Gemla: Toymaking Tradition, Trails and Folk Park

Gemla combines an unusual toy-making tradition with literature, cycling trails and a variety of opportunities for walks. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for a trip catering to different interests will find both cultural points of interest and trails through forests, across meadows and near Lake Gemlasjön. The short train journey from Alvesta and Växjö also makes getting there easier.

Discover Toymaking Tradition and Literature

The Gemla Toy Museum is housed in the “undantagsstugan” at Gemla Hembygdsgård. The site represents an uninterrupted tradition of toy manufacturing that began with the founding of the first factory in 1866 and continues to this day. Gemla Hembygdsgård also documents the life and work of writer and Nobel laureate Pär Lagerkvist.

These two themes give your stay a clear cultural focus: you can explore the local history of toymaking while also making a connection with literature. Guided tours of the Gemla Toy Museum and talks about Pär Lagerkvist are available for groups of 4 to 50 people. This is particularly interesting if you would like to combine your trip with a guided cultural activity.

Cycling and Trails of Different Lengths

A 36-kilometre cycling tour takes you through Gemla and its surroundings. It passes through the areas where Pär Lagerkvist spent his childhood and offers views over the Helige å river and the embanked meadows. Those who want to combine culture and landscape by bicycle have a longer, clearly defined tour for planning a day out.

For shorter routes, the illuminated Gemla elljusspår is available. It is approximately 1.3 kilometres long. Additional turn-offs from Leksaksvägen and Folkets park extend the illuminated trail to approximately 1.6 kilometres. Since April 2021, twelve signs for Aktivitetsrundan – puls och styrka have been located along the Gemla elljusspår.

Lake Gemlasjön and the Folk Park

The Gemlasjöspåret trail passes near Lake Gemlasjön, which is known for its diverse birdlife. The trail alternates between forest paths and country roads. The changing trail surfaces and proximity to the lake complement the more culture-focused activities with an idea for a nature-oriented outing.

Gemla Folk Park is about 1 kilometre from the railway station and is easily reachable on foot. It has two stages, including a larger outdoor stage with several benches in front of it, as well as a large dance floor. For travelling by train, this location provides a clear point of reference. Gemla is easily accessible from Alvesta and Växjö; the train journey takes only a few minutes. When looking for holiday accommodation, you can therefore consider whether proximity to the cultural attractions described, the trails or the train connections should take priority for your trip.

More Experiences and Destinations

Stocköparken has a cableway, a balancing course, a table-tennis table, a trampoline and a modernised football pitch with new goals. In addition to the museum, literature, cycling and walking trails, this provides a separate park area for active breaks. If you would like to combine different daily rhythms, Gemla thus offers several clearly distinct reasons for planning a trip there.

If you would like to explore destinations beyond Gemla, you can find Ingelstad, Uråsa, Ör, Växjö, Dädesjö, Ryd, Åryd and Rottne here as additional places to consider in your search.

To the main travel overview: Växjö.