Jönköping - Kaxholmen, Franciskusleden, S:t Birgitta Ways

Jönköping is the perfect place to start a week-long hike to Vadstena along the Saint Birgitta Ways. Begin your journey in Jönköping at one of the churches that welcome and send off pilgrims; Kristine Church or St. Francis Catholic Church, where there are Franciscan brothers. (Visible on the map as a church)

Read more here:

www.franciskusleden.se

www.ostravatterbranterna.se

www.svenskakyrkan.se/jonkoping

Here, the Saint Birgitta Ways follow the Franciscan Trail, which is marked with red and white stripes and/or the Saint Birgitta Ways symbol. The markings can be sparse in some places, so keep an eye on the digital map. Follow Norra Strandgatan to cross the railway via the underpass and reach the lakeside promenade along Lake Vättern. At the end of the beach, continue up the stairs to Flädergatan. Keep left and continue on the path through the forest to reach the Rosenlund Cliffs and then down the stairs to Sannabadet. Take Särla Road and turn left onto Burgatan, then follow the foot and cycle path along the shore between Lake Vättern and the motorway. After crossing the Huskvarna River, continue along the water. Do not cross the motorway via the footbridge. Instead, cross the motorway via the underpass at Brunnstorp Farm. This is a perfect stop for lunch or a snack. Don't miss the beautiful path through the fruit tree gene bank. Then, leave the vicinity of Lake Vättern and walk through a beautiful rolling landscape with orchards. If you have the energy, take the route via Vista Kulle and enjoy the view. It is a bit steep in some sections.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE:

An alternative route to Kaxholmen is via the John Bauer Trail. It’s a bit more challenging but very scenic. Choose the John Bauer Trail at Brunnstorp Farm and follow it to Gestra. Then, leave the trail and follow the road or nature paths to Kaxholmen Landsjö Church.

(aug 2024)