Råbyskogens promenadslinga

In the forests between Skärstad and Ramsjöholm, you will find the Råbyskogens naturreservat, where the Råbyskogens promenadslinga is located. Discover the 2.1 km long trail, where you might almost see one of John Bauer's trolls.

How to get here

If you take Grännavägen between Gränna and Huskvarna, turn off at Skärstad Church, drive past the church and up to the crossroads, turn right and drive a short distance until you see the sign for Råbys naturreservat. Drive the small winding road until it opens up into a parking lot.

Just a short walk from the parking lot, you will find the small cottage Hägnen. Step through the gate and feel like you are travelling 100 years back in time. The last residents of the farm were the brothers Per and Erik.

Picnic at the rustic cottage Hägnen

The house, which is open, looks the same now as it did when the brothers lived there until 1999, despite having no road, electricity, or water connected to the cottage. Here you will find, in addition to the small cottage, a barn, a shed, and an outhouse surrounding the yard, and a little further away is the smithy.

In spring, the nature is particularly beautiful with blooming lilacs, almond blossoms, and violets. In addition to all this, there is now a barbecue area, benches, and tables for those who want to have a picnic.

Skärstad Local Heritage Association maintains the cultural environment at Hägnen. Remember to close the gate behind you and leave the farm as you found it.

A forest walk by wetlands

The colour-marked trail in Råbyskogen is the path most visitors choose. It is well-trodden but still has many roots and stones. You can also choose other small paths to explore the surroundings.

Here you can follow the path past the pine bog and an open mire. On the path, there are also two ponds, Gröngölen and Bengtsgölen. At Gröngölen, you can see traces of moose and capercaillie. You will find Gröngölen among many other wetlands at the bottom of a valley. Bengtsgölen's water is brown, naturally coloured with humic substances from the forest and land.

Here you will find a place where wild rosemary and cloudberries grow, and the bog dragonfly feels at home. It is also easy to imagine Princess Tuvstarr at the edge of the pond. On the outskirts of the reserve, the John Bauer Trail passes by.

How to get here