Activities
Art, Design, and Museums
Discover Småland’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Culture and History Near Hestraviken
Around Hestraviken, there are numerous cultural and historical attractions worth visiting. From groundbreaking design and art to fascinating industrial history and craftsmanship – all within a short driving distance.
Contemporary Art and Design
Vandalorum
Art, Design, Gardens, and Great Food
Located in Värnamo, Vandalorum is an impressive art and design center designed by the world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, famous for the Centre Pompidou and Parco della Musica. Here, you can explore international exhibitions and permanent collections from the Småland Art Archive.
After immersing yourself in art, take a stroll through the inspiring garden, a space that harmonizes with Vandalorum’s architecture and offers a moment of tranquility. Be sure to enjoy a meal or coffee at Restaurant Syltan, where seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients enhance your visit.
Distance: About 35 minutes by car
Open: Daily
Discover the Magic of Glass
Glasets Hus in Limmared
Glassblowing, History, and the Absolut Bottle
Discover the fascinating history of glass in Limmared, from 18th-century glass artistry to modern design. Glasets Hus tells the story of Limmared’s glassworks, Sweden’s oldest still in operation, and the production of the iconic Absolut bottle, which is made here. Visitors can also try glassblowing and create their own glass objects. Afterward, relax in Glasets Hus café and restaurant, offering delicious food and homemade pastries in a unique setting.
Distance: About 25 minutes by car
Open: Every day except Mondays
Furniture Design
Möbelriket and Design in Värnamo
Källemo and Bruno Mathsson
Värnamo is a central location in Swedish furniture and design history, home to two significant design institutions:
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Bruno Mathsson Center: A must-visit for design enthusiasts. Here, you can experience the work of world-famous furniture designer Bruno Mathsson, whose timeless and functional furniture has become iconic worldwide. The center provides insight into his design philosophy, material choices, and innovative techniques that have shaped Swedish furniture design.
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Källemo: Known for its boldness and quality, Källemo creates furniture that merges art and function. Their showroom in Värnamo displays both modern and classic works that stand the test of time and shifting trends. Källemo is a tribute to uncompromising craftsmanship and enduring design.
Did you know that Hestraviken also features Källemo’s design furniture? You’ll find their elegant chairs in our restaurant, meeting rooms, and hotel rooms – part of the carefully curated experience we offer.
Distance: About 35 minutes by car
With these two unique design destinations, Värnamo is an inspiring excursion for anyone who appreciates furniture artistry and Swedish design tradition.
Historic Machines in Action
Industrial Museum in Gnosjö
Hyltens Industrial Museum, Gnosjö
Located in the heart of Gnosjö, Hyltens Industrial Museum showcases a complete metal goods factory from the 1920s. Here, you can witness machines and tools still powered by water energy, providing a vivid insight into the region’s industrial growth. The factory once produced everything from simple household items to advanced metal products and is now a unique place to experience past technological innovations in action. A visit here is like stepping back in time to understand how the famous “Gnosjö spirit” emerged and developed.
Distance: About 15 minutes by car
Töllstorp Industrial Museum in Gnosjö
A unique site where you can experience Småland’s industrial heritage in an authentic setting. The museum features a historic wire-drawing factory, metal goods production, and other workshops still powered by water energy – just as they were in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Here, you gain insight into how the renowned “Gnosjö spirit” evolved, with small family businesses utilizing natural resources to create high-quality products. Working machines and water wheels bring history to life in an engaging way.
Distance: About 10 minutes by car from Hestraviken
A perfect excursion where you can combine industrial history with nature experiences in the scenic Töllstorp area.
Avstånd: Ca 10 minuter med bil från Hestraviken
Perfekt som en utflykt där du kan kombinera industrihistoria med naturupplevelser i det natursköna Töllstorpsområdet.
A Journey Through Plastic, Rubber, and Leather
Gislaved’s Industrial Museum
Gislaved’s Industrial Museum tells the story of the town’s significant role in Sweden’s industrialization. Housed in the town’s oldest industrial building from 1893, the museum offers a fascinating insight into Gislaved’s development as a center for plastic, rubber, and leather manufacturing.
Explore exhibitions that showcase the journey of products – from raw materials to finished goods like tires, rubber boots, and leather products. Machines, tools, and unique collections tell the story of innovations and manufacturing techniques that put Gislaved on the map.
The museum also provides a lively depiction of the work and people behind these successful industries. With interactive features and detailed exhibitions, it’s a place that engages both technology and history enthusiasts.
Distance: About 20 minutes by car from Hestraviken
Gislaved’s Industrial Museum is an inspiring destination that showcases the region’s proud industrial heritage – a must-visit for the curious traveler!
