Länsmansleden, Långaryd

Difficulty level: 80% of the trail is easy. Good terrain and no steep hills. The detour to the northeast features a longer incline and a hike along a scenic forest path, making that part moderately difficult.

Accessibility: Most of the trail follows roads, except for the detour to the northeast.

Hike in the homeland of Sheriff Anders Jönsson

A 5.3 km hiking trail in the homeland of Sheriff Anders Jönsson, Långaryd. The trail winds along village roads through beautiful nature. Along the way, you pass historic farms, legendary sites, and the ruins of cottages.

You can choose to start your hike either in Höljeryd or in Ekhult. The trail winds along village roads in beautiful nature. Along the way, you pass old historic farms, legendary sites, and the ruins of cottages. There are arrows marking the sites so you won’t miss visiting them. Boxhall and Kungsveka Berg are exciting spots that are ideal for a picnic. In fact, the trail is also suitable for cycling, except for the dashed section on the map. On this part, you’ll need to either push your bike or ride along the main road instead.

Places to discover along the trail:

1. Höljeryd. The ancestral home of the Långaryd family, where Sheriff Anders Jönsson and his family lived and worked. The farm used to have a mill and sawmill, and after the sheriff’s time, two hand papermills. A power plant was built in the 1930s. You can read more about the history on the information signs at the farm.
2. Bommen. The ruin of a cottage, also called Strömdals, which belonged to Boxhult Farm. It was built in 1840 and was inhabited until the 1940s. The cottage was later moved to Boxhult Farm, where it is now located right by the roadside.
3. Boxhall. A large erratic boulder with a strange stone formation on top. According to legend, a giant stood atop the stone, broke off, and threw five large stones toward Unnaryd’s church to silence the church bells. However, he missed the bells. Those who are agile and brave can climb up on the stone.
4. Fällan. This was the location of the Fällan cottage under Boxhult from 1815–1908. The cottage’s well can be seen by the roadside. Nearby, you can spot traces of the old Häradsvägen (district road).
5. Boxhult Farm. An ancient farm that was originally a crown farm. Over the years, many craftsmen and their families have lived on the farm. In 1874, the farm was bought by J.A. Larsen from Kerteminde on Funen. He often visited the farm with his family, and his son, the famous artist Johannes Larsen, was inspired by the area for many of his works.
6. Magnhilda's Fold or “Strykgärnet” (Ironing Stone). A site for a cottage or small cabin whose history is not yet known. The name “Strykgärnet” comes from the shape of the meadow.
7. Väghållningsstenen (Road Maintenance Stone). On the old road between Höljeryd and Strömhult, there is a stone marking the boundary for the villages' responsibility for road maintenance.
8. Kungsveka Berg. According to legend, there is a stone-paved path leading into the "mountain halls" from a narrow entrance now covered by fallen stones. If you want to visit this spot, which is ideal for a picnic, follow the red plastic markers.
9. Vekadal. The ruins of a cottage under Kungsveka village, whose history remains unexplored. The village’s name is said to come from a king who camped here long ago and allowed his troops to rest in the meadow area near Jällunden and Bergsjön’s outlet.
10. Karlslund, also known as "Hagen" (The Enclosure).The ruins of a house and cellar, with a large flat stone bearing the inscription: “I N.G. 1830.33.” The identity of the person who made the inscription is unclear. The site is not directly on the hiking trail but can be reached by taking the green-striped forest path.

Långaryd – The World’s Family Homeland

Långaryd is located in a beautiful cultural landscape along the old travel route Nissastigen. Historically, Långaryd was an important center for craftsmanship and trade, and there is a memorial stone at the old market place. Långaryd is in the province of Småland but belongs to Halland County. Here, you have forests, lakes, and nature right at your doorstep.

The name "The World’s Family Homeland" comes from the fact that the world’s largest documented family, the Långaryd family, originates here. Tracing back from the oldest known family member, researchers have found over 250,000 descendants and in-laws. The family is now spread across the globe. In Långaryd, traces of the family’s origins can still be found.

To learn more about the area check out Woods of Halland https://www.hylte.se/visit-hylte/woods-of-halland