Stora Lund is relatively small but beautiful nature park along Vattern lake, 2nd largest lake in Sweden. It has interesting history, terrain as well as nature. It used to be military training area and one of the military buildings on the cliffs now serves as rest spot and shelter. The area is popular for hiking, swimming, fishing and diving.
You can visit Stora Lund on foot by following Ostgotaleden trail, which is long distance trail going through various villages, cities and nature parks of Sweden. The trail is well marked.
More information about Stora Lund reserve HERE
More info about Ostgotaleden trail and this specific section HERE
GETTING THERE
Stockholm – 350km (3h 50min)
Gothenburg – 210km (2h 15min)
Helsinborg – 300km (3h)
By car: Park anywhere in Odeshog or Hastholmen. I would recommend parking in Odeshog for the best loop experience.
By public transport: Take bus to Odeshog center.
Camper/ Van overnight stay:
Paid – Ödeshögs Skidklubb, low cost campsite with showers. Right on the Ostgotaleden, add about 2km one way to your hike. Alternatively cycle to Odeshog center and park your bike there. More information HERE
Free – Petrol station area, Rastplats Östgötaporten. It is possible to stay for few hours or even overnight.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
Navigation is relatively easy, the loop is not an official loop but it is very easy to follow. Start in Odeshog by following Ostgotaleden trail which goes right through Stora Lund reserve. The trail is very well sign posted in this section, also in the village. Follow orange stripe or stickers on poles or other landmarks. At some turns also sign posts with distance are available.
From Hastholmen look for bike path leading straight back down to Odeshog.
More info about Ostgotaleden trail and this specific section HERE
TRAIL DETAILS
ODESHOG TO HASTHOLMEN
Start anywhere in Odeshog and follow the trail signs for about 4km. Enjoy easy flat road along fields. Once you reach the coast of the lake Vattern, you start approaching the Stora Lund reserve and the terrain will get harder. The trail in the reserve is very beautiful but more technical uneven terrain over rocks. This section is medium difficulty, take care in wet conditions as the rocks might be slippery. You will pass several pastures with free grazing cows. After over 2km there is resting spot/shelter in ex-military building with nice view on the lake.
HASTHOLMEN TO ODESHOG
Once you reach Hastholmen, I recommend visiting the marina area with lighthouse, there are also facilities and refreshments (during opening hours) available for purchase. I also recommend visiting Hästholmens hällristningsområde, which are beautiful carvings in a stone. From there it is very easy to find bike path towards Odeshog. This is straight easy flat path thought fields, going about 5km back to Odeshog.
ORRNASSLINGAN
This is 9,6km loop staring and finishing in Odeshog, the first 4km are shared with Ostgotaleden but instead of going towards Stora Lund, head south along the lake Vattern. I have not completed this loop, but seemed to be also well marked.
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: Minimal tree coverage in Stora Lund, rest of the trail is along open fields. Sun protection recommended.
Geocaching: There are several geocaches, mostly in Stora Lund. Two full Adventure labs, one in the reserve and another in Hastholmen.
Dogs: It is possible to the trail with a dog, but not recommended. Dog must be leashed. Note that you will pass open pasture area with free grazing cows. Note that you will also pass several ladders over electric fences between some of the pastures.
Shoes recommendation: Best completed in hiking or trail running shoes with good profile.
Hiking poles: Not necessary, but might be useful for the reserve area.
Trail running: Majority of the loop is on flat roads/bike paths, technical terrain in the nature reserve with couple of ladders, but it is possible to be ran. Be mindful of other visitors and free grazing animals.
FACILITIES
There are some facilities along the way, they are clearly marked on the map.
Restrooms: Public restroom Stora Lund bath place and at Hastholmen
Restaurants: At Odeshog and Hastholmen
Shops: ICA supermarket at Odeshog, small refreshments at Hastholmen at museum at the marina
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed the hike on Tuesday. I had cloudy and very windy conditions. The trail was completely empty, I have not met any hikers at all, but I suspect the weather was the main factor. I expect the trail to be busy during weekend, especially in nice weather. I run into some cows on the trail, they were curious and wanted to approach, I managed to avoid them.
