Ingelstad – Lake, History and Trails

Lake, Trails and a Multifaceted History

Ingelstad combines experiences in nature by the water with an exceptionally long local history. The southern end of Torsjön reaches into the centre of Ingelstad, while the Skyeån flows through the cultural landscape behind the school. Anyone wishing to combine nature, activity and historical discoveries on a trip will find a range of options here for both active and more relaxing days.

At Torsjön, the promenade runs along the western shore and features a playground, benches and a bathing area. There is also a floating jetty, a toilet and changing rooms at Sikabacken. The bathing area is accessible with a pram, and a 1.3-kilometre illuminated fitness trail starts there. This combination makes the area appealing to travel groups who want to spend time by the water while also planning short walks for exercise or a break outdoors. Canoeing takes place on Torsjön and the Skyeån.

Ingelstad also offers specific starting points for longer tours. Between Sikabacken and the centre, Smalspåret runs along Torsjön as an asphalted greenway. Smalspåret is also part of the Sydostleden long-distance cycle route, which runs between Växjö and Simrishamn. Glasbergsstråket has a gravel walking and cycling path that runs along the entire greenway. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between a loop around the lake, a ride on a cycle path or time at the bathing area, without limiting your trip to just one activity.

Historical Traces in and around Ingelstad

The history of the area goes back a long way: the Ingelstad–Torsås–Torsjö area has been continuously inhabited since the Stone Age, and traces of several eras can be seen in the landscape. Particularly striking is Inglinge hög, an Iron Age burial ground in Ingelstad with around 130 ancient monuments. Inglinge hög is considered Småland’s largest burial mound; the largest mound has a diameter of 37 metres and is 6 metres high. Every year, a full-day festival is held at Inglinge hög in memory of King Inge.

The Church of Östra Torsås is also part of the area’s historical orientation. It was built in the 1840s in the Neoclassical style and inaugurated in 1852. The church stands on the southern edge of Ingelstad, where country roads cross. The cemetery of Östra Torsås has a thousand-year history. At Bosagården, traces of a house foundation and garden plants are still visible today. This makes it possible to experience the past not only through individual buildings, but also through traces in the landscape and archaeological sites.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Trip Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ingelstad, it is worth first deciding on your preferred pace of travel. Those focusing on water, swimming and short periods of exercise can consider Torsjön and Sikabacken as key reference points when planning their trip. For those interested in culture, Inglinge hög, the Church of Östra Torsås and the area’s historical traces are the main attractions. Those who prefer to stay active can include Smalspåret, Glasbergsstråket, canoeing or Prästabacken in winter. Prästabacken is Ingelstad’s ski and toboggan slope, with a tow lift.

The waters around Hanefors also add to the natural landscape: they were restored in 2019–2020, and since then there has been a flowing watercourse bordered by wetlands and forest. Ingelstad therefore offers various themes for planning a trip, without every holiday day having to look the same.

For comparing other destinations, you can also view Uråsa, Växjö, Braås, Lammhult, Åryd, Värends Nöbbele, Ör and Rottne.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Växjö.