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  • Rosenlund’s escarpment

Rosenlund’s escarpment

One of Sweden's most famous ice age deposits

  • Nature reserve
  • Promenade trail
  • Scenic spot
  • Jönköping

Erosion cliffs above lake Vättern

Experience the unique environment at Rosenlund’s escarpment. Visible from afar, the site is a characteristic feature of the landscape. Here, the southern shore of lake Vättern plunges dramatically into the water. The site is a nature reserve and home to a 35-metre-high and 2-kilometre-long erosion slope.

Rosenlund’s escarpment is one of Sweden's most famous ice age deposits. The erosion of the sand banks is continual, and their crest has been moving 20-30 metres over a 100-year period. As land uplift is greater in the northern part of Sweden than in the southern, the water surface of lake Vättern slowly tips southwards and the water level at the southern shore rises by about 1.7 millimetres a year.

Outdoor activities and Rosenlund’s promenade

It's an experience in itself to wander around this outdoor area, marvel at the views and soak up the atmosphere of the place. For those who want to venture a little further, there is the Rosenlund’s Promenade trail, which is a 5.8 kilometre hiking trail.

Large parts of the walk overlook lake Vättern. The path is easy to walk on as the surface is made of both gravel or asphalt.

Nature and wildlife

The cliffs are a natural nesting place for a large colony of sand martins, and kingfishers also nest in the nearby ravine of a stream.

Adjacent to the cliffs is an open grassy area called Skrämmafältet, which is an important resting place for migratory birds. You can also walk up to two viewpoints where you can see migratory birds in spring and autumn.

Parts of the nature reserve are covered in deciduous forest, the moist environment among the deciduous trees being an ideal home for terrestrial snails, such as the unusual Lesser Bullin snail.

There are also five giant oaks near the Skrämmabäcken stream. The oaks here are over 300 years old and have a circumference of between three and seven metres.

Historical finds

Interesting marine archaeological discoveries have been made in Huskvarna Bay, east of the banks, including swords and a neck ring from the Bronze Age. The finds can be seen at Jönköping County Museum.

Be careful!

As the cliffs consist of sand that periodically collapses, you should be careful not to walk too close to the edge as there is a great risk of landslides!

Allemansrätten

The right of public access (Allemansrätten) allows you to explore Sweden’s nature. This unique privilege is based on shared responsibility, requiring everyone to respect wildlife, nature, landowners, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

The usual right of public access does not apply fully in the nature reserve, read more at Länsstyrelsen.

Good to know

  • Potable water: No
  • Wind protection/shelter: No
  • Barbecue/picnic area: Yes, at Sannabadet at the entrance to the reserve
  • Toilet: No
  • Accessibility: This varies, some parts of the area are accessible where the surface is gravel or asphalt. It is best to park in the Elmia area.
  • Parking: Yes, at Elmia, Rosenlunds Herrgård and Sannabadet

Experience the city's pulse

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

Rosenlund’s escarpments are within walking and cycling distance of large parts of Jönköping and Huskvarna. A foot and cycle path runs along the entire length of the cliffs and offers beautiful views of lake Vättern.

From Jönköping drive along Strandvägen, Östra Storgatan and Huskvarnavägen towards Huskvarna. The easiest way is to follow the signs to Elmia and park at Elmiafälten. But parking is also available at Sannabadet and Rosenlunds Herrgård.

From Elmia's bus stop it is less than a kilometre to Rosenlund’s escarpment. Here buses number 1 and 4 stop, both of these buses pass through both Huskvarna and Jönköping. The distance is not much further from the Rosengården, Rosenlunds torg and Rosenlundsbadet bus stops. On Jönköpings länstrafik's website you will find up-to-date information about bus routes and timetables.

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

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