Guidebook for Minbacke
Sightseeing
Things to see
Just nearby. Approx 15 minutes to walk and you can see it from Minibacke.
The current tower was built in 1958 with an extension of the two top floors in 1960. Earlier there was an old tower, located nearby, which was built in 1878-80 and demolished in 1923.
The tower is Kronoberg's county-only outlook tower. It is 25 meters high and the top floor is 258 meters above sea level.
Up in the tower you have a magnificent view. In clear weather you can see ten church towers: Tolg, Asa, Tjureda, Söraby, Gårdsby, Berg, Ormesberga, Hornaryd, Nottebäck and Växjö Cathedral.
The tower contains a rural museum with many unique objects.
It's open at weekends 12-18 in the period May-August. In July it's open every weekday between 13-16. 20 SEK entrance fee. Kids under 10 free.
If not open, you can call +46705593363 or +46703994182 to get access.
Nykulla Observation Tower
Just nearby. Approx 15 minutes to walk and you can see it from Minibacke.
The current tower was built in 1958 with an extension of the two top floors in 1960. Earlier there was an old tower, located nearby, which was built in 1878-80 and demolished in 1923.
The tower is Kronoberg's county-only outlook tower. It is 25 meters high and the top floor is 258 meters above sea level.
Up in the tower you have a magnificent view. In clear weather you can see ten church towers: Tolg, Asa, Tjureda, Söraby, Gårdsby, Berg, Ormesberga, Hornaryd, Nottebäck and Växjö Cathedral.
The tower contains a rural museum with many unique objects.
It's open at weekends 12-18 in the period May-August. In July it's open every weekday between 13-16. 20 SEK entrance fee. Kids under 10 free.
If not open, you can call +46705593363 or +46703994182 to get access.
Vartorps mill is located 7 km north of Rottne, at the Mörrumsån outlet in Övrasjön. The old fine stone building from the 1860s is completely renovated and fully functional. It is owned by the municipality of Växjö.
The mill is driven by a water wheel of the same dimensions as it had 1860-1930, (4.65 m wide and 5.30 m in diameter). A refurbished roller mill with associated feed and sight systems is used for the grinding. What is today is wheat, rye and spelled. The mill is an approved food producer.
Vartorps Kvarnförening, has since 2009 been entitled to use the mill and its purpose is to preserve the mill and show its function, by grinding good-quality flour. Once a month, it's an open mill.
Vartorps kvarn
Vartorps mill is located 7 km north of Rottne, at the Mörrumsån outlet in Övrasjön. The old fine stone building from the 1860s is completely renovated and fully functional. It is owned by the municipality of Växjö.
The mill is driven by a water wheel of the same dimensions as it had 1860-1930, (4.65 m wide and 5.30 m in diameter). A refurbished roller mill with associated feed and sight systems is used for the grinding. What is today is wheat, rye and spelled. The mill is an approved food producer.
Vartorps Kvarnförening, has since 2009 been entitled to use the mill and its purpose is to preserve the mill and show its function, by grinding good-quality flour. Once a month, it's an open mill.
Åby sluice was built in 1887 and celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2017. Slussen was part of the effort to expand shipping on Helgasjön, by linking the lakes upstream with Helgasjön. There were plans for more locks both upwards and downwards in the lake, but of this there was nothing implemented. So Åby is the only lock in the lake system. Slussen is also Sweden's southernmost lock.
Åby sluss
Åby sluice was built in 1887 and celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2017. Slussen was part of the effort to expand shipping on Helgasjön, by linking the lakes upstream with Helgasjön. There were plans for more locks both upwards and downwards in the lake, but of this there was nothing implemented. So Åby is the only lock in the lake system. Slussen is also Sweden's southernmost lock.
Under Hultaklint, at Lädja north of Berg, you will find Singoalla's cave. What forms the cave is an almost ten meter long shaft in the mountain plateau with a boulders above and there is formed a narrow passage. The corridor is open in both directions and holds the seat height.
The mountain Hultaklint lies 290 m above sea level, has views in three directions and up to 5 mils range. Rest area with table, benches and trash cans. Here is the end of Viktor Rydberg's novel about the love story between the knight Erland Moon Shield and the gypsy girl Singoalla. Rydberg was, at a young age, an informant at Berg Manor and was fascinated by the romantic cave.
Hultaklint
Under Hultaklint, at Lädja north of Berg, you will find Singoalla's cave. What forms the cave is an almost ten meter long shaft in the mountain plateau with a boulders above and there is formed a narrow passage. The corridor is open in both directions and holds the seat height.
The mountain Hultaklint lies 290 m above sea level, has views in three directions and up to 5 mils range. Rest area with table, benches and trash cans. Here is the end of Viktor Rydberg's novel about the love story between the knight Erland Moon Shield and the gypsy girl Singoalla. Rydberg was, at a young age, an informant at Berg Manor and was fascinated by the romantic cave.
Hörnebo slate is mentioned as one of Sweden's most beautiful open pit. Here, roof slate was broken and the mining was as intense in the latter half of the 19th century. To the bottom of the two shafts is a tunnel embedded in the rock. In the mine, every summer musical performance and illuminated mine are arranged. Local artists are mixed with experienced musicians.
8 locals recommend
Hörnebo slate quarry
Hörnebo slate is mentioned as one of Sweden's most beautiful open pit. Here, roof slate was broken and the mining was as intense in the latter half of the 19th century. To the bottom of the two shafts is a tunnel embedded in the rock. In the mine, every summer musical performance and illuminated mine are arranged. Local artists are mixed with experienced musicians.
Kronoberg's castle ruin is located on the shore of Helgasjön and was originally a bishop's castle. Nils Dacke was the rebel who many associate with Kronoberg. Dacke's uprising was defeated and the castle was instead built out by Sweden's King Gustav Vasa and his sons as an important part of defending the border with Denmark. At this time, Blekinge, Halland and Skåne belonged to Denmark. By the end of the 17th century, these landscapes had become Swedish and the function of the castle was no longer to defend the border. Instead, stone was removed from the castle to build houses with inside Växjö.
7 locals recommend
Kronobergs slottsruin station
Kronoberg's castle ruin is located on the shore of Helgasjön and was originally a bishop's castle. Nils Dacke was the rebel who many associate with Kronoberg. Dacke's uprising was defeated and the castle was instead built out by Sweden's King Gustav Vasa and his sons as an important part of defending the border with Denmark. At this time, Blekinge, Halland and Skåne belonged to Denmark. By the end of the 17th century, these landscapes had become Swedish and the function of the castle was no longer to defend the border. Instead, stone was removed from the castle to build houses with inside Växjö.
The history of Kleva Gruva began in 1691 when a poor watchman from Skede took a walk up to the top of Kleva mountain and saw something that glittered like gold. The glittering stone was sent off for analysis, but the result showed that it contained too low a gold content. However, there was a relatively large proportion of copper in the ore (about 0.5%) and therefore a company was formed and the mining operation began a few years later.
25 locals recommend
Kleva Mine
1 Kleva GruvaThe history of Kleva Gruva began in 1691 when a poor watchman from Skede took a walk up to the top of Kleva mountain and saw something that glittered like gold. The glittering stone was sent off for analysis, but the result showed that it contained too low a gold content. However, there was a relatively large proportion of copper in the ore (about 0.5%) and therefore a company was formed and the mining operation began a few years later.
Food Scene
Fine dining, restaurants and other places to eat.
Asa Herrgård dates back to the 17th century, is located in the heart of the quiet forest, 10 km east of Lammhult by the northern point of the 120 km long lake system.
The manor’s history stretches back to the middle ages and the farm has been in several noble families of possession. In the old days it was said Asa have the most beautiful forests in the whole Småland.
During the summer they host a café and restaurant with a Sweden/Småland kitchen that uses organic and local products such as fish from Åsnen and crayfish from the lake of Asa.
https://www.asaherrgard.se/
6 locals recommend
Asa Herrgård
1 AsaAsa Herrgård dates back to the 17th century, is located in the heart of the quiet forest, 10 km east of Lammhult by the northern point of the 120 km long lake system.
The manor’s history stretches back to the middle ages and the farm has been in several noble families of possession. In the old days it was said Asa have the most beautiful forests in the whole Småland.
During the summer they host a café and restaurant with a Sweden/Småland kitchen that uses organic and local products such as fish from Åsnen and crayfish from the lake of Asa.
https://www.asaherrgard.se/
A Swedish restaurant serving small plates from cuisines across the world. A mix of burgers, dumplings and paella, yummy desserts and colourful drinks. The restaurant has extravagant décor in fabulous colours. The guests book tables, order and pay in an app.
https://www.pinchos.se
Pinchos
10 KlostergatanA Swedish restaurant serving small plates from cuisines across the world. A mix of burgers, dumplings and paella, yummy desserts and colourful drinks. The restaurant has extravagant décor in fabulous colours. The guests book tables, order and pay in an app.
https://www.pinchos.se
Grilleriet Burgers Växjö
4 KungsgatanThe best burger in town!
https://grillerietburgers.se/vaxjo/
Great pizzas! 10 minutes by car.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rottne-Pizzeria/107967322617471
Rottne Pizzeria
19 JonsgårdsvägenGreat pizzas! 10 minutes by car.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rottne-Pizzeria/107967322617471
One of the best restaurants in Sweden. Just 20 minutes away.
http://www.pmrestauranger.se/sv/
19 locals recommend
PM & Vänner
10 VästergatanOne of the best restaurants in Sweden. Just 20 minutes away.
http://www.pmrestauranger.se/sv/
Shopping
Where you can buy things you can't find elsewhere
Grand Samarkand
32 HejaregatanA big shopping mall in Växjö.
A very popular flea market about 20 minutes away by car. Open all Sundays 12-18 between April- September.
https://ostregard.se/
14 locals recommend
Östregårds antik och loppmarknad
A very popular flea market about 20 minutes away by car. Open all Sundays 12-18 between April- September.
https://ostregard.se/
Most of the best. Svenssons has a carefully selected range of furniture and interior details from well-known brands and the best designers of our time.
Furniture for both the inside and outside of the home. And, of course, the interior details that stands out.
https://www.svenssons.se/
6 locals recommend
Svenssons i Lammhult
4 JönköpingsvägenMost of the best. Svenssons has a carefully selected range of furniture and interior details from well-known brands and the best designers of our time.
Furniture for both the inside and outside of the home. And, of course, the interior details that stands out.
https://www.svenssons.se/
A big outlet with furniture, glass and clothes. Approx 45 minutes away by car.
36 locals recommend
Kosta Outlet
77 Stora VägenA big outlet with furniture, glass and clothes. Approx 45 minutes away by car.
A secret place. 600 square mtrs filled with antiques.
https://www.facebook.com/brottsahemmet/
http://www.brot.se/brottsahemmet
Brottsahemmet
A secret place. 600 square mtrs filled with antiques.
https://www.facebook.com/brottsahemmet/
http://www.brot.se/brottsahemmet
Drinks & Nightlife
Bars and nightlife nearby.
The Bishops Arms
6 KungsgatanA nice place to just sit and relax. Have a big assortment of different beers.
A very nice restaurant in the centre of Växjö. Guide Michelin-awarded fine dining but also have a lounge restaurant and a roof-bar.
19 locals recommend
PM & Vänner
10 VästergatanA very nice restaurant in the centre of Växjö. Guide Michelin-awarded fine dining but also have a lounge restaurant and a roof-bar.
A cosy place (bar and restaurant) with great food and a very special homefeeling.
12 locals recommend
Kafé de luxe
SandgärdsgatanA cosy place (bar and restaurant) with great food and a very special homefeeling.
Nature, bath or just relaxing places
Nice places to just spend time, bath, relax and enjoy.
A beautiful and relaxing place. Down by the lake you can bath and grill. Just 15 minutes walk from Minibacke.
http://nykulla.se/
Nykulla
A beautiful and relaxing place. Down by the lake you can bath and grill. Just 15 minutes walk from Minibacke.
http://nykulla.se/
A nice bathing place in an untouched and magically beautiful surroundings. Approx 15 minutes by car.
Asa socken
A nice bathing place in an untouched and magically beautiful surroundings. Approx 15 minutes by car.
Stockeviken Badplats
A nice bathing place at Helgasjön
Skälsnäs
A great place to bath
The "Sigfridsleden" (Sigfrids trail) is a part of the pilgrim route from Trondheim to Spain. It runs from Knapelid in the south to Asa in the north. From Minibacke you have about 300m to the trail and can from there choose to hike south or north. The trail works well for hiking, but also for bikes.
https://naturkartan.se/sv/vaxjo/sigfridsleden
Knapelid bilparkering
The "Sigfridsleden" (Sigfrids trail) is a part of the pilgrim route from Trondheim to Spain. It runs from Knapelid in the south to Asa in the north. From Minibacke you have about 300m to the trail and can from there choose to hike south or north. The trail works well for hiking, but also for bikes.
https://naturkartan.se/sv/vaxjo/sigfridsleden
Entertainment & Activities
Activity places...
Växjö Golf Club
Araby HerrgårdA fantastic golf course. http://www.vaxjogk.se/
Glasrikets Golf Club
FyllerydsvägenA nice golfcourse nearby. https://www.glasriketsgk.se/
Ramkvilla Golfklubb
3 TorpvägenA golfcourse 9-holes. 25 mins by car. http://www.ramkvillagolf.com/
Alvesta Golfklubb
A nice golf course approx 20 minutes by car. http://www.alvestagolf.se/
At the canoe center you can rent canoe, kayak, rowing boat and camping accessories.
Nordländer is a good starting point if you plan to paddle Värendsleden that goes from Lake Asa down to the hill. Here you will also find Sweden's southernmost lock, which is more than 100 years old. One can book lock with canoe.
Nordländer Kanotcenter
2 SlussvägenAt the canoe center you can rent canoe, kayak, rowing boat and camping accessories.
Nordländer is a good starting point if you plan to paddle Värendsleden that goes from Lake Asa down to the hill. Here you will also find Sweden's southernmost lock, which is more than 100 years old. One can book lock with canoe.
Arts & Culture
Lidekvarn is the area at Mörrumsån, which is the border with Tjureda. Here, there have previously been sawmills, mills, stamping and power plants, the latter is still in operation.
The area is marked with cultural heritage and you can read on the sign:
"From an industrial-historical point of view, the hydropower at Lidekvarn has since the 17th century been of great importance to the parishes of Tolg and Tjureda. The site has been the center of milling, sawmills and stucco work. Among many other activities there was a short period of tannery."
Lidekvarn station
Lidekvarn is the area at Mörrumsån, which is the border with Tjureda. Here, there have previously been sawmills, mills, stamping and power plants, the latter is still in operation.
The area is marked with cultural heritage and you can read on the sign:
"From an industrial-historical point of view, the hydropower at Lidekvarn has since the 17th century been of great importance to the parishes of Tolg and Tjureda. The site has been the center of milling, sawmills and stucco work. Among many other activities there was a short period of tannery."