The Great Gravel Adventure of Northern Småland

This is Swike’s most comprehensive gravel tour, a self-guided loop from Jönköping through the forests, lakes and hinterland of northern Småland. Routes follow some of Sweden’s best gravel roads, mixing fast, winding stretches with challenging climbs, and several stages trace classic events such as Grenna Gravel and the 2025 Swedish Gravel Championships.

The journey passes the dramatic East Vättern Scarp, John Bauer’s fairytale forests, the orchards and vineyards of Äppledalen, the wooden town of Eksjö, the Skuruhatt gorge and Tomtabacken, southern Sweden’s highest point. Most days offer a shorter or longer route, so riders can choose between 45 and 135 km.

Evenings are spent in carefully selected hotels and inns with saunas, lake swims and local food. All meals and luggage transfers are included, so you ride light and focus on the gravel.

Highlights

• Riding sections of Grenna Gravel and the 2025 Swedish Gravel Championships course
• John Bauer’s fairytale forests and two nights at Bauergården in Bunn
• Äppledalen’s orchards and vineyards, and Gränna’s famous 20% climb
• The Skuruhatt gorge and the wooden town of Eksjö
• Tomtabacken, southern Sweden’s highest point, and its viewing tower
• Lakeside saunas and evening swims at Hotel Ullinge

Surface and terrain
Predominantly gravel (up to 75-80% on some stages) with sections of quiet asphalt and forest roads. Rolling to hilly terrain with steep pinches, including a 20% hill near Gränna and around 900 m of climbing on Day 4.

Weather
Småland summers are generally mild, with daytime temperatures around 15-24°C, long daylight hours and occasional showers. Forest gravel can become soft or muddy after rain.

Suitable for
Graded Challenging. Experienced, fit gravel riders comfortable with long, consecutive days on mixed surfaces. Route choices allow some flexibility, but experience with longer distances is required.