Retro road

An Enjoyable Journey Along a Historic Route Through a Vibrant Landscape

Embark on a nostalgic journey along the Riksettan, the old main road between Helsingborg and Stockholm. Today, it’s a road where you don’t want to rush, a retro route that offers an enjoyable journey through a vibrant landscape. Here, you can experience the real Sweden and stop whenever you find something interesting. It wouldn’t be surprising to encounter classic cars like a Volvo Amazon, Ford Anglia, or an Alfa Romeo Giulia along the way.

The Riksettan stretches from Örkelljunga to Jönköping and offers many beautiful scenic spots along the way.

By Bike or On Foot

The Riksettan runs on paved roads with speeds of up to 90 km/h. Instead, choose to cycle along the former railway embankment between Värnamo and Hamneda on the Lagadalsleden, which runs largely parallel to the Riksettan. If you prefer to walk, follow the Pilgrimsleden Nydalaleden, which runs between Nydala and Markaryd.

Tips Along the Way

Here are some tips on what you can discover in Ljungby municipality along this historic route:

Stop for a Bite to Eat: There are plenty of Småland taste experiences along the way. How about the fish smokehouse Bolmen Fisk, Gästgivaregården on Ljungby’s old square, cheesecake at Sussies café, or gourmet food at Toftaholms Manor.

Local Flea Market or Småland Decor?: Near Hamneda is the picturesque flea market Annas Kuriosa, and in Lagan, you’ll find Slussens second-hand where you can take a break in the pilgrim garden. In Lagan, you can find bargains at Täckfabriken or at Solabergs decor.

Tales and Legends: At Ljungby’s old square is the Sagomuséet, where you can listen to stories and legends that have been passed down through generations. Along the Riksettan, there are several legendery sites to stop at.

Feel the Wings of History: Along the Riksettan, you’ll find everything from burial fields and rune stones to old churches and castles. Stop and marvel at the passage of time.

Stay Overnight: Along the Riksettan, there are plenty of parking spaces to stay overnight at, Kattugglans parking space, Prästgården Berghem, Fridtuna farm, Lagans GK.

The History of the Riksettan

The Riksettan, which was once one of Sweden’s most important roads, has a rich history that stretches back to ancient times. This historic route, which runs along the Lagan river in Ljungby, has been a central thoroughfare and has played a crucial role in Ljungby’s development. From the Stone Age to today, the Ljungby area has been inhabited by people, and along the Lagan, a rich cultural landscape has grown. In ancient times, the first paths were created in the valley, leading to the development of Lagastigen, one of the most important roads of the Middle Ages in Sweden. This road has since been developed and expanded through the centuries. The first hunters came via the river when the inland ice retreated. On the road along the river, troops marched, and both kings and highway robbers traveled. In the 17th century, the road became even more important when postal service was introduced and inns were established to provide food and lodging for travelers.

In 1945, the road was named Rikshuvudväg 1, “Riksettan” and was so named until 1962, when the name was changed to E4. Today, the Riksettan is a road that winds parallel to the E4 from Jönköping in Småland to Örkelljunga in northern Skåne.

Take a Tour on the Riksettan

The road passes beautiful lakes and the Lagan river during the approximately 200-kilometer-long journey. It’s a journey that not only enriches with knowledge of the past but also with beautiful views and a sense of being part of history. You pass pleasant cafes, archaeological sites, and cozy hotels. Whenever you feel like it, you can interrupt the journey on the Riksettan and instead travel much faster (albeit a bit more boring) on the E4 motorway.

So get in the car, take it easy, and enjoy the journey along the Riksettan. It’s not the destination that’s the goal, but the journey.