Rhododendron Valley

At Simsjön on Billingen lies the Ryttmästarbostället - a historical attraction with an exciting history. Here you can follow a journey back in time and learn about the simple rider's little cabin and life as well as the rider's place of residence. On a guided tour you will meet the cavalry Major Bernhard Englund, who tells us in-depth about the old jacks and their commanders. In this story everyone is thrilled, and you hear about how Sweden was built and became a great power in Europe. You will also hear about tugs and trailers at home in the village, and a time when only the strongest survived. Guided tours are pre-booked. If you want to make a visit without a guided tour, you can stroll around the old buildings and enjoy the exterior environment. In several places, you can also stop in for a dozen and have the exciting story of life told you before. The environment consists of partially relocated old soldier villages, but the rider's residence itself is a reconstruction after drawings from 1687. https://www.vastsverige.com/skovde/produkter/ryttmastarbostallet/?site=5428

St. Helena Church is located in central Skövde and has its name after Skövde's patron saint St. Elin, or St. Helena as she is also called. As a visitor, you can come here to sit down for a while, light a candle or pray. The church stands on a medieval foundation, but what we see today is built in the late 18th century just after the big fire in Skövde in 1759. St. Helena Church is a centrally located excursion destination in Skövde and is open daily for those who want to come in and experience the tranquillity. The church meets old and new in a harmonious way - if you look at the church from the outside you see an older building dating back to the Middle Ages, but on the inside, you are met by a bright and modern church last renovated in 2013. In the church, you can visit both services and concerts. The church can accommodate about 375 people. https://www.vastsverige.com/skovde/produkter/sta-helena-kyrka/

The Culture centre was opened November 7, 1964 in connection with the city council's 100th anniversary and was the country's first cultural center. http://www.vastsverige.com/en/skovde/b/46830/Skovde-Cultural-Centre

When you walk through the door to Balthazar, you enter a workshop that targets all your senses. It's exciting, clever and above all fun! There are many mysteries that you'll try to explain and describe, many experiments you can try and resolve data http://www.vastsverige.com/en/skovde/b/44024/Balthazar-Science-Center

As far back as the Middle Ages, it was prescribed by law that the Crown had the sole right to make use of the country’s oak trees. Oak wood is excellent for shipbuilding, and to ensure access to oak timber for the Swedish fleet, major plantings of oak took place on Visingsö in the 1830s. Today the oak trees are ready for logging, but since the fleet uses other materials, the timber is used for other things. To ensure access to good timber for the Swedish fleet after the oak forests in Swedish Pomerania were inundated following the Napoleonic Wars, the Crown had several hundred hectares of oak trees planted on Visingsö. Up until the middle of the 19th century, about 300,000 oak trees had been planted, many of which remain today, occupying an area of about 360 hectares. Today the oak forest is administered by Sweden's National Property Board. The oak trees are currently available for shipbuilding, but technological development has long made them more valuable as oak veneers for floors, whisky barrels, furnishing details for boats and many applications requiring the hard and compact oak material. https://jkpg.com/en/visingso/the-oak-forest-on-visingso/

Welcome to the world's only matchmaking museum located in Jönköping in a beautiful wooden building from 1848. Join an exciting journey from tree to finished match. https://jkpg.com/sv/jonkoping-huskvarna/tandsticksmuseet/

Piren – The pier is the place to be in Jönköping during the summer. The pier starts in the middle of Jönköping and extends into Vättern, the second largest lake in Sweden. The Pier consists of restaurants and there is also a 200 meters long sofa where you can enjoy the sun and ice cream. Regardless if you want to eat some delicious fish dishes, have a drink or rent a kayak you should visit the Pier. There is an activity center at the pier called Fortuna Marin with activities for everyone, lots of restaurants and also the original boat from the Swedish TV-series “Saltkråkan” (1964) by Astrid Lindgren. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/piren/

Visiting Gunillaberg is like stepping into a new world. Suddenly open fields, beautiful caroliner houses and flower arrangements are found in the dense Småland forest, in all possible colors and shapes. https://jkpg.com/sv/bankeryd-bottnaryd-taberg/gunillaberg-konsttradgard/

Rosenlund rosarium is beautifully situated in an old cultural environment within walking distance of Vätterstrand beach. As well as large numbers of beautiful roses, there are exotic trees and areas planted with perennials. Rosenlund manor house was built in 1788 and the steward’s residence in 1845. There is documentary evidence, including via county governor Hierta in 1820, that the buildings were surrounded by beautiful planted areas and a garden. Rosenlund rosarium is a municipal facility and is managed by personnel from the technical office. Guided tours can be arranged and booked on tel 036-10 50 00. There is a café open during the summer. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/rosenlunds-rosarium/

Husqvarna Museum opened on April 27, 1993 and is situated in the same building as the 1940´s weapon workshop. On March 14, 2005 it was reopened after after large-scale renovations. The museum was expanded up to 2,400 square meters with a new handicapped-friendly entrance with a foyer and the new exhibition halls. http://husqvarnamuseum.se/en/about/

Go on a delightful hike on planked trails in southern Sweden’s last wilderness. The air here is filled with the scent of marsh Labrador tea, and animal and plant life abound. From the south, the Dumme Mosse trail is accessible for both wheelchairs and prams. Dumme Mosse is classified as a nature reserve, and it is one of the county’s largest, most varied swamp areas, with many different types of wetland. The area lies 7 kilometres west of Jönköping. If you are travelling by car, take highway 40 from Jönköping towards Göteborg. Turn off towards the airport. Right next to the airport, there is a sign for Dumme Moss as well as parking. You also can get to Dumme Mosse by taking bus 27 from central Jönköping to the airport. Dumme Mosse has hiking trails for both summer and winter. The planked trail that is suitable for the period from March to October is called the Dumme Mosse Trail. You will find it in the southern part of the nature area. The choice of how far you want to go is up to you. The various trails range in length from 4 to 9 kilometres. For 2 kilometres the trail has been adapted for prams and wheelchairs. Next to the old embankment, there is a BBQ site with wood already chopped, perfect for a splendid pause. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/dumme-mosse/

Experience the development of the Swedish military aircraft at the Air Force Museum in Linköping - from the flight's childhood to today's JAS 39 Gripen. The Air Force Museum is modern technology and cultural history museum that reflects the development of the Swedish military aircraft from the pioneer era to the present day. The museum attracted over 170,000 visitors in 2017 and won the 2011 Museum of the Year award by the Swedish ICOM (International Council of Museums) and the Swedish National Museum of Sweden. In the museum's exhibitions, you can botanize in a unique collection of military aircraft and other objects linked to the flight's hundred-year history. Or you can step right into typical Swedish homes from the second half of the last century in the big exhibition about the Cold War. A time when the whole world trembled before a war that never broke out. On the ground floor of the museum rests the DC-3, a reconnaissance aircraft with a very special history. The downed reconnaissance aircraft was salvaged after 50 years on the seabed. Now you see it in a suggestive and thought-provoking exhibition about political play and the family's longstanding search for the truth. https://www.flygvapenmuseum.se/om-flygvapenmuseum/om-museet/#

This is a place where you learn to understand everyday phenomena such as optics, the human body and electricity. To test yourself, and to see that what seems complex might still be quite simple. Exhibits and experiments are in a barn. The animal department contains only a few scary animals - animals without fur, but which is just as much fun! Most hugging is Kalle, the king python who has soon hugged all the children in Linköping. Besides Kalle, you can see snakes, lizards, frogs, scorpions and spiders. The Animal Department is open to the public when there is no teaching in the room. https://visitlinkoping.se/en/g%C3%B6ra/attraktioner/museer/fenomenmagasinet

Stjärnorp manor ruins are ruins of a 17th-century manor of the northern shore of Lake Roxen. The manor burned down in 1789 and the main building was never restored. Stjärnorp's castle was erected in 1655–1662 (in the parish of Vreta monastery ) by the Count and Field Marshal Robert Douglas (1611–1662). The castle and terraces were designed by Nicodemus Tessin. According to a story, it is said that when the war comrades and arms brothers Robert Douglas and Axel Lillie came home from the Westphalian peace, they entered into an agreement to build their respective castles, Stjärnorp's castle and Löfstad castle, so high that they could see and send greetings from the top floor to each other. All buildings were destroyed by a fire on May 12, 1789, but the castle chapel was restored already that year. The wing buildings were also rebuilt soon but financial resources were lacking for the main building, which is still a ruin. https://visitlinkoping.se/en/do/attractions/castles-and-manors/stj%C3%A4rnorps-slottsruin

The oldest parts of Linköping Castle stems from the 1100s and the castle is the oldest secular building in Sweden. Large parts of Linkoping burned down in 1700, including the town hall. http://visitlinkoping.se/index.php/en/castles-and-manors/link%C3%B6pings-slott

The museum features a variety of cultural treasures of all kinds. One of the treasures is a painting depicting Adam and Eve, by the German artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. When the painting came to the museum after an auction in the late 1800s had been hanging on an outhouse in Sjögestad. The museum's cultural exhibition includes skeletons of Bergsrondellen and the PC historical exhibition Digital dreams about the Internet's emergence, the gaming industry and the computer in art. Moreover, there are always different exhibitions with various themes such as contemporary art, fashion and design, photography and current social issues. https://visitlinkoping.se/en/do/attractions/museums/%C3%B6sterg%C3%B6tlands-museum

Welcome to IT-ceum, the Swedish Computer Museum. Our exhibit presents the central events in Sweden´s computer history. A major goal with this exhibition is to demonstrate the need for a national cultural institution, http://visitlinkoping.se/en/museums/datamuseet-it-ceum

For almost 800 years people have been coming to worship and pray at Linköping Cathedral. Work on the Cathedral was started in 1230, with the main building works being completed in 1520. The belfry and the west façade were added in 1885. Linköping Cathedral is the most impressive and expensive Swedish church building of the Middle Ages. http://visitlinkoping.se/index.php/en/churches-and-monasteries/link%C3%B6ping-cathedral

Galleri Melefors offers art from both inside and outside Sweden, in close collaboration with the art market, artists, private individuals, companies and art associations. It also, organise a number of separate exhibitions and vernissages annually. https://visitlinkoping.se/en/g%C3%B6ra/attraktioner/konsthallar-och-gallerier/galleri-melefors

Sturefors Castle by Lake Ärlången belongs to the Bielke family. It is a three-storey building with wings, constructed in 1704 by Tessin the younger for Carl Piper. The castle is known for its 1700s interior. You can only see Sturefors Castle from the outside, but it is worth a visit for the fine English Park that was created during the 1700s with a magnificent mirror pond, and the nature reserve which lies in the grounds of the old castle. https://visitlinkoping.se/en/do/attractions/castles-and-manors/sturefors-slott

The castle is visible wide around and has three towers with stately hoods. It appears to be one of Sweden's most powerful 16th-century castles, surprisingly well preserved despite rebuilding and decay. The estate has long belonged to the families Sture and Banér. It has been uninhabited since 1934. In recent years the restoration has recreated both exterior and interior and the castle is now on display as a museum. Since 1974, Ekenäs Castle has been a building monument. Ekenäs Slott is a genuine fairytale castle, dating back to the 17th century. A popular jousting tournament is arranged in spring, guided tours in summer, ghost tours in autumn and Christmas market in winter. Just 20 km east of Linköping. https://visitlinkoping.se/en/g%C3%B6ra/attraktioner/slott-och-herres%C3%A4ten/eken%C3%A4s-slott

Travel back in time at Örebros old art castle. Here you can go for exciting ghost walks, look for treasures and guided tours that take you from the castle's dark and humid prison caves for prisoners of war, thieves and witches up to the magnificent halls built for royalty like Karl IX, and Karl XIV Johan. http://www.visitorebro.se/en/gora/aktorer/orebro-slott/

An oasis in the middle of Örebro Stadsparken creates a perfect spot for strolling, jogging, sunbathing, playing a concert, picknicking, playing, inspiring or simply being in. There is also a year-round open-air café. http://www.visitorebro.se/en/gora/aktorer/stadsparken/

Örebro County Museum is a vibrant meeting place for all ages! Through meeting with art and cultural history, we want visitors to gain new perspectives on themselves and the outside world. http://www.visitorebro.se/en/gora/aktorer/orebro-lans-museum/

Just outside Norrköping you will find the most inspiring gardens! A visit to Billbäcks display gardens is a treat for all your senses. Whether you are looking for some family-fun or just a relaxing day in beautiful surroundings you have found just the place. Billbäcks can offer you ideas to your own piece of garden with different displays in varied settings. They have their own Garden Café embedded in the greenery with fresh produce. Smell the roses, visit the goldfishes in the ponds and get inspired by the art of nature. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/billbacks-visningstradgard

Visualization Center C is a research and science center in Norrköping, Sweden, conducting a unique mix of leading visualization research and public outreach activities. The center hosts a large-scale arena for public visits and events including media labs, interactive exhibitions and an immersive 3D full-dome theatre. Step into our world and discover the experiences we offer; experiences in every sense of the word, from award-winning full-dome productions and interactive exhibits to consulting services and research partnerships. One of the ideas behind Visualization Center C is to bring the world of visualization to a wider audience than science and research labs usually do. That is why we produce and host public exhibitions – travelling as well as permanent – all with state-of-the-art technology and elements of visualization, interaction and digital imagery as key ingredients. http://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/visualiseringscenter-c

The museum depicts working life and working conditions through exhibitions, seminars and programme activities. Arbetets museum should be an innovative meeting place which promotes discussion on peoples work, lives and conditions. Restaurant, café and a museum shop. http://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/arbetets-museum

Here you will find the factories and the workplaces of the craftsmen dating from the 19th century up to the present day. This is situated in the middle of the old Industrial landscape on the banks of the Motala ström - the Motala River. Norrköping City Museum shows, in a very realistic way, a part of the history of the city as well as the history of the industries of Norrköping. There are many different exhibitions throughout the year. The Museum also houses a gift shop. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/stadsmuseet

A unique environment in Norrkoping City. A historic neighbourhood where the oldest buildings are from 1767. Now you can shop, snack, eat and enjoy life in Knäppingsborg. No matter from which direction visitors enter the neighbourhood, they encounter the exciting contrast between streets full of intimacy and the light from the three squares. Each square has its distinct identity, where companies gathered that strengthen each other. And in the cosy streets are stores where knowledgeable staff provides visitors with both personal service and friendly smiles. The same closeness and warmth greet the visitor in the alleys and outside windows in a Knäppingsborg who brought Norrköping unique qualities. Happy friends and acquaintances can exchange a few words with each other. From the squares seating, it is nice to just observe people. Others choose to relax at a café or on a terrace. Here at this unique setting next to the stream people come to listen to music without having to go to a concert and to see art without having to go to an art exhibition. https://www.upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/kvarteret-knappingsborg

The main focus is on Swedish modernism. The museum also has a graphics collection that is one of the largest in the country. Exhibitions at the museum are thematic or focus on the oeuvres of individual artists while also linking them to international contemporary art. Museum Collection is always available in 3 galleries. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/konstmuseet

In Glottern forest you can wander through the beautiful old-growth forests or swim in lakes Glottern clear waters. If it is cold, you can warm up in the sauna! Here you are treated to a mixture of spruce forests, rock outcrops, twigs bogs and damp depressions. The forest provides a wild impression with mossy boulders and old lowes. The reserve has almost twenty kilometres trailhead. There is also a shelter and a forest hut. An adventure for many tastes! https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/glotternskogen

Geological formations, woods, flowers, lakes and water streams. This ravine was created as a fracture for 200 million years ago. You can easily, on a small path, follow Getå stream from its start in Bråviken and up through a small and deep ravine. In the lower part of the ravine, you will find lots of broad-leaf trees and in the upper part, there is a beautiful spruce forest. Here you have a great variety of flowers. It is an oasis for all flower lovers. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/getaravinen

Let the adventure begin! Enjoy one of Scandinavia’s most exciting experiences! Nestled in the beautiful countryside outside Norrköping, covering 1.5 square kilometres (370 acres), Kolmården Wildlife Park is among the most popular tourist attractions in the Nordic countries. Home to 750 animals from all over the world, Kolmården offers activities for the entire family. In the Dolphin Show “Life”, an international hit, dolphins leap from the water into the hearts of the audience. Board the Safari gondola, the only one of its kind in the world, to quietly glide close above lions and giraffes. Come face to face with big cats in Tiger World, and watch enthralled as raptors swoop overhead in the Birds of Prey Show “Wings”.Here too you can meet Bamse – the world’s strongest bear – and his friends in a magical world of their own. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit your plans. Vildmarkshotellet is an African-themed hotel adjacent to the park, with fabulous sea views. If you really want to experience the animals close up, the Safari Camp tent village is the place to stay. http://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/kolmardens-djurpark

Kronobergs Slott is a medieval castle ruin, picturesquely situated on a bankside island in the lake Helgasjön. It is located about 5 kilometres north of the provincial capital Växjö . The emergence of Kronobergs Slott goes back to the period around 1444 when Bishop Lars Mikaelsson built a fortified residence for the bishops of Växjö. During the Dacke War in 1542/43, Kronobergs Slott was the headquarter of a farmers' army, which was fighting against the troops of the Swedish King Gustav Vasa under the leadership of Nils Dacke, who was honoured as a national hero in Småland. Over the next 200 years, Kronobergs Slott was frequently the subject of military conflicts, because of its function as a border fortification to the former Danish provinces Skåne and Blekinge. During this time, the fortress was burnt down at least twice by Danish troops and rebuilt a bit bigger each time after the reconquests. Today's ruins of the rectangular castle with its four round corner towers are the remains of Kronobergs Slott after the last reconstruction in 1616. After the Danish provinces had finally become Swedish in 1658, the fortress lost its strategic value. It was abandoned and ruined at the end of the 17th century, served as a temporary quarry for building houses in Vaxjö. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/kronobergs-slottsruin-castle-ruin-vaexjoe

Växjö Domkyrka, the cathedral in Växjö is the main church of the Diocese of Växjö and is located on the edge of the modern city center of Växjö. The present ground plan of the church with its striking double tower spire dates from the 15th century, but some fragments are already from the 12th century. The first church on the site of today's Växjö Domkyrka was a small wooden church in the 11th century. According to legend, established on the initiative of the missionary and later canonized Saint Sigfrid. The diocese of Växjö was founded around 1170 and the first cathedral for the new bishops' seat was built. This first cathedral was built of natural stone, had a Romanesque ground plan with only one nave, a narrow chancel with a semicircular apse and a mighty tower. Parts of the old foundations and some pillars in today's main nave, as well as the masonry in the lower part of the church tower remained until today. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/vaexjoe-domkyrka-cathedral-vaexjoe