Västanåleden

Hike along the steep banks of lake Vättern and experience magnificent views

  • Hiking trail
  • 7.4 km
  • Medium difficulty
  • Gränna (Röttle)

Hilly loop trail with waterfalls and ravines

Västanåleden is a medium-difficulty circular hike of 7.4 km that runs along the high banks of lake Vättern and through sandy heath with pine trees and lush deciduous forest.

Västanåleden is located in Västanå Nature Reserve and is part of the Östra Vätterbranterna Biosphere Area. The trail is a circular loop that can easily be combined with both the John Bauer and the Franciskus trails.

Right next to the trail is also Röttlestigen, a smaller circular path of 1.3 km that goes through Röttle village and past the interesting landmarks found there.

The trail is classed as moderately difficult, and the terrain is very hilly in places. The hike includes some climbing as well as a rocky path.

Diverse nature

A hike along Västanåleden offers several contrasting natural landscapes. You’ll walk up steep slopes of pine forest and through dense and lush deciduous forest. Water is always present during your walk, due to the trail's proximity to Lake Vättern.

Along the way you will also pass Röttle river that flows through a deep gorge and over the nearby magical waterfall in Röttle village.

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 hiking trail passes through Västanå naturreservat. The usual right of public access does not apply fully in the nature reserve, read more at Länsstyrelsen.

Information from Länsstyrelsen about Västanå (in Swedish)Opens in new window.

Good to know

  • Length of hiking trail: 7.4 km
  • Difficulty: Medium to difficult
  • Kategori: Hiking trail
  • Potable water: No
  • Wind protection/Shelter: Yes
  • Barbecue/picnic area: Yes
  • Toilet: Yes, one toilet which is open during summer.
  • Colour marking in nature: Green
  • Accessibility: Hilly paths, sections with footbridges, obstacles along paths and roads.
  • Parking: Yes

Gränna

A couple of days in Gränna holds everything you could wish for during your holiday. Stunningly clear water, breathtaking views, gentle walks in magical forests, history, cycling along beautiful country roads or challenging MTB tracks, relaxing to magical sunsets, strolls down cobblestone alleys, deliciously good ice cream and of course – the pepparmint rock candy.

How to get here

Västanå trail is part of Västanå nature reserve, located about 5 km south of Gränna, in Röttle village. From the E4 motorway, take exit 103 or 104. On the minor road west of the E4 motorway, lying roughly between the two motorway exits, there is a signpost to the southwest down towards Röttle village and the nature reserve. If you drive along regional road 133, turn off towards Västanå.

There is a car park and an information board in the northern part of Röttle village. From here there are directions to the reserve and the hiking trail.

If you wish to travel by public transport, you can take regional buses 121 or 122, which run between Gränna Harbour and Jönköping‘s main travel centre. The nearest bus stop is called ‘Gränna, Röttlevägen’ and from there it is about 1km to the nature reserve.

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

Show on map

Related to location