Franciskusleden

Franciskusleden trail is a 93-kilometre pilgrimage route that stretches from Jönköping in the south to Alvastra in the north. This hike offers beautiful scenery and close proximity to lake Vättern. Along the trail you will feel the passage of history as it has always been a well-trodden path for both kings and pilgrims.

Franciskusleden trail runs from Alvastra to Jönköping and is 93 kilometres long but can easily be divided up into daily stages. If you want a longer hike, you can join the trail in Byarum where it then extends to 127 km long.

In Byarum, the trail connects to another, called Munkleden, which goes south to Nydala Monastery and in Alvastra it connects up with the Klosterleden trail that goes to Vadstena. Thanks to these junctions, Franciskusleden is part of a large network of pilgrimage routes in Sweden and Europe, linking Santiago de Compostella in Spain with Nidaros in Norway.

Many attractions along the trail

Along Franciskusleden there are several parts of the route that pass through vibrant rural areas and past several popular and worthwhile sights to discover. The northern part of the trail goes straight through Gränna where you can take a break for coffee and cake, lunch or maybe a locally made pepparmint candy cane. Further along the trail you walk through Äppledalen with its entrepreneurial farm shops, cafes and other interesting spots. To the south, you walk through both Huskvarna and Jönköping and here you will find everything you need, from accommodation to food and drink.

Historic hiking trail

Many people have walked along Franciskusleden in the past. Tramps have travelled along it, kings have made their royal progress along it and pilgrims have walked it to Vadstena and beyond. In 1283, a Franciscan monastery was founded in Jönköping, right next to Lake Munksjön, which was named after it. Thanks to the monestry, the Franciscans established themselves in Jönköping and were able to form a network with other important monasteries in Sweden. Franciskusleden thus became an important route.

Several connecting trails and different colour marking

There are several connecting trails to the Franciskusleden, including John Bauerleden trail, Södra Vätterleden trail ) and Tabergs-å-leden trail. Franciskusleden is part of St Birgitta Ways East.

Franciskusleden is marked with white-red colour markings and the pilgrim symbol. The trail is sometimes sparsely marked where it follows an obvious road or path.

On the stretch between Huskvarna and the county border, the Franciskusleden overlaps with large sections of Franciskus Biosfärleden trail. This trail is marked with green colour markings and a blue sign.

South of Gränna, Franciskusleden also coincides in parts with the John Bauerleden trail, which is marked in orange.

How to get here

You can join Franciskusleden wherever you like.

In Gränna as well as in Huskvarna, Jönköping and Taberg there are plenty of car parks and bus stops close to the trail.

See links for detailed maps.