This lakeside town on Lake Vättern is known for its red and white striped candy canes, made by local confectioners since 1859. Small wooden houses line its cobblestone streets.
Gränna sits on Lake Vättern's eastern shore, where candy makers pull and twist red-and-white polkagris candy in street-front workshops along Brahegatan. The town's red wooden houses line streets that climb up Gränna Mountain, and the Grenna Museum tells the story of Swedish polar explorer S.A. Andrée. From the harbor, boats depart to Visingsö island with its oak forests and 12th-century castle ruins.
Making of Polkagris
In 1859, Amalia Eriksson, a widow supporting her daughter, received permission to make and sell peppermint sticks. Now, twelve candy makers work along Brahegatan street, pulling and twisting hot sugar mass into striped candy sticks. You can watch them work throughout the day as they create both the original peppermint flavor and newer varieties with fruit, chocolate, and licorice.
Exploring Gränna Mountain
A stairway of 243 steps near Gränna Church leads to the summit of Gränna Mountain. The viewpoint overlooks Lake Vättern, Visingsö island, and the rocky slopes of Östra Vätterbranterna biosphere reserve. Stop at the mountain café before walking the additional 1.5 km trail to Tegnér Tower. The tower stands 351 meters above sea level, and you can climb its 144 steps to the viewing platform.
Streets and Architecture
Three parallel main streets form the town center, laid out in 1652. Brahegatan runs through the middle, with Sjögatan following the lake shore and Bergsgatan climbing the hillside. Red and yellow wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries line these streets. During summer, rose gardens bloom in the front yards along Bergsgatan, giving you clear views across the town and lake.
Visiting Visingsö Island
Ferries depart from Gränna's harbor to Visingsö island throughout the day. The 14-kilometer-long island contains oak forests planted for the Swedish navy, farmland, and the stone foundations of Näs Castle from the 12th century. Rent a bicycle at the ferry landing to explore the island. In summer, ferries run every hour from 6:00 to 22:00, with reduced service in winter.
Getting to Gränna
Gränna lies 291 kilometers from Stockholm and 186 kilometers from Gothenburg along the E4 highway. Buses connect to Jönköping every 30 minutes, with the journey taking 30-45 minutes. The closest airport is in Jönköping. If you're driving, stop at the viewpoints of Gyllene Uttern and Brahehus, located at rest stops north and south of town, for views over Lake Vättern.
