A waterside walk that takes you from the small village of Ulvö along the old railway embankment, which is now a footpath and cycleway. The tour leads to the northern loop on Toftåsa marsh in Åsnen National Park, with its scent of wild rosemary. Here the path is narrow and winding with occasional footbridges. The walk is approx. 6 km and goes past the rest area that has Åsnen’s most beautiful view of unspoilt nature.
Ulvö is an old station community through which the old railway once passed. Today it’s a footpath and cycleway, Banvallsleden, which you’ll occasionally follow on your route. It’s a nice place to swim, rest and have a picnic. There’s also a basic toilet by the car park. This is the start and end of the walk. If you would like to make the route longer, you can instead choose to start and end at the entrance to Trollberget in Åsnen National Park, which Banvallsleden also passes. This extends the walk to 11 km. From Ulvö you go south, following the sign that points you towards the swing bridge and the Water Sprite’s Bath (Svängbron and Näckens badkar)!
The Swing Bridge
Here you pass a historic swing bridge. The bridge, which dates back to the second half of the 19th century, used to pivot and was manoeuvred manually to allow the steam boat traffic that was once a common sight in Åsnen to pass.
THE WATER SPRITE’S BATH
The Water Sprite’s Bath, the Christening Stone – the names vary! But it’s easy to imagine the water sprite taking a relaxing bath here between engagements in darker waters!
Rest area with a view
Rest area with a magical view of one of the most pristine areas in Åsnen. On early spring mornings, if you’re in luck, you may hear the black-throated diver call between the islands. There is a barbecue area and a basic toilet here. Remember to bring your own firewood and good judgment if you’re going to light a fire. This barbecue area is basic and must not be used when there is a general prohibition on lighting fires.
THE NORTHERN LOOP TOFTÅSA MARSH, ÅSNEN NATIONAL PARK
Directly across from the rest area, you turn left onto the northern loop of Toftåsa marsh, part of Åsnen National Park. The route is signposted and follows winding paths, sometimes across footbridges, through marshes and beautiful pine forests. In the spring you may hear cranes and black grouse. The loop is 1.6 km and may require waterproof shoes if there’s been a lot of rain!
When the path re-joins Bandvallsleden, you take a right and return to Ulvö.
Trollberget, Åsnen National Park
Trollberget offers a wonderful mosaic of nature. The exposed primary rock with its cracks and crannies is said to hide the trolls’ treasure. The dragonflies hover over calm bays and the legends that surround the area are many. Wide, easy paths and narrow forest tracks awaken the inner child and wanderlust in most. Shelter from the weather, barbeque areas and toilets make for a comfortable visit!
A tasty coffee is the icing on the cake!
Bring coffee or lunch with you into nature or visit a café along the way! Check the opening times carefully in autumn, winter and spring – they can vary. Many open for Easter, others in May. Weekend opening is common in the spring, which is then later extended to all days.
Huseby Bruk
Elisabeths Trädgård Restaurang & Café at Huseby Bruk offers local delicacies, often based on seasonal ingredients found in the kitchen garden. Home-baked goods, sandwiches and lunches are available to eat in or take away! Season opening at Easter.
If you’re coming from the south, a stop at Ålshults Kulturcafé can be a nice option. An attractive mix of shop, café and restaurant. Season opening at Easter.
Amy’s Café is next to Åsnen beach on Sirkön. Homemade sandwiches, crumbles, curd cakes and more. Amy’s farm shop, approx. 300 m north of the café, is always open for self-service. Season opening 2 April.
Getnö Lake Åsnen Resort is located on an island that borders the national park. You can order a picnic hamper from Lantcaféet to take with you on your hike!
Farmors Gårdsbod sells homemade chocolate creams, ice cream flavoured with berries from the farm, seasonal berries and green and other local produce for you to take with you. Open all year round.
Café in the old country store and food truck right next door. Homemade cookies, sandwiches and light lunches in the café. In the food truck, street food is served exactly as it should be, straight from the grill, hearty and familiar.
Fill your picnic hamper with wonderfully tasty, locally produced delicacies. Artisan food for Swedish ‘fika’ with self-service, more substantial barbecue adventures or quick coffee breaks with ice cream. During summer the waffle and ice cream food truck in the garden offers ice cream and hearty waffles with various toppings. They offer take-away coffee and tea.
