Must-see attractions in Småland

Opened in 1965, Scandinavia’s largest zoo attracts some 750,000 visitors a year who come to visit its 750-odd residents from all climates and continents…

Sweden’s most famous rune stone, the 9th-century Rökstenen, is near the church at Rök (just off the E4 on the road to Heda and Alvastra, 25km from…

No one has counted, apparently, but there are probably upwards of 35,000 objects on display at this fascinating ethnological museum housed in the former…

This 2017 museum in Mariannelund (20km west of Vimmerby) explores the history of film in Småland with a definite angle on Pippi's adventures on celluloid…

Apparently ‘the only match museum in the world’, Tändsticksmuseet, in an old match factory, deals with this practical Swedish invention. It’s quite an eye…

The Skurugata Nature Reserve, 13km northeast of Eksjö, is centred on a peculiar 800m-long fissure in the rocks. Its sides tower to 56m, yet in places the…

Visiting and permanent exhibitions cover local history and contemporary culture, but the best reason for coming here is to see the haunting fantasy works…

Kids go gaga for the massive monsters of the past in this gargantuan indoor Dino Museum about 10km west of Kalmar. While it's not quite Jurassic Park and…

Although the entry price is a little steep, Bond fans will enjoy this quirky museum of James Bond memorabilia, the product of one man's lifetime obsession…

This unique and impressive museum describes the disastrous attempt of Salomon August Andrée to reach the North Pole by balloon in 1897. It’s riveting…

The unfortunately named Puke­berg Glasbruk, just southeast of the centre of Nybro, is interesting for its historic setting (dating from 1871) which is…

Not to be confused with the Kosta Glassworks, but within its grounds, the Kosta Glascenter offers demonstrations, workshops and classes in glass blowing…

The factory's own gallery has some stunning pieces but feels at times like a front for its nearby retail outlets. You can see even more exquisite pieces…

Krusenstiernska Gården is a 19th-century middle-class home around 500m from the entrance to Kalmar Slott that seems to be delightfully stuck in a timewarp…

‘Of plain construction, humble and strong’, the church was built in response to one of St Birgitta’s visions. After its consecration in 1430, Vadstena…

Situated adjacent to the striking Väversunda kyrka, this nature reserve and lake pulls in a diverse cast of birds. The adjacent visitor centre has plenty…

The striking Kalmar Konstmuseum can be found in the park near Kalmar Slott. While it doesn't have a permanent collection, its striking galleries usually…

This stunning church is a dramatic mass of spires and buttresses that seem to point forever upwards, which seems fitting if St Petri (St Peter) is the one…

Located 15km southwest of Vadstena, just beyond the tiny hamlet of Skedet, this bizarre-looking church contains some interesting 13th-century wall…

If you're lucky, you'll be able to watch Uruguayan-born artist Carlos R Pebaqué create extraordinary vases in his one glass oven in Gullaskruv, 6km from…