Over four days, you will explore the area between Lake Vättern and the forests of Tiveden – a landscape with glittering lakes, deep forests and interesting history and culture. This is a tour for you who wants to combine great biking, fascinating scenery and enjoy welcoming accommodations and delicious meals along the way.
Your cycling adventure begins in the charming lakeside town of Askersund and leads you straight into the deep forests of Tiveden, all the way to the historic village of Tivedstorp with its Finnish heritage. From there, the journey continues toward the dramatic landscapes of Tiveden National Park, where you can swap the saddle for hiking and explore rugged trails on foot.
The route follows quiet backroads past Lake Fagertärn, famous for its rare red water lilies, before reaching Olshammar on the shores of Lake Vättern, a place shaped by history and closely linked to both Verner von Heidenstam and Saint Bridget of Sweden.
On your final day, you have the chance to visit the beautiful Stjernsund Castle before riding back to Askersund, completing the loop. Along the way, cozy accommodations and delicious meals add comfort and reward to every stage of the adventure.
Read more about the adventure further down!
Tour Information
This four-day self-guided cycling tour takes you through the forests of Tiveden and along the northern shores of Lake Vättern in southern Sweden. You ride on quiet gravel roads and small country lanes, combining nature, history and local food. The tour is suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy varied landscapes and peaceful surroundings.
Tour Facts
- Distance: approx. 140 km
- Duration: 4 days
- Surface: Gravel roads and quiet asphalt roads
- Level: Moderate
- Luggage transfer as add-on
- Self-guided tour
Day 1: Bike tour to Tiveden – 40 km
Your cycling adventure begins in Askersund, a charming small town at the northern tip of Lake Vättern. In summer, the harbour is full of life. Take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoy an ice cream, and browse the small stalls selling local crafts. Across the water, you can see Stjernsund Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Sweden, which you will have the chance to visit on the final day of your trip.
From Askersund, you head west. After about 10 km on pleasant gravel roads, you reach Kullängsstugan, a well-preserved timber house from the late 17th century. It is not open to visitors, but the peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for your first break.
The ride continues past farms, small villages and forest lakes where you can stop to rest, dip your feet in the water or enjoy a picnic. You are now in Tiveden, the southernmost Finnish forest area in Sweden, known for its wild nature, old legends and dramatic history.
In the afternoon, you arrive at Tivedstorp, a historic settlement where Finnish pioneers settled in the 1600s. Here you check into one of the charming houses and unwind in the quiet surroundings. In the evening, a well-deserved dinner awaits, with a focus on local and vegetarian ingredients.
Day 2: Around Tiveden – 40 km
Today you explore the heart of Tiveden. The route takes you through deep forests, past large rock formations and along quiet lakes and small tarns. After breakfast, you pack your lunch and cycle about 5 km towards Tiveden National Park. On the way, you pass the steep cliffs of Stigmanspasset, once known as a place where travellers risked being robbed.
At the main entrance to Tiveden National Park, you can stop to learn more about the area’s plants and wildlife. If you would like to go for a hike, there are several marked trails to choose from, including the popular Stenkällerundan.
From here, you continue cycling along Lake Stora Trehörningen on pleasant gravel roads, passing Ösjönäs and heading towards Sannerud by Lake Unden. After about 12 km, you reach Tived Church. Follow the small road into Sannerud where you will find a local grocery shop, perfect if you would like to buy something extra. The final 10 km back to Tivedstorp follow an asphalt road that gently climbs away from the lake. Back at your accommodation, dinner is waiting. If you still have energy left, you can cycle to Vitsand beach for an evening swim before settling in for a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: From Tiveden to Olshammar – 30 km
After breakfast, you pack your lunch and leave Tivedstorp behind, cycling east towards Lake Vättern and the village of Olshammar. Today’s route follows small roads through large forest areas, offering a real sense of space and quiet.
After about 7 km, you can make a short detour to Dammtorp’s local heritage farm. Otherwise, you continue towards Lake Bosjön and the nature reserve Getaryggen, a scenic ridge formed during the Ice Age.
Part of today’s ride follows the old pilgrim route known as Munkastigen, which once connected Riseberga Abbey with Olshammar and Vadstena. Along the way, you pass Johannes’ Cave, linked to stories from the time of the cholera outbreaks in the 19th century. If you are riding a mountain bike or fatbike, you may choose forest trails; otherwise, you continue along gravel roads.
A highlight of the day is Lake Fagertärn, famous for its rare red water lilies, which bloom in July and August. Whether they are in bloom or not, the area is well worth a stop. You can walk the 2.5 km trail around the lake before enjoying your picnic lunch.
From Fagertärn, it is about 11 km to Olshammar. Here you stay at Olshammarsgården, where a two-course dinner is served in the evening. Before dinner, or the following morning, you may visit the Birgitta Church, walk down to the harbour, or see the birthplace of the Swedish author Verner von Heidenstam.
Day 4: Olshammar to Askersund – 30 km
On your final day, you start at a relaxed pace. After breakfast – and perhaps a refreshing morning swim in Lake Vättern – you cycle back towards Askersund. Most of the route follows small roads with a mix of gravel and asphalt, with only a short stretch along the main road.
Before reaching Askersund, you follow the cycle path to Stjernsund Castle. Here you have the opportunity to join a guided tour and learn more about the castle’s history. Stjernsund belonged to the Swedish Royal family until the mid 1850’s and then it became famous for breeding the Swedish red-and-white cattle. Take time to walk through the park or enjoy a coffee at the café by the water.
From here, about 7 km remain to Askersund. You cycle along a quiet gravel road by the lake, passing green pastures and enjoying views across the water. Soon you are back in the harbour where your journey began – hopefully with many new memories from your days between water and forest.
This is included
Accommodation for 3 nights (including bedlinen and towels) where 2 of these nights are at hostel Tivedstorp, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches (day 2-4), 3 dinners, entrance to Verner von Heidenstams birth room in Olshammar.
Price 6 890 SEK
Extras
City bike 450 SEK, fatbike, 1100 SEK, mountainbike 1200 SEK, e-MTB 1800 SEK
Luggage transportation 1450 SEK
and/or bike bags and bike service
Start and/or finish your tour directly at the train station in Hallsberg. Add 1-2 extra days with food and accommodation included and take the train to your bike adventure! We will meet up with the bikes at the train station and can bring some of your equipment in the car. There are several nice roads and bike routes to get to Askersund. Price 1950 SEK per day.
Olshammar
Possibility for an evening paddling or a full day canoeing or kayaking in the archipelago of Lake Vättern.
Tivedstorp/Tiveden
Add one more day for hiking or biking in Tiveden or explore this unique nature in new and different way – in a wooden canoe in one of the many beautiful lakes.
Information och booking
Reservations can only be made by phone or mail. During peak season accommodation gets fully booked very quickly so don’t wait to long to make your reservation.
Send us an email with your wishes regarding dates, how many persons you are and what kind of bikes you want to rent. We will then get back to you regarding availability.