This small Swedish town is known for its annual rock festival which ran from 1986 to 2010. Its railway museum displays vintage locomotives and carriages from the 1800s.
Hultsfred, a town with approximately 5,600 residents in southern Sweden, attracts visitors with music events, natural areas, and rural history. Walk through settlements connected by old railways in the municipality, or learn about the Hultsfred Festival, a rock event that hosted international bands for nearly three decades. Sharp and Shallow Lake, known for its cold water and muddy bottom, remains a local swimming spot—musician Ward Hayden once called it “stabbing cold.” Forests typical of Småland surround the town, dotted with small farms and museums displaying traditional tools and crafts. Whether you come for a summer concert or a quiet day by the water, Hultsfred’s straightforward character makes it memorable.
Attend the Hultsfred Festival’s Legacy Events
The Hultsfred Festival ran from 1986 to 2013, drawing crowds to Lake Hulingen each June with performances by bands like The Killers and Roxette. Fans set up tents in fields near the lake, forming a lively gathering of music lovers. Though the main festival no longer exists, cafes in town still display posters and photos from past events. Smaller concerts and community-led music nights occasionally take place in summer, echoing the festival’s energy. Visit the old festival grounds to see where stages once stood, or ask locals about their favorite memories.
Swim or Kayak in Sharp and Shallow Lake
Sharp and Shallow Lake’s cold water and soft mud bottom divide opinions—some locals swear by its benefits, while newcomers often gasp at the temperature. The lake’s shallow depth makes it safe for children, though the mud can cling to your legs. Rent a kayak on the eastern shore to paddle through narrow passages between reeds, or relax on the grassy banks with a picnic. In July, the Mud Run challenges participants to crawl and sprint across the lakebed, leaving shoes caked in sludge. Wear footwear you don’t mind discarding afterward.
Explore Farming and Forestry History
Three museums near Hultsfred highlight Småland’s rural past. Hultsfreds Gammelgård, a 19th-century farmstead, exhibits wooden tools, spinning wheels, and handwoven textiles. On weekends, staff sometimes demonstrate blacksmithing or butter-making, and you can try these skills yourself. The Silverdalen museum focuses on forestry, with exhibits on loggers’ daily lives and charcoal production methods. If you visit in late June, join midsummer activities like dancing around a flower-decorated pole or crafting wreaths from wildflowers.
Walk or Bike Through Småland’s Woodlands
Pine and spruce forests cover much of Hultsfred Municipality, with trails leading past glacial boulders and old quarries. The 8-kilometer Silverleden trail includes signs explaining how ice-age movements shaped the landscape. From August to September, look for lingonberries and chanterelles growing near mossy clearings. Early risers might spot moose feeding near trails at dawn. Rent a bike in town to pedal gravel roads to nearby villages, including Lönneberga, known for its connection to the fictional character Emil from Swedish children’s books.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Trains on the Stockholm-Kalmar line stop in Hultsfred, making it easy to reach without a car. The closest airports are in Växjö (90 minutes by road) and Kalmar (75 minutes), both with rental car services. Buses run regularly to Virserum for grocery shopping or pharmacy needs. Stay at campgrounds by the lake or in town hotels housed in 19th-century buildings—reservations are essential in June and July. Most museums cost less than 100 SEK to enter, with reduced prices for children and seniors.
