Located in southern Sweden, this small town has a long furniture-making tradition and a popular lake beach. The 1950s water tower is now a climbing wall.
Head to Tranås in southern Sweden’s Jönköping County to experience music events, sports matches, and lakeside areas. Storgatan, the main shopping street, has shops and cafes. Look for the crane symbol on buildings and signs, part of the town’s coat of arms. You’ll hear live music throughout the year, from the Tranås musikkår wind orchestra to punk rock bands like The Bombdolls. Catch a Tranås AIF ice hockey game or watch golfers play at Tranås Golfklubb’s 18-hole course. In June, the Tranås at the Fringe festival takes over cafes, streets, and theaters with performances.
Live Music and Festivals
Tranås received Sweden’s "music municipal of the year" award for its commitment to performances. The Tranås musikkår wind orchestra, started in 1934, includes members aged 15 to 90. During summer, the eight-day Tranås at the Fringe festival hosts over 100 acts in spaces like hotel lobbies and parking lots. Local punk band The Bombdolls, known for energetic shows, frequently perform across Sweden and Germany. Festival dates usually fall between late June and early July—check their official site for exact schedules.
Sports Facilities and Outdoor Areas
Tranås AIF’s ice hockey team plays Division One matches at their home rink from September to March. Football fans can watch Tranås FF compete in regional leagues. Tranås Golfklubb’s 18-hole course stays open April through October, with greens trimmed twice weekly. Lake Sommen, 12 kilometers north, freezes solid enough for ice skating most winters. Holavedsskolan high school borders Holaveden forest, where marked trails suit hikers and cyclists year-round.
Industry and Historical Businesses
Tranås once had several fur production businesses, but only Tranås Skinnberedning remains today, specializing in machine-washable sheepskins. The outdoor equipment brand Stiga began here in 1934, producing sleds and lawnmowers. Factories like Strömsholmen and EFG (European Furniture Group) employ many residents. Wood House, a table tennis blade manufacturer, operates a 3,000-square-meter facility near the train station. Free buses connect the town center to industrial sites every 20 minutes on weekdays.
Schools and Famous Locals
Tranås Utbildningscentrum trains students in healthcare, construction, and IT through vocational programs. Holavedsskolan is the local high school, with 500 students attending annually. Speedway champion Ove Fundin, born here, won five world titles between 1956 and 1970. NHL player Simon Holmström and PGA Tour golfer David Lingmerth grew up in Tranås. Author Dénis Lindbohm and TV presenter Johanna Westman frequently participate in local cultural events.
Visiting Tips and Transport
Tranås follows Central European Time, shifting clocks forward on the last Sunday of March. Jönköping Airport (55 km west) and Linköping Airport (75 km east) handle domestic and limited international flights. Free blue buses circle the town center from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays. For festival tickets or schedules, email [email protected] or visit the Tranås at the Fringe site. Lake Sommen’s public swimming areas open from May to September, with canoe rentals available daily.
