What to do on Visingsö - 12 tips for Vättern's largest island

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | Visingsö is a very special island in the middle of Lake Vättern, with a wonderful mix of rural tranquility, beautiful nature and exciting history. We took our electric bikes on the ferry from Gränna and set out to discover the island's castle ruins, old churches and other attractions.

Visingsö – an idyllic island in Lake Vättern

According to legend, Visingsö was created by the giant Vist, who threw a tuft of grass into Lake Vättern so that his wife could get home from Västergötland to Småland. In reality, the island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has played an important role in Sweden's history. Today, Visingsö is a popular excursion destination, with charming houses, farms, grazing animals and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Here are our best tips on what to experience on the island!

Getting to Visingsö

Visingsö can be reached by ferry from Gränna. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and the ferry runs regularly all year round. Tickets can be purchased at the port or digitally, and if you want to bring a car or camper, you should book a parking space in advance.

It is also possible to travel across on foot or by bike, and it is significantly cheaper than bringing a vehicle. Since we were visiting Visingsö for the day, we chose to leave the camper at the parking lot in Gränna harbor and bring our electric bikes on the ferry.

1. Discover Visingsö by bike

Visingsö is perfect for exploring by bike. There are small roads through the rural landscape, and the distances between the sights are just right for a bike trip.

We brought our own electric bikes, but you can also rent bikes near the ferry terminal. It's a great way to get around, with the option to stop when you spot something interesting.

2. Ride a horse-drawn carriage

One of the most classic experiences on Visingsö is riding a remmalaag, a horse-drawn carriage with long benches. The tradition dates back to the late 19th century and is still a popular way to experience the island.

Remmalagen starts from a place just above the ferry terminal, and the tours go through the beautiful oak forest. During the trip you will also hear stories about Visingsö and its history. We chose to discover the island by bike, but for those who want to take it easy and enjoy the landscape from a horse-drawn carriage, Remmalagen is a nice alternative.

3. Fascinated by Visingsborg Castle ruins

Right next to the ferry terminal is the Visingsborg Castle ruin, one of the island's most impressive historical sights. The castle belonged to the powerful Brahe family and was expanded into a magnificent complex during the 16th and 17th centuries.

During the Great Northern War, the castle was used as a prison for prisoners of war. On the night of 22–23 December 1718, a fire broke out that destroyed large parts of the building. According to historical research, the fire started when non-commissioned officer Johan Rasch lit his pipe. The soldiers tried to put out the fire, but were unable to control it.

Today, an impressive ruin remains, reminding us of the castle's dramatic history. Nearby, you can also see the so-called Russian Barns, which were built in the 18th century.

4. Admire the Brahe Church and its ceiling

Brahe Church dates back to the Middle Ages, but was rebuilt in the 17th century as the castle church for Visingsborg. The church is known for its magnificent Baroque interior and beautifully painted ceiling.

Unfortunately, the church was closed when we visited Visingsö, so we had to content ourselves with admiring it from the outside. If you have the opportunity to go inside, it is above all the richly decorated interiors that make the church special.

5. Discover Näs Castle Ruins

At the southern tip of Visingsö lie the remains of Näs Castle, one of Sweden's earliest royal castles. The castle was built in the 12th century and played an important role during the early Swedish monarchy.

Several Swedish kings lived here, and there are stories of a royal treasury. The castle was destroyed in connection with battles for royal power in 1318. The ruin itself is quite small, so don't expect a large castle. But the place is historically exciting and also has a nice location by Lake Vättern.

6. Walk or cycle in the oak forest

One of Visingsö's most special natural experiences is the large oak forest. Oak trees began to be planted here in the 1830s, with the idea that the wood would in the future be used for the Swedish navy's warships. The planning was long-term, to say the least! By the time the oaks were ready for use, the navy had long since switched to other materials, and the trees were left standing.

Today the oak forest is a lovely area to walk or cycle through. There is also an impressive silver fir here which is marked with signs. In our picture you can see Peter at the foot of the tree. Even though we used a wide angle, we didn't manage to get the whole tree in the picture!

7. Enjoy the view from Kumlaby Church

Kumlaby Church was built in the 12th century and is largely preserved from the Middle Ages. However, in the 17th century, a rather unusual change was made: the upper part of the church tower was removed and replaced with a platform for astronomical observations.

It's a different story, and the tower also offers a nice view of Visingsö and Lake Vättern. Unfortunately the church was closed when we were here, but during parts of the year visitors can go up the tower. Keep in mind that opening hours vary and that the tower may be closed in case of rain.

8. Discover Visingsö's ancient history

Visingsö has been inhabited for a very long time, and the island has plenty of traces of people who lived here long before the kings and castles of the Middle Ages. Among other things, you can visit the Northern and Southern Graveyards, where there are a large number of burial mounds and other ancient remains.

We also looked at an ancient rock coffin, a burial structure made of large stone slabs that was used thousands of years ago. It's fascinating to think about how long people have lived and thrived on this island!

9. Get nostalgic at the Nostalgia Museum

If you like old gadgets and environments, you should definitely stop by the Nostalgia Museum. Here you will find a wonderful mix of objects from the past, everything from kitchen equipment and clothing to vehicles, radios and old professional environments.

When we got here, the door was open, and we could walk around and look at all the nostalgic things. Right next door is also a charming old BP gas station that has been restored to its 1950s appearance. It is almost worth a visit in itself! It is free to visit the museum, but anyone who wants to can make a voluntary contribution.

10. See art in Tempelgården

Tempelgården is one of Visingsö's more unusual attractions. Here is a temple-like building that was built in 1913 at the initiative of theosophist Katherine Tingley, in connection with an international peace congress. Today, the place is associated with Visingsö artist Olle Krantz, whose art can be experienced both in the building and in the surrounding park.

Unfortunately, the facility was closed when we arrived, but we were still able to see the special building from the outside. The Tempelgården is open seasonally, so be sure to check opening hours before visiting.

11. Meet the alpacas

One of the most charming experiences during our bike ride was a spontaneous encounter with a group of alpacas. We stopped to look at them, and the curiosity turned out to be mutual. We wanted to look at the alpacas, and the alpacas seemed just as interested in looking at us!

Alpacas are camelids from South America, and the ones we met were incredibly cute and curious.

For those who want to get closer to the animals, there is also the opportunity to book alpaca experiences on Visingsö. Among other things, Gladhytt offers guided alpaca encounters and walks with the animals.

12. Visit the Russian Cemetery

Another special and somewhat sad place on Visingsö is the so-called Russian Cemetery. During the Great Northern War, around 2,000 prisoners of war were held on the island, mainly Russians captured during Charles XII's campaigns. Many of them died in captivity, and according to historical records, over 200 people were buried here.

Today, the cemetery lies quietly in the forest. It is a place that reminds us of a dark part of Visingsö's history and of the people who were never allowed to return home.

Accommodation and camping site on Visingsö

If you want to stay longer on Visingsö, there are several different accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, hostels and cottages.

For those traveling by motorhome, there is also Visingsö Ställplats, near the ferry terminal. Here there are pitches with electricity and access to services such as toilets, showers and fresh water. The pitch is open all year round and can be booked in advance.

If you plan to bring your camper to the island, it is wise to book your ferry seat well in advance, especially during the summer.

More to do near Visingsö

• Things to do in Gränna
• Husqvarna museum
• Things to do in Jönköping
• Matchstick Museum in Jönköping