Top 20 Lakes around Växjö
Best lakes around Växjö are central to the region's identity, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Växjö is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, reflected in the well-maintained urban and surrounding lake areas. The area features a mix of city-adjacent lakes, expansive natural lakes, and those within a national park setting. These bodies of water provide varied experiences, from urban recreation to wilderness exploration.
Best lakes around Växjö
- The most popular lakes is West Side of Hissö Island, a lake that features a nature reserve with hiking trails and an old beech forest. The island offers many swimming and picnic possibilities along the water.
- Another must-see spot is Toftåsa Myr Nature Reserve, a natural monument with a raised bog partly covered with trees. Visitors can expect an almost 400-year-old pine forest with a primeval forest character, home to various bird species.
- Visitors also love Getnö Gård – Lake Åsnen Resort, a lake resort located directly on Åsnen. This location is a natural waterway into Åsnen National Park, easily accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak.
- Växjö is known for urban lakes, expansive natural lakes, and national park lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from centrally located city lakes to large, protected areas like Åsnen National Park.
- The lakes around Växjö are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 220 photos shared.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
West Side of Hissö Island
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The island has several hiking trails and a nature reserve with a 150 to 200 year old beech forest. There is a very old hollow oak. Large parts of the planted spruce forest that existed on the island fell during Storm Gudrun in 2005. The Hissö boat club has its harbor at the southern end. There are several barbecue areas with dry bags along the coast of the island. At the northern end of the island there are two dog bathing areas and a jetty to Musön.
The island is largely owned by the Swedish real estate agency, with the exception of a private property with four buildings northwest of the bridge to the mainland. The property is called Marieberg and the house was built at the end of the 19th century. Today's beautiful house was rebuilt according to old original drawings when the house burned down on January 8, 2005 when Sturm Gudrun was in charge. On the island there is a small nature reserve with an old beech forest. There are no buildings on Hissö or Musön on the 1725 map.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the island was north of today's bathing spots at the northern end, meadows and meadows belonged to the Stora Nybygget farm, which was also used by Stora Musön and Äppleön. On the west side of Hissö there were also pastures and meadows about 200 m south of Stora Nybygget's land.
Source: sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiss%C3%B6
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Getnö Gård – Lake Åsnen Resort
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Bjurkärr Nature Reserve, Åsnen National Park
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So, in 1955, Mary Stephens at the Torne farm donated the Bjurkärr peninsula to the Swedish Forestry Agency on the condition that it be protected as a natural monument. This was done by decision of the district administration council in 1960. When the Nature Conservation Act came into force in 1964, the area was automatically converted into nature reserves due to its size. Since the protection resolution from 1960 was very brief and did not contain any regulations for the public, the district administrative council decided on a new basis for decision-making, new regulations and created a management plan in 1989. This decision included regulations prohibiting access to birdlife in the southern part of the peninsula. The nature reserve was expanded in 2001, doubling the land area of primarily deciduous forest. In 2019, parts of Bjurkärr and the surrounding water areas formed Åsnen National Park.
Bjurkärr is a nature reserve in Kronoberg county in Småland on the border between the two municipalities of Växjö and Alvesta and the municipalities of Kalvik and Skatelöv on the Hössö peninsula, about 3.5 km south of Växjö. The Hössö peninsula adjoins the municipality of Urshult in the south. Bjurkärr, along with the adjacent and medieval commons of Sundet, is one of two connections to Åsnen National Park, alongside Sunnanbron (the northern Sirkö bridge between Hössöhalvlön and Sirkön), which was inaugurated by Crown Princess Victoria on May 25, 2018.
The reserve is located on its own peninsula in Lake Åsnen with deciduous forest including beech, oak, hazel and birch. The peninsula is home to the famous Karolin prawns, which are believed to have come from Polish acorns brought there by a Swedish Caroline in the early 18th century.
Source: sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bjurk%C3%A4rr
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Musön Island
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Toftåsa Myr Nature Reserve
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Source: norrarydscamping.com/naturschutzgebiet-toftasa-myr
Most of the former Toftåsa myr nature reserve was transferred to Åsnen National Park in 2018. Only 2.5 hectares of pine swamp forest are left in the nature reserve. The pine swamp forest is one of the pine-dominated marginal forests that surround the moor.
Source: lansstyrelsen.se/kronoberg/besoksmal/naturreservat/toftasa-myr.html
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The parking lot is divided into a small front and a large rear section. The toilet block is located at the northern end of the rear section. Two large information boards provide information about the national park and its flora and fauna. Also worth mentioning are the dedicated bicycle parking spaces.
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Beautiful hiking trail, wonderful piece of earth🤙
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A really small island, great for switching off 🤙
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Nice place to rest
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Simply fantastic to hike through this enchanting nature under a bright blue sky. Always along the water, nature trails and wooden stairs, the many stones and rocks.... This wonderful nature, I love it 😍
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A really close-to-nature campsite off the beaten track and therefore very nicely located. Access via a 7 km long 'blind end' road. But this driveway through the lakes is already very beautiful. The Åsnen lake region has been a national park since 2018.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for hiking and nature walks around Växjö?
For excellent hiking and nature experiences, consider Helgasjön, particularly around West Side of Hissö Island. It features a nature reserve with hiking trails through old beech forests and offers many swimming and picnic spots. Another great option is Åsnen National Park, home to the Bjurkärr Nature Reserve with its ancient beech and oak forests, and Toftåsa Myr Nature Reserve, known for its nearly 400-year-old pine forest.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities in the Växjö area?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Växjösjön, located centrally, has a popular 4.5-kilometer walking and cycling path suitable for all ages. Helgasjön is also very family-friendly, with areas like Evedal offering a bathing beach and adventure golf. West Side of Hissö Island on Helgasjön provides hiking trails, swimming, and picnic possibilities. For a nature-focused family trip, Åsnen National Park offers extensive opportunities for canoeing and exploring its diverse ecosystem.
What historical sites can be found near the lakes?
The most notable historical site is the ruins of Kronoberg Castle, a 15th-century fortress dramatically located on an island in Helgasjön. This offers a fascinating glimpse into Växjö's medieval past.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Växjö?
The lakes around Växjö are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, and swimming at Växjösjön. Helgasjön and Åsnen are excellent for bathing, boating, and fishing. For more structured activities, explore the many cycling routes around the region, including those featured in our guides for Road Cycling Routes around Växjö and Cycling around Växjö. There are also numerous Running Trails around Växjö, including routes around Lake Växjö itself.
Which lakes are best for fishing?
Helgasjön is highly favored for fishing, boasting a rich fish population including perch, pike, and zander, and even an old stock of trout. Further afield, Åsnen is renowned as one of the largest fishing lakes in southern Sweden, abundant with pike, perch, zander, and eel, making it a prime destination for anglers. Norra and Södra Bergundasjön also offer fishing opportunities.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching around the lakes?
Yes, the lakes around Växjö are excellent for birdwatching. Växjösjön's shores are home to species like the great crested grebe and common reed bunting. Helgasjön is a significant area for birdlife, with over 100 species regularly found, including internationally important populations of common guillemot and osprey. Åsnen National Park, particularly areas like Toftåsa Myr Nature Reserve, hosts rare birds such as black grouse, cranes, ospreys, and black-throated divers.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Växjö?
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June-August) is ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying the beaches, with warmer water temperatures. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery for hiking and cycling, with fewer crowds and vibrant foliage. Winter can be picturesque, with opportunities for ice skating on frozen lakes, though conditions vary.
Are there any accessible trails or facilities for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, within Åsnen National Park, the Bjurkärr Nature Reserve offers wheelchair-accessible parking and toilet facilities, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Where can I find accommodation or camping near the lakes?
For camping and accommodation directly on a lake, Getnö Gård – Lake Åsnen Resort on Åsnen is a popular choice, offering a nature campsite and a quiet, relaxing holiday experience. On Helgasjön, the Evedal area also provides a campsite and other recreational facilities.
Can I combine running and swimming (swimrun) at any of the lakes?
Yes, Trummen, in conjunction with Växjösjön, is well-suited for swimrun activities. Their close proximity and urban accessibility allow for combinations of running and swimming distances within the city.
What makes Åsnen National Park unique among the lakes?
Åsnen National Park stands out as one of Sweden's newer national parks, encompassing a vast area of water, islands, and ancient forests. It's unique for its extensive biodiversity, including rare birds and old-growth forests like those in Bjurkärr Nature Reserve and Toftåsa Myr Nature Reserve. It offers an immersive wilderness experience for hiking, canoeing, and fishing, providing a tranquil escape amidst beautiful Småland forests.
Are there any dog-friendly areas around the lakes?
Yes, on Helgasjön, the West Side of Hissö Island has dedicated dog bathing areas at its northern end, making it a great spot to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion.
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