Questions & Answers about the Smålandsleden

Here we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Smålandsleden. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us. Send an email to smalandsleden@rjl.se and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Your question may also help others, which is why we regularly update this page.

How long is the Smålandsleden trail?

The Smålandsleden trail is one of Sweden's lowland trails and stretches through large parts of Småland.

The Smålandsleden trail is one of Sweden's major lowland trails and stretches through large parts of Småland.

It is not a continuous circular trail, but rather a collective name for many different trails that are connected in certain places. Therefore, it is not possible to specify an exact total length. On the Hiking Trails page, you can see all the trails that are part of the Smålandsleden and choose the one that suits you best.

What is meant by the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Småland Trail?

The Småland Trail stretches across the whole of Småland, Sweden's fourth largest province. To make it easier to get an overview and plan your hike, the trail is divided into the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Småland Trail.

On the map, you can easily choose which region you want to explore. On the Regions page, you will be taken directly to the respective area and then to the map.

How do I find the starting point of a trail?

Each stage has one or more places where you can start your hike. The map clearly shows where the trail entrances are located and what is available nearby, such as parking or information boards.

Many entrances also have a map and practical information, usually located directly at the trail.

How do I know I'm following the right trail?

The Smålandsleden trails are basically marked with orange paint on posts, signposts, arrows, and bands around trees. In some cases, markings may also be painted on tree trunks.

Since the Smålandsleden consists of many different hiking trails, which are managed by municipalities or other local actors, the markings may look different along different sections. Therefore, there are also markings that are not orange, such as municipal trail markings with other colors or symbols.

A hiking symbol is often used together with the text “Smålandsleden.”

In some places, you will also see the Smålandsleden logo, the twinflower, which is also the provincial flower of Småland. The basic principle is that you should always be able to see the next trail marker and feel confident that you are following the right trail, even if the appearance of the markings varies along the way.

For more information about what the trail markings along the trail look like, please visit the How do I find it section.

What kind of stages are there along the Smålandsleden trail?

The Smålandsleden trail offers stages for all types of hikers and through many different natural environments. On the map, you can filter and choose from different categories to find a hike that suits you.

On the Hiking Tips page, you will also find selected suggestions and themes that can help you get started.

Can you cycle along the Smålandsleden trail?

Smålandsleden is a hiking trail where each municipality has agreements with landowners regarding hiking. Therefore, we cannot recommend cycling on Smålandsleden.

Smålandsleden is primarily a hiking trail. The municipalities have agreements with landowners regarding hiking, so we cannot recommend cycling along the trail.

According to the right of public access, cycling is permitted on certain trails, as long as you show great consideration and do not travel in large groups or organize tours. Read more about this at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

Special rules may apply in nature reserves. Information about this is available from the county administrative boards in Jönköping, Kronoberg, and Kalmar counties.

Always show consideration. The Smålandsleden trail is primarily for hiking.

Is the Smålandsleden trail accessible?

Some parts of the Smålandsleden trail are adapted for different needs. On the map, you can filter by accessibility, for example, wheelchair-friendly sections, trails close to parking, or other adaptations.

Read more on the Accessibility page.

Which parts of the trail are suitable for walking with dogs?

Stages that do not pass through pastures are usually best suited

for hiking with dogs. During grazing season, the county administrative board advises against entering pastures with dogs, as grazing animals can become stressed or aggressive.

Some stage descriptions indicate whether there are grazing animals. Please also note that dogs must be kept on a leash between March 1 and August 20.

How far can you hike in an hour?

On lowland trails such as Smålandsleden, you can often count on about four kilometers per hour. This is the basis used when specifying hiking times for the stages.

How do I know how difficult or easy a stage is?

Smålandsleden is working on classifying stages according to the National Framework for Hiking Trails. This work is ongoing and will continue in 2026.

The stages are divided into three levels:

• Green - Easy

• Blue - Moderate

• Red - Challenging

A more detailed description of what the levels mean is linked to each stage here.

I want to walk a challenging section of the Smålandsleden trail. Which one should I choose?

If you want a more challenging hike, look for stages marked in red on the map.

Where can I stay overnight along the Smålandsleden trail?

It depends on what type of accommodation you are looking for. All shelters along the trail are marked and searchable on the map.

Some hotels, hostels, and other accommodations are also marked. On the map, you can filter by accommodation, shelter, or camping to see what is available along your planned route.

Are there places where I can buy food or eat along the trail?

Since many stages pass through forests and sparsely populated areas, the selection of places to eat is limited. On some stretches, the trail passes through communities where there may be shops, cafés, or restaurants.

On the map, you can search the Café/Restaurant category to see what is available along the trail.

What do you need to stay in a wind shelter?

Spending the night in a wind shelter requires some preparation. On the Tips for your hike page, you will find advice on equipment, planning, and what to consider before your trip.