lake, first heading up the west coast passing through nature reserves, charming wooden villages and picturesque towns with many castles, attractions and the Gota Canal on route. With traditional accommodation, all meals, equipment, luggage transportation and digital maps all included, this is a leisurely journey from start to finish and a wonderful opportunity to explore this relatively unknown area of Sweden.
With 6 days of cycling and up to 80 km per day, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but previous long distance cycling experience is not essential.
From £2,383 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people travelling, and includes 7 nights accommodation, all meals (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner), welcome meeting, bike, equipment rental and route descriptions, luggage transportation and full assistance.
This roughly converts to 2,836 EUR | 3,074 USD
Departures: This set package operates on specific dates, but it is possible to request other dates on an ad hoc basis. The dates are 19th June, 31st July and 04th September 2025.
The tour starts from the city of Jonkoping where you’ll spend the first night. You have the opportunity to explore the city, perhaps visit the Match Museum which offers an insightful look into the city’s industrial heritage. In the evening, you’ll meet the guide and fellow guests and enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel. You will receive all the necessary information and access to your bike. Even though there may be other riders on the trip, you’re not obliged to ride together on this self-guided adventure.
Accommodation at Elite Stora Hotel - dating back to 1860, the hotel is one of Jonkoping’s most iconic buildings and centrally located next to Lake Vattern, offering 167 spacious rooms, many with splendid views over the city and lake. Equivalent to a 4-star standard, the hotel has many facilities including different restaurants and a well equipped gym.
After a hearty breakfast, jump on the saddle and head northwest towards Hjo, beautifully situated on the western shore of Lake Vattern. You’ll cycle through the scenic Hokensas nature reserve, with many lakes and pine forests. There will be plenty of chances to stop and enjoy the surroundings and maybe take a dip in the lake to cool down. Today’s journey takes you to Hjo, the charming wooden town where you’ll spend the night.
After a rest, dinner awaits you in the hotel restaurant, with scenic views of the lake.
Today the cycling distance is less to Karlsborg, where the Gota Canal meets Lake Vattern. You’ll arrive in Karlsborg for lunch at the hotel. Then you have time to stroll around the town and the opportunity to visit Kalrsborg Fortress, a historical site from 1819. It is possible to purchase guided tours of the Fortress, but this is not included.
We recommend a visit to the harbour and watch the boats passing through the locks - a fascinating sight as the boats make their way through the Gota Canal.
Continue heading up the west coast towards Askersund, the northernmost point of Lake Vattern. On the way you’ll take a detour through Tiveden National Park, a beautiful and wild forest area where you can stop for a picnic lunch and take a short hike.
In the afternoon you’ll reach Askersund for an overnight stay and dinner in a quaint guesthouse. If you have time, the charming town has a nice harbour to explore.Accommodation at Garvaregarden Hotel - this cosy cafe and accommodation combines old fashioned Swedish style with old fashioned British with English inspired traditions throughout. The hotel offers 19 rooms in different categories, all are unique and have an old fashion style with that feeling of a bygone era. This is a very cosy and friendly place to lay your head after a day in the saddle.
Leaving Askersund you will follow the Vatternrundan cycle race route. There is some incline at the beginning, but then continues downhill towards the cycling town of Motala, famous for the start and finish of the race. Here you can stop and take a walk through the parks and visit the Gota Canal locks. After a visit to Motala, head to the historic town of Vadstena - a lovely place to take a walk in the town or visit the castle.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, where you can also purchase a SPA experience on site.
From Vadstena you’ll follow the shores of Lake Vattern towards Vattern and Omberg, a mythical mountain with incredible viewpoints. Here, you can stop for a hike and visit Ellen Key’s former home. Afterwards, continue towards Granna, famous for its candy cane factory, perhaps learning about Amalia, who started making the sweets.
Dinner will be served at the hotel by their award-winning chef. Later, don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset from the harbour, with a locally produced ice cream.Accommodation at Grenna Hotel - the charming hotel is located in the heart of central Granna with a grand and historical building and wonderful garden. The cosy and friendly atmosphere exudes a wealth of colours and patterns throughout, and with a first-class culinary experience and personal service you can be assured of a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
On the last day of cycling, enjoy a beautiful journey to Visingso, a historic island in Lake Vattern. After a short ferry ride to the island, you’ll have time to explore its rich history and beautiful nature by bike. Visingso is an Island made for cycling, with no hill in sight.
In the afternoon, you cycle back to Jonkoping via scenic roads through the countryside. On arrival, a well-deserved farewell dinner awaits, followed by a restful night’s sleep.Accommodation at Elite Stora Hotellet - see day 1.