3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
About a 200-mile drive south of Stockholm
When to go
Preferably in the summer
Minimum stay
A few hours
Gränna (Sweden)
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Marlène Viardot
Practical information about Gränna
Reviews of Gränna
A rural town on the edge of Lake Vättern, Gränna unmasks some beautiful examples of traditional architecture, all made of wood.
My suggestion:
The city of polkagrisar, a type of mint-flavoured sucker with red and white stripes. You can't visit Gränna and not try this local speciality.
Summary:
Located at the edge of Lake Vättern, the tiny town of Gränna (with about 2000 inhabitants) was one of the first towns to be guaranteed city status in Swedish registers, which says a lot about the history of the place. Today, Gränna is especially famous for its wonderful wooden houses that make up its town centre, which is surprisingly lively for a place this size.
The city proved be a beautiful Swedish stop for me, especially because of its location at the edge of the lake. However, I don't recommend spending more than half a day there, although the surrounding nature gives you the chance to go for some beautiful walks. In short, it isn't an essential stop on a trip to Sweden, but it is a nice rural destination.
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@flickr cc Allie_Caulfield
A small picturesque town, located on the shores of huge Lake Vättern. This is where polkagris, the twisted colourful sweet that you see hooked onto the Christmas tree in illustrated children's books, was born.
My suggestion:
Taste these famous sweets and plunge right back into childhood! Go down and take a look at the lake's harbour and lounge about on the shores in summer or walk on its frozen surface in winter!
Summary:
A very quaint village, Gränna particularly owes its livelihood to the fame of its confectionery and you can even catch a glimpse of it being made through the plate glass windows of some workshops. It is interesting, but you are really spoilt for choice: polkagris shops are in tough competition with one another! There is practically nothing else on the high street, trying to outdo each other for shapes and colours with which to attract those with a sweet tooth.
Rather crowded in summer, as it is located on Sweden's busiest trunk road, I visited Gränna in winter, a time when tourism is not at its peak. I was thus able to discover another facet of Sweden, more simple and appreciated by the locals.
On the other hand, it really is very, very cold here! In fact, the temperature stopped me from making the most of the place, despite the fine weather. A good cup of hot chocolate set me right, but I think I will come back when it gets a little warmer!
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Udo Schröter
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Marlène Viardot
