Vretaholms eklandskap

Experience breathtaking views over lake Vättern and Visingsö from an impressive oak forest just north of Gränna. The Vretaholms Oak Landscape nature reserve is beautifully situated below Vätterbranterna.

It is an experience in itself to drive past the large oaks that previously stood in open land and have therefore become impressively old and thick. If you want a closer look, you can park your car and walk through noble deciduous forest consisting of oaks mixed with aspen, birch, alder, elm, ash, and maple.

The nature reserve is located above the old national road and consists of both pastures with oaks and fine deciduous forest areas.

Hike up to Brahehus with stunning views

There is a trail up the Vätterbranterna between Toragården and the Brahehus ruins. The trail is laid out in very steep terrain, but along the way, you will find a rest area with a beautiful view. The view over lake Vättern from the top of the slopes, where Brahehus is located, is even more unbeatable.

In the steepest parts of the nature reserve, the forest has probably been dense for a long time. The area is relatively untouched, and there is a lot of dead wood here.

Explore Vätterbranterna

Vretaholm is located in the area known as Vätterbranterna, an area that stretches from Tenhult in the south to Omberg in Östergötland in the north. Here, the contrasts are great between the agricultural landscape closest to Lake Vättern and the deciduous forests of the fault slope.

Chance to see Småland's provincial insect

In the area, you can find fungi such as the oak polypore, large polypore, and baneberry.

Several species of land snails have also been found, and in the sun-exposed thick noble deciduous trees, lichens and various insect species thrive. For example, there are a large number of wood-living beetles.

The hornet, Småland's provincial insect, is common in the hollow oaks in the reserve.

How to get here

The easiest way to get to Vretaholms eklandskap is by car or bike from Gränna.