Gislavedsleden Trail

Hike and Experience the Wilderness

The Gislavedsleden trail, stretching approximately 100 km, takes you through the heart of the Småland landscape – enchanted forests, small woodland lakes, red cottages with white trim, and open grazing fields. The trail runs from Isaberg in the north to Fegen in the south, passing through two nature reserves and several fascinating cultural environments.

Gislavedsleden is part of the larger Smålandsleden trail system, offering long-distance hiking opportunities for those who want to explore even further. In the south, the trail connects to Hallandsleden, and in the north to Höglandsleden via Järnbärarleden.

If you want to experience true wilderness life and sleep outdoors, there are seven campsites with shelters and fireplaces along the trail. You can choose to hike the entire route, which takes around 4–6 days, or walk shorter sections. In the stage overview below, you can see the distances between the different campsites.

Isaberg – Hägnalian 14 km

This stage begins at Isaberg, a granite hill rising 309 metres above sea level. From the summit, the reserve offers panoramic views across the landscape. The northern part of the stage is dominated by magical coniferous forest, while the southern part passes through the traditional Småland countryside. Along the way, you pass the small villages of Stenhestra, Dämbo, and Slätterryd.

The stage ends at the Hägnalian campsite, where you will find a shelter, fireplace, firewood shed, and dry toilet.

Hägnalian – Leabo Sand 29 km

This is the longest – and perhaps most beautiful – stage of the trail. Through the central and southern sections, you hike through a lake system surrounded by enchanting forest landscapes. Along the route, you pass Skrivaregårdssjön, Våthultsån, Majsjön, Gällesjön, Assbrunnen, Harsjön, and Sävsjön.

The stage ends at the Leabo Sand campsite, equipped with a shelter, fireplace, firewood shed, and dry toilet.

Leabo Sand – Boberg 14 km

The first part of this stage passes through a lake-rich landscape with many scenic views. After Föresjön, the forest becomes denser. At Knavrabo, Gislavedsleden connects to Knavraboleden, a 3 km nature trail featuring a viewpoint, rest cabin, and old mill ruins.

The stage ends at the Boberg campsite in the northern part of the Fegen Nature Reserve, often referred to as Sweden’s southernmost wilderness. Facilities include a shelter, fireplace, firewood shed, and dry toilet.

Boberg – Grävlingabackarna 15 km

During this stage, you hike through the Fegen Nature Reserve, which includes both Lake Fegen and its surrounding forests. Dense coniferous forest surrounds the lake, but in some places along the trail you will also encounter beautiful beech forests, especially stunning in early summer.

We recommend a stop in Sandvik, a charming hidden gem on the eastern shore of Lake Fegen.

The stage ends at the Grävlingabacka campsite. In Stora Hålsgryte, there is an unmarked 5 km gravel road leading to the village of Burseryd, where you will find a bus stop if you wish to start or end your hike there.

Grävlingabackarna – Fegen 12 km

This stage continues through the Fegen Nature Reserve. Along the way, you pass several small villages with beautiful views of Lake Fegen.

In Finnanäs, we recommend a detour to the scenic Finnanäs Ridge – a glacial esker stretching approximately 1 km into Lake Fegen.

The stage ends in the village of Fegen, where you will find a bus station, canoe rental, and hostel accommodation.

Hike Between Charming Accommodations

Hiking between accommodations is a comfortable way to experience nature without carrying camping equipment. Along Gislavedsleden, you will find several personal and charming places to stay for those who prefer to sleep indoors.

Accommodation Along Gislavedsleden