Dunkehallaleden

A steep and city-close hike along Dunkehallaån

  • Hiking trail
  • 2.7 km
  • Difficult
  • Jönköping

Among waterfalls and valleys

Dunkehallaleden is a 2.7 km hike in central Jönköping. The trail takes you along Dunkehallaån and offers scenic views as well as traces of Jönköping's older industrial history.

In Dunkehalla's ravine, you walk from the valley at Kortebovägen to Dalvik on Jönköping's western heights. The trail is partly steep in climbs and includes several stairs. Along the trail, Dunkehallaån flows towards Lake Vättern, and in some places, you can observe thundering waterfalls with a total drop height of 90 meters. The trail ends at Klämmestorps Kvarn, where it connects to Hallbyleden. The Northern Sigfridsleden is also connected to Dunkehallaleden.

History of Dunkehallaleden

In Dunkehalla's ravine, Jönköping's first industries were founded several hundred years ago. Dunkehallaån was an important power source, and already during the Middle Ages, there were several mills along the stream, but few of them can be seen in the area today.

In connection with Gustav II Adolf's re-founding of Jönköping, the water power in the stream was expanded in the 1620s. The water power was used to drive several industries that produced war materials. Among other things, there was a vantmakeri that produced wool fabric for the army and a drilling workshop for the weapons factory. None of these buildings remain above ground today.

During the 19th century, there were several mills with different operations along the stream. The manor Jakobsdal and Storkvarn were the largest establishments at the highest waterfall, which still exists today. Downstream towards Lake Vättern, there is Stallkvarn in a red-painted wooden building along with several picturesque worker's cottages. Ljungberg's metal factory operated here in the 1900s, and other mills operated a carduanmakeri, a distillery, a foundry, a fan factory, and more. Today, Stallkvarn Diversehandel is located here, a flea market where you can go treasure hunting among both antique finds and new items with an old feel.

Digital quiz about Dunkehalla's industrial history

Along parts of Dunkehallaleden, you can delve deeper into the ravine's industrial history through a digital quiz. Xrundan's digital quiz is set up with signs along the trail, and by scanning the signs' QR codes with your mobile phone, you get access to the questions.

Good to know

  • Length of hiking trail: 2.7 km
  • Difficulty: Steep, with several stairs'
  • Category: Hiking trail
  • Potable water: No
  • Wind protection/Shelter: No
  • Barbecue/picnic area: Yes
  • Toilet: No
  • Colour marking in nature: Blue
  • Accessibility: The trail is steep with stairs in several places.
  • Parking: Yes, street parking on Trollhättegatan, or at the Stadsparken parking lot.

Jönköping

Jönköping is one of Sweden’s oldest cities, beautifully located by the shores of three lakes. Discover magnificent nature, a long sandy beach right in the city, the fascinating history of the match industry, and the magical art of John Bauer! Stroll through charming alleys, visit museums and libraries, explore shops, dine at cosy restaurants, and stay at welcoming hotels. With a university that attracts students from all over the world, the city has a vibrant and international feel. Nature is always close—whether you’re into cycling, forest trails, or peaceful nature reserves.

How to get here

Dunkehallaleden is close to Jönköping's center and starts at the petrol station on Kortebovägen.

If you come by car, it is possible to park along Trollhättegatan or at the Stadsparken parking lot and walk a few minutes to the trail.

If you travel by public transport, Trollehättegatan nedre is the nearest bus stop. City bus 17 and regional buses 112 and 114 stop here. From the bus stop, it is a minute's walk to the trail's start.

Timetable and tickets, visit jlt.se External link, opens in new window.

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