Granna, Sweden, is a charming little town in the middle of Sweden, right next to Lake Vättern, the second biggest lake in the country. We visited this lovely place in October 2023, and it felt like stepping into a storybook! Since it was off-season, the town was peaceful and quiet, which was just what we needed. We never had to worry about finding a parking spot, and there were no crowds of tourists. The fall colors made everything even more beautiful, with the leaves turning bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s the perfect destination to visit in the autumn. Take a look at the best things to do in Granna, Sweden!

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Make Your Own Polkagris – Candy Sticks

You might be wondering, what is Granna, Sweden famous for? The answer is Polkagris! These are the original candy sticks that look like candy canes, but without the curved top. The very first Polkagris was made with peppermint and had red and white stripes, just like a candy cane. This sweet treat was created by a woman named Amalia Eriksson, who started selling them to support her family and she became a successful businesswoman.

Today, you can find these candy sticks in all the shops around Gränna, and they come in many different flavors. A fun activity to do with your family is to make your own Polkagris! There’s a shop called Polkapojkarna where you can take a class to learn how to make them, using the same recipe that Amalia came up with. The price of the class depends on how many people are in your group. It’s a great experience for everyone!

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Hike Around Grännaberget Recreation Area

Grannaberget is a spot where you can see all of Granna, Sweden from up high, and the view is amazing! It’s easy to get to the top. You can park in town near Hotel Amalias Huis and start your hike from there. The trail begins near a small waterfall, and you’ll find signs along the way to help guide you. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb about 240 stairs, which look like this.

If you’d rather not climb all those stairs or if it’s too difficult, there’s also a parking lot right at the top called Parkering Grännaberget.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of Lake Vättern, Visingsö Island, and the village of Gränna. In the fall, the colors of the trees make the view even more magical. There are also many nature walks that take you through the forested hills. You can hike a loop or just wander around and enjoy the beauty of the leafy trees all around you.

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Röttle Waterfall Trail

Just a short drive from Granna, Sweden is the charming village of Röttle, one of the most beautiful spots in the area, in my opinion. This tiny town is known for its red, picture-perfect houses that are surrounded by trees that burst with color in the fall. As you stroll through Röttle, you can hear the soothing sound of the waterfall that flows right through the center of town. The village is also home to two historic mills, Rasmus Mill and Jerusalem Mill, which help create its old-world charm. Exploring Röttle feels like stepping back in time. My kids especially loved playing in all the leaves that lined the forest floor. 

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Hike To The Top Of Tegnér Tower

One hike that surprised us with how much we enjoyed it (despite my oldest son having a tantrum the entire way up) was the trek to Tegnér Tower. This easy trail takes you through a forest covered in soft, green moss, leading to a tall tower about 1.5 kilometers into the woods.

When you reach the 27-meter tall Tegnertornet, you can climb to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view that stretches for miles. If you’re in the mood, there’s also a spot at the base of the tower where you can build a fire and grill some food, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

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Visit Brahehus Castle Ruins

In the evening, you can see Brahehus Castle glowing under the lights from the road below, creating a magical sight. This ancient castle ruin, perched on a hill, is an ideal spot to explore and watch the sunset over Lake Vättern. Brahehus was originally built in the 17th century as a grand residence, but today it stands as a fascinating ruin. While our kids played tag in the castle’s interior, us adults took photos and wandered around, imagining what life was like when the castle was still in use. It doesn’t take long to visit since it is small in size, but it is a fun spot to visit in Granna, Sweden. 

The parking lot is located across the highway that runs next to Brahehus Castle. Parking is free and there is a tunnel that runs under the highway to reach the castle safely. In addition, there is a picnic table area with a playground near the parking lot and public toilets. 

Explore Visingsö Island

If we had more time, one activity we wish we could have done during our visit to Granna, Sweden, was to explore Visingsö Island. This large island, just off the coast of Gränna in Lake Vättern, makes for a fantastic day trip.

There are many things to do on Visingsö, but one of the best activities is renting bikes and cycling around the island to take in the beautiful scenery. You can also visit another historic castle ruin or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride.

If you happen to be there during the second weekend in September, don’t miss the Harvest Festival on Visingsö Island. Local farms open their doors, inviting guests to enjoy their harvest and purchase fresh products.

Getting to Visingsö Island is easy with a ferry that runs frequently from Granna. You can book the Visingsö ferry in advance, which is recommended if you plan to bring your car. Secure your Visingsö/Gränna ferry tickets here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Granna, Sweden

When Is Fall In Sweden?

Fall in Sweden is normally from September to November with the colors really hitting their peak in October. The leaves will be at their peak at different times each year and will also depend on where in Sweden you visit. Sweden is a very large country, so the further North you go the earlier the leaves will change. 

Where To Stay In Gränna

• We stayed at an Airbnb in Uppgränna which is just north of Gränna. I would recommend it with a small family with one child. It would be a little cramped for a bigger family. It has great views and a very friendly host. 
• I would recommend looking for an Airbnb to stay in for this area. There are many options in and around Gränna while there aren’t many highly rated hotels. 
• Hotel Gyllene Uttern– A beautiful castle hotel with a beautiful view of Lake Vättern and the island of Visingsö could be a good option, however the reviews say to eat elsewhere.

Best Restaurant In Granna, Sweden 

Our favorite restaurant that we visited was Restaurant Valvet. It is located right in downtown Gränna in an intimate cave style restaurant. During lunch they offer a salad buffet that goes with any entree that you order. All of our food was extremely good. I highly recommend a visit!

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