In the heart of the forest kingdom of Tiveden lies the hostel village of Tivedstorp.
Dinner at Tivedstorp in the pleasant restaurant.
Overnight and dinner await at the pleasant Olshammarsgården.
Cycle along the shores of Vättern and through Tiveden's forests, immersing yourself in the culture and nature of the region. Explore the beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and intriguing culture of northern Vätterbygden and Tiveden over four days. The adventure begins with a visit to charming Askersund, leading to Stjernsunds Castle, and on to Olshammar. From there, continue deep into Tiveden's forests, where you'll experience the natural wonders of Fagertärn's red water lilies, Tivedstorp's Finnish roots, and, of course, the grandeur of the National Park. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals during this unforgettable cycling experience. Baggage transport is available as an option.
This cycling package is also suitable to start and end directly at the train station in Hallsberg. The organizer will meet you at the station with bikes and equipment upon arrival. From Hallsberg to Askersund, it's about 30 km and there are several beautiful bike paths to choose from. For this arrangement, we recommend adding 1-2 extra nights depending on your train schedule. The price is 1,950 SEK per extra night, including meals and accommodation.
You can cycle this tour on a regular women's bike, but there are also mountain bikes or electric mountain bikes available for rent, depending on what suits you best.
You start your journey with a scenic tour of Askersund, a charming town located at the northern end of Lake Vättern. During the summer months, the harbor is the perfect meeting spot. Here, you can stroll along the waterfront, indulge in an ice cream, and browse the small booths at the harbor square selling local handicrafts. On the other side of the water, you'll see Stjernsund Castle, regarded as one of Sweden's most beautiful castles.
From Askersund the tour goes west and after about 10 km, in Dohnafors, you come to Kullängsstugan. It is a building from the late 17th century that is a good example of how a well-off farmer could live at that time. The cottage is not open for viewing but the place is beautiful and perfect for a first break.
From here you cycle on, mainly along lovely gravel roads, past small farms and villages and through beautiful forest areas. In several places you pass lakes where you can stop and rest, bathe your feet and maybe have a picnic. Tiveden is Sweden's southernmost Finnish forest area. The large and inaccessible forest areas have been the haunt of highwaymen and here countless myths and legends have come to life.
In the afternoon, you'll arrive at Tivedstorp, whose history dates back to the 17th century when Finnish settlers settled here to farm the land. Here you check into one of the charming houses and relax in the beautiful surroundings. Today, Tivedstorp is one of the Swedish Tourist Association's accommodations. In the evening, a well-deserved dinner is served with a focus on local and vegetarian options.
Today you cycle through the magical forests, past mighty boulders and mirror-like lakes and ponds. After breakfast, you pack your lunch and head the approximately 5 km towards the National Park. On the way you will pass the steep cliffs of Stigmanspass. In the past, those who passed through here were easy prey for predators. Feel free to stop at the main entrance to the National Park and take advantage of the information available about plants and animals in the area. If you want to do a hike, Stenkällerundan is a well-visited and reasonably long tour, but there are also several others to choose from.
From the main entrance, the cycling continues along Lake Stora Trehörningen. You cycle on pleasant gravel roads, past Ösjönäs and on towards Sannerud by Lake Unden. After about 12 km you arrive at Tiveds church. Follow Byvägen to the center of Sannerud where you will find Tiveden's country store and the "forest restaurant" Luripompa.
If it sucks in the stomach, you can replenish the energy depots before cycling the last 10 km back to Tivedstorp. You follow a paved road that slowly leads up and away from Lake Unden. The last bit you recognize from yesterday and soon you are back at Tivedstorp, in time for tonight's dinner.
A tip is to cycle just over 8 km round trip for a lovely evening dip at Vitsand's beautiful sandy beach and then you sleep well in comfortable beds.
After breakfast, it's time to pack your lunch and leave Tivedstorp and head towards Olshammar by Lake Vättern. Today's bike ride goes via smaller roads through Tived's large forest areas. Already after about 7 km you can choose a small extra trip and cycle up to Dammtorp's fine homestead. Alternatively, you continue towards Bosjön and here is also the nature reserve Getaryggen, a pebble ridge on the shore of Bosjön.
The bike ride then continues along the monks' old pilgrimage trail Munkastigen, which runs from Riseberga monastery to Olshammar and from there on over Lake Vättern and to Vadstena. If you ride a fatbike or mountain bike, you can choose to turn off onto the forest trails. Otherwise, continue along the gravel road and you will pass, among other things, the cave Johannes kammare, it is located right next to the road. In the 1800s, cholera ravaged Tiveden and a man named Johannes took refuge here, which has now given its name to the cave.
The next stop is Fagertärn, which is known for its unique red water lilies that bloom in July and August. The red color is the result of a mutation and was first discovered in 1856. Since 1905, the water lilies have been protected.
Whether the red water lilies are in bloom or not, it is beautiful to walk around Fagertärn. The trail is 2.5 kilometers long and partly demanding so you really get to experience the dramatic nature of Tiveden. Here you can stop at one of the tables and enjoy your picnic lunch.
From Fagertärn you have about 11 km left to Olshammar. Once there, you check in at Olshammarsgården where you also enjoy a delicious two-course dinner. Before dinner, or after breakfast on the last day, you have the opportunity to look at the Birgitta Church and take a walk down to the boat harbor. You can also visit Verner von Heidenstam's birth room at Olshammarsgården. He was born in the northeast gable room on the lower floor and on one of the door linings you can see how his height, from the age of 4 to 21, is marked.
You have arrived at the last day of the trip and after breakfast (and perhaps a refreshing morning dip in Lake Vättern) it is time to cycle away. Apart from a short stretch on the R49, the cycling goes along smaller roads on gravel and asphalt.
Just before you get to Askersund, follow the cycle path towards Stjernsund Castle. At the castle you have the opportunity to join a guided tour and hear more about the history. Also take the opportunity to stroll around the park and visit the castle shop. Down by the water is the castle café with a nice view of Askersund and take the opportunity to have a coffee while watching the boat traffic.
From Stjernsund you have about 7 km to Askersund. You cycle along the water on a cozy gravel road without car traffic, past lush cow pastures. Stop at Husabergsuddes camping and enjoy the view towards Askersund. Soon you will be back in the harbor, hopefully with many nice experiences.
The payment for the cycling package is made directly to the organizer.
Cancellation or modification can be made at the latest by 15:00 the day before arrival free of charge. If canceled later or in case of no-show, the full amount will be charged.
I have conveyed your comments to Tivedstorp. We have clarified in the package that it is a cozy older accommodation with a simpler standard, as I informed you before departure...
This is also updated in the package that the food varies according to the season and availability of goods, with a focus on vegetarianism.
I am glad to hear that everything worked well at Olshammarsgården.
A review of maps and route descriptions is ongoing. A nice summer greets Ulrika