This small Swedish town in Småland has a 12th-century stone church, active speedway racing culture, and is surrounded by dense pine forests and clear lakes.
Vetlanda, a town of 13,000 residents in southern Sweden's Jönköping County, sits among the South Swedish highlands. You'll find medieval stone churches, active sports venues like the Vetlanda Motorstadion, and walking trails through pine forests. The town's elevation at 250 meters above sea level creates distinct seasonal changes, from snowy winters to mild summers.
Getting to Vetlanda
You can reach Vetlanda by train from Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö - each journey takes about 3-4 hours. The nearest airport is in Växjö, 50 kilometers away. Local buses run every hour to nearby towns like Eksjö and Nässjö.
Sports Scene
Watch bandy matches at Vetlanda BK arena from October through March. The local team has won three Swedish championships (1986, 1991, 1992) and one European Cup. From April to September, you can see speedway racing at Vetlanda Motorstadion, where the home team has won eleven Swedish championships. Races typically happen on Thursday evenings.
Manufacturing and Industry
Walk through central Vetlanda and you'll see the town's industrial heritage. The Holsby wood processing plant produces furniture components, while the Hydro aluminum factory creates specialized metal parts. These factories, dating from the 1800s, still employ many local residents.
Climate and Landscape
Summer temperatures in Vetlanda reach 21°C, perfect for exploring the surrounding pine forests and granite outcrops. Winter brings temperatures of -6°C and reliable snow cover from December through February. The hiking trails around town range from 3 to 15 kilometers, with marked paths leading through forest and past small lakes. The best time for outdoor exploration is from late June to mid-August, when daylight extends past 10 PM and temperatures stay mild.
