How do I navigate the trail
Image slideshow
Smålandsleden is a collective name for many different hiking trails that together stretch across the whole of Småland. This means that you will sometimes come across the name Smålandsleden and sometimes a more local trail name.
In northern Småland, for example, it could be the John Bauer Trail or the Höglandsleden Trail. In the east, the Kalmarsund Trail or the Sevedesleden Trail. In the south, the Sigfrid Trail or the Utvandrarleden Trail.
It can be a little confusing at first. That's why we explain here how the Småland Trail is structured and what terms are used in texts, maps, and out along the trails.
Terms used along the Smålandsleden trail
Smålandsleden – Smålandsleden is a collective name for hiking trails throughout Småland. It consists of the Northern, Eastern, and Southern Smålandsleden trails and stretches across the entire region. Smålandsleden is therefore not a single trail, but a network of several hiking trails with different names and characteristics.
Hiking trail – A hiking trail is a named trail within the Smålandsleden network. Each hiking trail has its own name but is always referred to with the addition “Part of Smålandsleden.”
Many of the hiking trails are older trails that have been included in Smålandsleden. A hiking trail consists of several stages and often has several trail entrances.
Stage – A distance that can be between approximately 10 km and 20 km, sometimes longer. A stage always runs between two trail entrances, and along the stage there may be various facilities such as wind shelters, barbecue areas, etc. At a trail entrance there is usually an overview map of the stage.
A stage is a section of a hiking trail. A stage is usually between approximately 10 and 20 kilometers, sometimes longer. Each stage runs between two trail entrances.
Along the stage, there may be facilities such as wind shelters, barbecue areas, and rest areas. At the trail entrances, there is often an overview map showing the stage and what is available along the way.
To make it easier to understand the context, all stages are named according to the same principle.
Example of how a hiking trail is named:
Höglandsleden stage HÖ20 Hok - Byarum - Part of Smålandsleden
- Höglandsleden indicates which hiking trail it isStage
- HÖ20 indicates which stage of Höglandsleden
- Hok - Byarum indicates which places the stage passes between
- Part of Smålandsleden indicates that the stage is part of Smålandsleden
Entrances and information along the trail
Trail entrance – A trail entrance is usually located at the start or end of a hiking trail, or in the middle of a hiking trail. There may also be several stages or hiking trails that connect at the same trail entrance. In some cases, two different hiking trails connect at a trailhead.
A trailhead is a place where you can start or end your hike. It is usually located at the beginning or end of a stage, but can also be in the middle of a hiking trail. In some cases, several stages or even several hiking trails meet at the same trailhead.
There is often a trailhead sign at a trailhead. The sign is mounted on a stand with distance signs at the top showing the direction to different stages. The sign has a map showing the stages, what facilities are available along the trail, and information about attractions. There is also contact information for the responsible municipality.
Information signs - Some trail entrances have large information signs. These often show the entire route of the trail and what facilities are available along the way.
Information signs may also be located at parking lots, bus stops, or other places near the trail. From there, a
connecting trail often leads to the actual trail entrance.
A connecting trail is marked with an orange trail marker with a dotted line around the outer edge.
Trail markers along the Smålandsleden trail
The hiking trails within Smålandsleden are marked in several different ways. The markings consist of signs, posts, arrows, marking tape, and sometimes symbols painted on trees and rocks.
The work of marking the trails has been ongoing for a long time. Over the years, different types of markings have been used, which is why the appearance may vary between different parts of Smålandsleden.
Development work is ongoing, and we cannot therefore guarantee that all trails have completely uniform markings at present.
In 2024, a new standard was developed for how the Smålandsleden trails should be marked. This standard is being introduced gradually and is described further down the page, together with pictures showing what the markings look like in practice.
