Finspång between lakes, hiking trails and industrial heritage

Finspång provides access to local history via an approximately 10-kilometre cultural and historical circular trail. The route begins at the tourist information office in Kulturhuset and offers insights into the period from the 17th to the 20th century.

In addition to Finspång, the regional area includes the localities of Skedevi, Rejmyre, Hällestad, Regna, Risinge, Ljusfallshammar and Grytgöl.

Trails and nature

The approximately five-kilometre Mäselnleden leads around Lake Mäseln as a circular trail. Parking spaces and toilets are available at Mäselnbadet. The route passes reed inlets and rocky shores, and also leads through gorges, primeval-forest-like areas, open grazing land and deciduous forests characterised by oak trees.

Several sections of the Östgötaleden combine physical activity with lake landscapes. The approximately 11 kilometres between Regna kyrka and Älgsjön can be covered on foot or by bicycle; at the end there is a bathing area on the clear, gently sloping shore of Lake Älgsjön. The approximately 23-kilometre route between Rejmyre and Regna kyrka is also part of the Östgötaleden and can be cycled as well. Near Lake Långtvaren, this section offers beautiful views. Rejmyre is also the starting point for the Rejmyre–Falsnäset stage of the Östgötaleden. The 16-kilometre section between Falnäset and Rejmyre is part of the Östgötaleden and is well suited to cycling. Another 16 kilometres between Sörsjön and Falsnäset combine glistening lakes, birdsong and varied woodland landscapes. Different route lengths and landscapes can be compared when planning your own day.

The nature reserves also showcase different aspects of the landscape. In Brevens tallskogar, a three-kilometre hiking trail leads through open pine forests, marshes and lakes. The Hällestad-Torps Nature Reserve has a 2.7-kilometre hiking trail through old mixed coniferous forests by Lake Lyren; there is a barbecue area there. In Lövfallet Nature Reserve, an approximately 1.5-kilometre trail runs through old spruce and pine stands, dry rocky areas, damp ravine forest and stands of aspen.

Regnaholm has a two-kilometre hiking trail by Lake Regnaren, leading through deciduous forest characterised by beech and aspen trees; picnic tables are available there. The 1.5-kilometre hiking trail in Sätra Nature Reserve provides information about local geology, significant minerals and old trees. Tjuttorps Nature Reserve has two short hiking trails of approximately 1.3 and 2 kilometres through deciduous forest. Outdoor barbecuing is possible on the peninsula there.

Water and nature observation

The canoe routes in Finspång connect lakes via streams and waterways. There are organised rest areas and wind shelters along the routes. In Finspång’s 368 lakes, visitors can fish for pike, perch, stocked rainbow trout and trout.

The municipality of Finspång has 15 municipal bathing areas and three non-municipal bathing areas. The facilities also include a playground with water features. In Vibjörnsparken, a nature trail with information boards, nesting boxes and carved wooden animals runs through the park; there is also an alternative route.

Glass, parks and mining history

Reijmyre Glasbruk was founded in 1810 and continues to produce mouth-blown glass in its historic glassworks. Guided tours explain the history of the glassworks and the entire production process. At the furnace, visitors can try glassblowing together with experienced glassblowers. The Reijmyre glass museum next to the factory shop and glassworks displays historic glass as well as a carriage from the period when the cableway was in operation.

Finspång’s palace park, laid out in the 18th century, is open to the public all year round. Its buildings and features include the Aurora Temple, Järntemplet, the Lugnet pleasure house and an orangery building from 1831.

Gruvleden begins in Grytgöl and is approximately 12 kilometres long. The trail passes through a mining area with sites such as Jungfrugruvan and Hållersgruvan. Hällestads Storgruva is an approximately one-kilometre circular trail around a former iron ore mine that was at its peak in the 17th century. Visitors can find stones containing iron ore and other interesting minerals there.

Industrial heritage

Häfla hammarsmedja at Häfla ström in the municipality of Finspång is an industrial monument between Lakes Regnaren and Vagnaren. The industrial complex was in operation until 1924 and consists of a hammer forge with a smaller ironworks.

For the overarching travel overview: Östergötland.