An entrepreneurial municipality with lakes and forests on the doorstep
A magazine about living, working and leisure in Gislaved municipality
nature
family
work
1
Nature and culture
on your doorstep
Silence. Peaceful. Calm. The birds are chirping.
There’s a rustle in the bushes. A fish brushes
against the reeds. The sun is coming up and
the morning mist is lifting. Jump into the boat.
Row out a hundred metres. Stop just short of
the brushwood fish traps. Have a go with a
wobbler. Swish. Splosh. Tick, tick, tick. Was
that a bite or seaweed? Nothing happens.
Have another go. Swish. Splosh. Tick, tick,
tick. Wind it in slower this time. It tugs back.
The rod bends. The fight begins.
Living Gislaved is published by Gislaved municipality © 2015
Contact: Gislaveds kommun, 332 80 Gislaved, Sweden
Phone: +46(0)371-810 00, E-mail: livinggislaved@gislaved.se
Copy: G-byrån AB and Gislaved municipality
Translation: Teknotrans AB
Photography: Gislaved municipality, Smålandsbilder.se, G-byrån AB, Stiftelsen Isabergs­
toppen, Toppen på Gislaveds kommun, and photos of each company’s products.
Print: Elanders Sverige AB
2
STOCKHOLM
GOTHENBURG
Gislaved municipality
MALMÖ
Sweden is a large country, geographically,
almost ten times bigger than the Netherlands.
But with half the inhabitants.
Sweden is divided into 25 provinces, with Småland in the south
being among the largest geographically. In the south west of this
province lies Gislaved municipality. The area is close to the country­
side and has great residential areas, a selection of active associations and a wide representation of various different industries.
Our municipality is strategically located. You can get to three air­
ports with international destinations in 75 minutes by car: Landvetter
Airport (Gothenburg), Småland Airport (Växjö) and Jönköping Airport. There are train and bus services and several national highways serve the municipality. It is close to several major cities, such
as Gothenburg, Jönköping, Borås and Växjö.
There is a unique spirit of enterprise here and the region has
one of the highest volumes of businesses per capita in Sweden.
Established industries that are growing and constantly in need of
a well-qualified workforce are, for example, the metal, plastics
and timber industries. There is a skills shortage within material
and process development, construction and design, and within
programming and servicing of automated machinery. There are
also several rapidly growing industries, spanning environmental
technology and water treatment to tourism. The province offers
plenty of opportunities for new green industries.
There is plenty of space here . Building lots for anyone wanting
to build a house or a company. Properties for sale or rent. There is
plenty of space out in the countryside for anyone wanting to go
for a walk, pick berries and just hang out. At the beaches, in the
public pools, along the jogging trails – there’s plenty of space.
There is also room in our clubs and associations for your ideas,
your visions and your dreams to grow. And not least in the hearts
of our municipality inhabitants. Welcome to Gislaved municipality.
3
The Burggraaf family. Brent, Monique, Irza, Bob and the dog Farla.
From the Netherlands
to Sweden
It all began when they bought a house to use
as a holiday home. But thoughts of emigrating
in the long term were already at the back of
their minds. But just six months later, they’d
already made up their minds. We’re moving to
Sweden!
The Burggraaf family used to live about 20 km north of Eindhoven
in the southern Netherlands. The wife and son visited the emigration
fair in Utrecht, mostly out of curiosity. Western Småland piqued
their interest. So the family then visited the area, where they took
a guided tour and received information about the various sights,
attractions, leisure activities and types of accommodation.
4
A year’s sabbatical to begin with
“We bought ourselves a house in the country, an ordinary house.
We loved it, and after just six months we’d made up our minds.
We’re moving here!” explains Monique Burggraaf. But first we had
to sell the house in the Netherlands, which took some time. Both
Monique and her husband, Bob, decided to take a year’s sabbatical in connection with the move. “Our children were four and seven
years old at the time, and it was a major upheaval for them, leaving
their lives and their friends, starting a new school and learning a
new language,” says Bob. “We accompanied the children to their
preschool and school and then we took the SFI (Swedish for Immi­
grants) course for about six months. After that we started looking
for jobs. I had worked for Swedish company Sandvik in the Nether­
lands and was therefore familiar with Swedish business culture.
Through these contacts I found out that they were looking for an
international businessman at Isaberg Rapid in Hestra. It was a job
that was perfect for me, as I was used to speaking English in my
previous job. I am now responsible for export sales to Asia, Africa
and the Pacific region.”
Swedish school
The son, Brent, was seven years old when the family moved to
Sweden, and he had been attending school in the Netherlands for
two years. You start school at the age of four or five in the Netherlands. In Sweden, you start preschool the same year that you turn
six. After a preparatory year, you attend elementary school for nine
years. “Brent learnt Swedish quickly. After just a couple of months,
the school put on a Christmas play and Brent read out a poem in
Swedish,” his proud mother explains. When we ask Brent about
the differences between the Netherlands and Sweden he says,
“The tempo in school is slower, it’s not as strict. The classes are
slightly smaller and there are more teachers.” Monique, who is a
qualified teacher in the Netherlands herself and who in recent
years has taken up the same career in Sweden, agrees, “Swedish
schools are less results-oriented. They incorporate fun into the
teaching and make it more interesting. And most importantly of
all, they let the children be children.” Today, Monique works at the
Montessori school in Gislaved and teaches subjects such as
French, the sciences and technology. Another difference between
Swedish and Dutch schools is the lunch. In Sweden, students get
a proper hot meal, whereas in the Netherlands they have a break,
where the students either go home for lunch or have a packed
lunch with them to school. Another positive aspect is that the
music school cooperates with the main
school, so you can learn to play an
instrument, partly during school hours.
Active leisure
The Burggraaf family enjoy being out­
doors, being active and taking part in
leisure activities. Their daughter Irza
and her brother Brent enjoy skiing at
Isaberg during the winter. Brent enjoys sailing and has a Laser din­
ghy, which he sails on the nearby lakes. Bob cycles to work when he
can during the summer months and cycles in his spare time too.
He also enjoys running. Monique likes to swim, either after work at
Gislebadet, the public pool in Gislaved, or she takes a trip to Gnosjö.
She also enjoys taking their dog, Farla, out for a walk. Their daugh­
ter Irza is in the choir and both she and her brother are in Svenska
Kyrkans Unga (Swedish Church Youth group), which has a variety
of different activities. “We build dens too, both in our garden and
in the woods,” adds Irza. The family all agree that the range of social
activities is good and that the fees are low. However, the selection
is slightly poor in general. “If I’m looking for running events, there
may be one in Växjö one month and one in Halmstad the next,”
says Bob and continues, “In the Netherlands there were several to
choose from every weekend.”
The countryside, peace and quiet
We return to the reasons why the family chose to move to Sweden.
“The countryside appealed. The peace and quiet. The pace of life.
Much less everyday stress,” says Monique. “Here there is much less
traffic, fewer cars and everything feels bigger somehow,” thinks
Brent. Both Irza and Bob nod in agreement. But what about traditions? Do the family follow Swedish or Dutch traditions? Monique
answers, “A bit of a mix. The children have brought home the tradi­
tions they celebrate or observe in school, such as Lucia and the
Nobel Award Ceremony. They were completely new things to us.
But we have kept the Dutch traditions, like Sinterklaas. Another
thing we have kept within the family is the Dutch language. At
home we always speak Dutch.” “Mum and Dad can’t always find
the right word in Swedish, so it’s easier to understand if we speak
Dutch,” says daughter Irza in perfect Swedish, with a slight
Småland accent.
24
people per square
kilometre in the
municipality.
5
6
It’s 6:54 a.m. Off we go again. Am in the B hall,
working. Responsible for four machines. Quite
nice, that, moving around between different
areas of production.
7:27 a.m. The pallet is fully loaded. The automatic truck will be along soon to collect it.
8:44 a.m. The order is complete in machine
B:12. Call for Eric who is going to switch the tool.
9:23 a.m. Perhaps that’s something for me.
Being an instrument fitter. I’d better talk with
the team leader about the trainee course.
7
3,550
public
employments
BUSINESSES
LARGE AND
SMALL
The entrepreneurial spirit lives on in our area.
Many a small business that began in a garage
or a basement has today impressive, modern
facilities. There are companies of all sizes, from
one employee to hundreds.
Plastics is a major industry in the municipality and neighbouring
regions. The majority of the county’s plastics companies are located
in and around Gislaved municipality. It is home to companies that
were pioneers within plastics manufacturing in the 1940s and which
are today leaders within the industry. There is a significant metal
industry here, with everything from lathed, milled and deep-drawn
items to stamped, punched and welded. There is also a great deal
of carpentry and furniture making. This product mix has created a
unique region that is very attractive for companies to set up in and
where companies are constantly advancing through modern
technology.
World-renowned local brands
Staplers from Isaberg Rapid, gloves from Hestra and furniture from
Stolab are just a few examples of famous brands from our municipality. The Skeppshult bicycle, plastic containers from Nordiska
Plast, frying pans from Skeppshults Gjuteri and hardwood floors
from Golvabia are a few other products very familiar in most Swed­
ish homes. Every year, billions of components and items that you
come across every day are produced in our area. For example,
juice packet seals, vehicle parts, marine interiors, heating system
gaskets, cable drums, construction industry fixtures and fittings,
valves and actuators.
Forestry and land for green industries
A big part of the municipality is woodland and rural countryside,
and the green industries currently have a broad range, with every­
thing from forestry to various types of livestock farming. We also
have a large agricultural college.
Job opportunities
The mix of companies and products also provides a wide range of job
opportunities, within industry and the service, retail forestry and
agricultural sectors. Qualified jobs are available within areas like
material and process development, construction and design.
8
The private and public sectors
employ approximately 14,550
people, of whom 11,000 work
in the private sector.
(SCB 2011)
Industries under development
There is a growing tourist industry in the area with various national
and local development projects in progress. The goal for Gislaved
municipality is to double its tourist turnover by 2020. Environmental technology and water treatment are industries with major
growth potential, in light of future demands and challenges for
sustainable growth.
Retail is another developing area. There is land and property avail­
able within the municipality, for wholesale, retail and e-commerce.
Both the construction and the logistics industries are growing
fast in the region, as are IT, financial services, advertising and
marketing.
Future need for workers
Gislaved municipality is the largest employer and a wide range of
different professions are represented there. Ongoing and upcoming
retirements mean that there is a growing need for professionals such
as nurses, lifeguards, science, arts and crafts teachers, engineers
within property and technical administration, preschool teachers,
part-time firemen, quantity surveyors and structural engineers.
Companies and products
from the province
The most beautiful bicycle in
the world
Design and functionality in
the hallway
Essem Design in Anderstorp manufactures
hooks and hat shelves for public and private
spaces. Traditional products are marketed
side by side with modern classics like the
Mama hook, which was awarded the
Excel­lent Swedish Design award.
Smart storage
That’s exactly how Skeppshult describes
their Z edition bicycle, which was designed
by Björn Dahlström and has received
atten­tion and praise around the world.
Skeppshult produces bicycles with a lot
of soul, and much of the work is carried
out in their own facility.
A lot of Swedes have held Nordiska Plast
products in their hands. It could have been
a supermarket shopping basket, a food
storage container in their kitchen, a plastic
storage box in their garage or a magazine
rack in their office. Production is carried
out in Gislaved, with sales to the Nordic
countries.
Soft and comfy
Recticel in Gislaved is a major producer
of polyurethane foams for use in things
like furniture, car interiors and bedding, as
well as for filters, soundproofing and pack­
aging.
Heating and cooling – around
the world
The plate heat exchanger is used for energy
production and energy recycling, within
various different process industries. Gisla­
ved Gummi, which is one of the world’s
leading manufacturers of gaskets for plate
heat exchangers, has its development and
production in Gislaved as well as manufacturing facilities in China and Sri Lanka.
Across the seven seas
Gislaved Folie is a producer of surface
treatment materials for creating different
colours, designs and functionalities. The
materials are used to provide a decorative
finish with a variety of functions, and are
adapted according to the environment and
function of the finished product. They are
world-leading in interior surface treatment
sheeting, used in several of the world’s
best-known cruise liners and on many
cargo ships and oil platforms.
Operate and regulate
ESBE in Reftele are specialists in pivotal
control gear, actuators and mixing valves for
heating and cooling regulators in hydronic
systems. For example, ESBE’s products
are used for temperature regulation of
domestic hot water and for hot and cold
adjustments in residential central heating
systems.
9
Major demand for certain occupational groups
Industrial companies in the region surrounding Gislaved are in need of manpower from the following occupational
groups: engineers, toolmakers, plastics
industry setters, CNC operators, program­
mers and designers, welders and edge
press operators.
same workplace, but need to be flexible
and take jobs where they are available
within a given area. Many people see an
advantage in being able to work at several
different companies and thus gain broad
experience. What’s more, you get to know
a great many workmates and through
them gain a wider contact network.
Employment terms for temporary work
agency employees usually mean temporary employment for a period of six months,
followed by employment until further notice.
“Security of employment makes planning
for the future possible. Employees have the
same opportunities as anybody else e.g. to
take out mortgages,” says Jaana Fransson,
who continues: “Many of our temporary
work agency employees are offered jobs
with the companies they have worked with.”
It’s not uncommon for Swedish tempo­
rary work agencies to work both with man­
ning and recruitment. This provides the
oppor­tunity for gainful employment while
waiting for the right job to come along.
Preschool teacher?
We need you!
Temporary work agencies
– an excellent doorway
into the jobs market
Sweden enjoys good employment conditions and job security. Temporary work
agencies must also comply with market
regulations. This means an employee in a
temporary work agency always has the
right to full-time, contractual, paid employ­
ment. Employees receive a guaranteed
income whether or not they have been allo­
cated a workplace. Swedish temporary
work agencies are usually accredited, but
when making contact it is wise to enquire
about the company concerned.
Jaana Fransson is Operations Manager
at EPAB, one of the region’s temporary
work agencies: “You have the same job
security in a temporary work agency as
at any other place of employment. The
difference is you do not always work at the
10
Because many preschool teachers in
Gislaved municipality are approaching
retirement age, there is a need for new
employees. Eva Hansson has worked 35
years in preschools, of which the past 20
as a preschool teacher: “I have the most
fun job there is. I love working with children
and creative education. Around ten years
ago I took part in a development project
that led to my completing a university
course to become a cultural educationalist
or atelier artist, as the profession is also
known. Today, I work full time in a creative
studio. The children who come here get
to try such things as painting, clay modelling and carpentry, which are much appre­
ciated.”
We need nurses!
There is great demand for nurses in health­
care. We spoke to Annmarie Hjelm, a nurse
at the Solbacka municipal senior living
home in Reftele. “I have healthcare respon­
sibility for 16 residents and in addition I’m
sometimes on standby in the evenings,
and at nights and weekends for people
receiving home healthcare in our area.
I previously worked for the county council,
today I have more responsibility and more
freedom to plan and structure my own
working day.”
Annmarie lives together with her family
in the country just outside of Reftele. It’s the
day-to-day flexibility of the job she appreciates most. “It’s three kilometres to work.
With three school-age children – all with
different leisure activities – being close to
everything is important. It’s about getting
the pieces of the daily puzzle to fit together,
and I can do that here,” says Annmarie
Hjelm.
Information about available jobs:
• arbetsformedlingen.se
(National authority located throughout Sweden)
Local temporary work agencies
and recruitment companies:
• ep-ab.se
• pulsanderstorp.se
• k-bemanning.se
• bemanningspoolen.se
• manpower.se
• junic.se
Fireman – a dream job
If you’re interested in becoming a fireman
there are good opportunities for work in
Gislaved municipality – for both men and
women. There is a full-time force at the
station in Gislaved, and also at a number
of part-time stations. Part-time firemen
usually have another main employer and
are on call e.g. every fourth week when
they must be ready to drop everything
and go whenever needed.
Jason Penny is an Englishman who
dreamed of being a fireman when he lived
in London. The dream became reality
when he met a Swedish girl and moved
to Sweden, “I came to Sweden in 1996
and wanted a job fast. I did the rounds of
several companies, got lucky and landed
an industry job straight away and began
work the following week. Two years later I
applied for a job as a part-time fireman
and was accepted. I underwent a twoweek training course locally and later a
four-week course at SCCA* in Revinge.
Since then I’ve also completed an officer’s
training course and I really enjoy the work.
Today I’m the Station Chief in Reftele,”
Jason tells us.
As a part-time fireman, his daily routine
is just like that of any other job, except for
a large portion of extra excitement one
week a month when Jason must be ready
to leave his day job whenever his pager
goes off. Comparing things to his previous
life in England, he says “My pulse fell by
half when I moved here. There is nowhere
near the same day-to-day stress. Sure, the
pace of work is high, but everything else
just flows so smoothly.” When he needs to
relax, he prefers outdoor activities. “I love
fishing and canoeing. Conditions are perfect here, thanks to the Right of Public
Access. It’s utterly unique. I can be out in
the woods or canoe wherever I want,” con­
cludes Jason Penny.
* SCCA = Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency
Social Security Information
Most prescription medication is subsidized. In the case of medications not covered by high-cost protection, the patient
pays the entire cost.
Some medications have no deductible. For example, insulin for the treatment of diabetes is free.
(Source: 1177.se)
Favourable childcare charges
Preschools and after-school recreation
centres in Gislaved municipality apply a
max fee system. This means a ceiling is ap­
plied to fees based on household income.
The maximum monthly income on which
fees are based is SEK 42,000 (€ 4,430).
Sample fees: child aged 1 – 3 years,
3% of household income, max SEK 1,260
(€ 133) per month. Children aged 3 – 5 years
are offered 15 hours of free universal preschool per week. The max fee for these
chil­d ren, if they attend preschool more
than 15 hours per week, is SEK 882 (€ 93)
per month.
The max fee for children aged 6 and above is
SEK 840 (€ 89) per month for attendance before
and/or after school. The fees indicated apply to
the first child; fees are reduced for the second
and third child, and attendance is free for the
fourth child and subsequent children. Fees in
Gislaved municipality valid as of 21/11/2014.
Healthcare in Sweden
A patient fee is charged for visits to the
doctor, health centres or to health care
providers who have contracts with the
county council. Patients are covered by
high-cost protection, which means that no
patient fees beyond SEK 1,100 (€ 116) are
payable during any twelve-month period.
In the case of medications, the state
provides financial support in the form of
subsidies. This is known as high-cost pro­
tection for medications. In the case of most
medications, the patient pays a so-called
deductible each time a prescription is
collected, up to a maximum of SEK 2,200
(€ 232) during any twelve-month period.
Children and the family
Sweden has a generous child support sys­
tem for parents. There is a parent’s allowance available until the child’s 12th birthday
for those who remain at home with their
child instead of working, studying or seek­
ing work. Parent’s allowance covers a peri­
od of 480 days per child. For 390 of those
days the parent receives just under 80%
of his or her income if the allowance is paid
out for seven days per week. Max SEK 944
(€ 100) per day is payable, equivalent to
SEK 28,320 (€ 2,987) per month. A parent
with no income or who earns less than
SEK 106,000 (€ 11,180) per year, will receive SEK 225 (€ 24) per day. The allowance for the remaining 90 days is SEK 180
(€ 19) per day for everyone.
EU citizens with children who settle in
Sweden may collect parent’s allowance
according to Swedish conditions. Any parent’s allowance received in the former
homeland will be deducted.
Child benefit is financial support that
is paid out automatically to parents who live
and have children in Sweden. Child benefit is paid out for children younger than 16
years of age, and the allowance totals
SEK 1,050 (€ 111) per month per child.
There is also supplementary child benefit
for the second and subsequent children.
The information regarding parents’ insurance applies to children born on January 1, 2014 or later.
Receipt of parent’s allowance at sickness benefit
level (i.e. based on income) for the first 180 days
for the child is conditional upon the parent having
worked at least 240 consecutive working days
prior to the child’s anticipated date of birth. Bene­
fits valid as of 21/11/2014. (Source: Swedish Social
Insurance Agency)
11
Living in our municipality
You can choose how and where you want to live
– in the city or in the countryside, in an apartment or in a house. Spacious interiors or compact living. There is plenty of opportunity to find
your dream home in Gislaved municipality.
Whatever your choice of accommodation, it will be close to nature.
You will be close to most everyday amenities here too – childcare,
schools, leisure facilities, shops and services. Close proximity
within the municipality means short travel times. It also means
that you can decide where you want to live based on its proximity
to, and the selection of, leisure activities instead of living where
you work.
Leafy residential areas
The residential areas have various sizes
of garden and most of the houses were
built between 1960 and 1980. Most of
the residential areas have parks and
green areas and many have no through
traffic, which makes for a more pleasant
environment. If you are looking to build
your own house, there are plots of land
with approved planning permission in
several urban areas.
The countryside on your doorstep
If you are seeking the charm of the countryside, Gislaved municipality offers a range of options. Dotted around our urban areas –
and in between them – lie small villages, as well as rural houses
and farms. Surrounded by nature, tranquillity and fresh air – yet
close to services, schools and shops. In the southern areas of the
municipality there are open agricultural landscapes, whereas the
northern parts offer old-growth forests and a sense of wilderness.
Find a home
Properties for sale: hemnet.se
More information: living-gislaved.se
Prices are below the Swedish national average
The most common form of accommodation in the municipality is
a detached house. The population is approx. 29,000, divided
between just under 13,000 households. Of these households,
approx. 6,600 live in houses, 5,400 live in rented apartments and
just over 1,000 live in housing cooperative apartments.
The average price* of a house in the municipality is approx.
SEK 910,000 (€ 95,983) and a housing cooperative apartment
approx. SEK 266,000 (€ 28,056). Rental price for a 3 room +
kitchen apartment is approx. SEK 5,500 a month (€ 580).
* Average price: final price according to hemnet.se, Nov 2013 – Nov 2014.
12
449
people live in the three
districts of Stengårdshult,
Valdshult and Öreryd.
The area covers 194
square kilometres.
Active rural
community
‘The Top of Gislaved’ is a non-profit organisation
that works to make living in the northern rural
areas of the municipality even more attractive.
For the past seven years, thanks to the work of the association,
rural inhabitants have had access to fibre-optic broadband. This has,
for example, made it easier for them to run companies and work
from home.
Olle Johansson, who is involved in the association, highlights the
newly formed Toppensamverkan AB, “The company is jointly owned
by 85 local residents, and the purposes of the company is to work
with rural development, commercially, in addition to the voluntary
work carried out by the association. The goal of the company and
the association is to create job opportunities, service and accommodation. The company has bought apartments and a preschool
premises in the area and has plans to build further housing.”
The association acts as a channel for conveying ideas and sug­
gestions to the municipality. The association’s website provides
information, both about local activities and about vacant houses,
apartments and land. At the moment, there is a vacant business
premises next to the well-trafficked national road 26.
“In our district, we have plenty of room for additional accommo­
dation, as there are only 2.3 people per square kilometre, whereas
in Sweden the national average is 21 people per square kilometre,”
explains Olle Johansson.
There is a good voluntary involvement in the association – this summer, via a
European leaderproject, they built an outdoor stage and beach huts at one of
the beaches in the area.
Education and childcare
School and children’s education are priority areas in
Gislaved municipality.
As part of their progress to citizenship in a democratic society, it’s
natural for children to participate and influence things that affect
their day-to-day lives as they grow up. All children should enjoy
security, have fun and be offered educational activities and the
opportunity to develop according to their own abilities. There are
preschools and schools in all of the municipality’s urban areas.
Preschools run activities for children between the ages of 1 and
5 years. Here children are encouraged to play and enjoy creative
activities. By applying a thematic working method and providing
the opportunity to observe, converse, reflect, play and explore,
preschools seek to ensure children’s education that is both multifaceted and coherent.
Primary and secondary level education endeavours to ensure
all pupils achieve their goals in a spirit of security and joy. Modern
methods and aids are always used, and every child gets his or her
own school tablet (iPad). Learning is based on creativity, curiosity
and the ability to cooperate.
There are after-school recreation centres for children between
the ages of 6 and 13 years who need care before and/or after
school. Activities are built around a child’s creativity and curiosity
in a social context.
There are many educational courses to choose from at Gislaved’s
Gymnasium (upper secondary school) – everything from theoretical
foundation courses for university studies to practical vocational
training courses. Adult education is also available under the same
roof. Schools also enjoy close cooperation with local companies,
providing students with insights into working life. All upper second­
ary students get a laptop as an educational aid. Annual surveys
show a high level of satisfaction among both students and personnel.
13
Height above sea level, 308 m. Amazing view.
Glorious sunshine, about eight below freezing
and dead calm. Snow crunches beneath my
skis. I glide away. Speeding up. Sprays of snow
as I turn. Left, right, left. Adrenalin. Excitement.
Speed.
I skid to a halt. My heart is racing. A few minutes’
rest in the chairlift on the way up. It’s a trip I’ll
be taking many times today.
14
15
Active leisure
There are great opportunities for canoeing on the lakes and waterways. Canoes and kayaks can be rented in several locations.
Gislaved municipality offers fantastic opportunities for leisure
activities all year round. Regardless of whether you are looking
for active leisure on your own, in a club or in association, there
is a broad selection. Sports and outdoor activities are perhaps
the first thing you think of. Proof of the great opportunities here
is perhaps the fact that Gislaved municipality was nominated
Sports municipality of the year in 2013.
With 388 lakes and several waterways,
activities on or near to water are somewhat
unavoidable. The large number of waterways offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing,
water sports and, of course, swimming.
The Nissan River flows through the munic­
ipality. Along it, there is an 86 km canoe
trail with picnic areas, wind shelters and
barbecue areas. In the south, the munic­
ipality borders Sweden’s tenth largest lake,
Bolmen. Thanks to its wide variety of spe­
cies, it is a popular fishing lake. Fishing is
even possible during the winter months;
you can go ice-skating or play ice hockey
on the lakes if the winter is cold enough.
16
Attracting tourists and residents
alike
The Isaberg area attracts a lot of visitors
every year, all year round. During the sum­
mer, there is hiking or cycling along the
trails, having a go on the skyline, canoeing
or kayaking, or just enjoying the countryside. There is also an MTB centre, several
playgrounds and a moose park here.
During the winter, the area transforms into
southern Sweden’s largest ski resort, with
10 ski runs and areas for cross-country
skiing. About a kilometre north is the Isa­
berg Golf Club, with two 18 hole courses
that are ranked highly among golfers in
Sweden. There is another golf course in
the municipality, Reftele GK with 18 holes.
Spontaneous outdoor sports
Spontaneous sports areas – multi-purpose
arenas – have been built in several commu­
nities, Gislaved, Hestra, Smålandsstenar
and Reftele, where you can play football,
basketball, hockey or volleyball. A skatepark
will be opened in Smålandsstenar in 2015.
Sports facilities and sports halls
There are sports halls and gymnasiums in
most of the communities in the municipal­
ity. They are used by the schools during the
day and by associations, companies and
private individuals during the evenings
and weekends. In addition, indoor halls
have been built by associations in several
communities. In the three largest communities, there are indoor pools for family
swimming, exercising and fun. The halls are
adjacent to schools, which means that
students can be taught to swim during
school hours. There are riding stables in
Gislaved and Öreryd, where you can take
private lessons or join the riding school.
There are illuminated tracks in all of the
communities. During the summer, they
are used for jogging or walking and during
the winter, some of them are prepared for
cross-country skiing.
There are
300
different associations
in the municipality,
90 of which have a
youth section.
Motorsports
As early as the 1960s, a few driven entrepreneurs had the idea of building a racing
track for Formula 1 and Road Racing.
Sweden’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix was
held at the Scandinavian Raceway track
(now the Anderstorp Raceway) in 1973. A
total of six world championship F1 races
and 7 world championship Road Racing
motorbike races were held here. Today
the track is mostly used for practice and
national car and motorbike racing compe­
titions. The pitlane building is also used as
a school for the motorsports college.
Accessibility
With three public swimming pools in the municipality, there is plenty of opportunity for splashing about,
exercising and swimming practice.
Elite sport and grassroots sport
All sports, almost
Several sports are represented at elite level
in the municipality, for example Gislaved
Volleyball Club and Lejonen Speedway.
Also at the top of their leagues are BK Lin­
néa’s ladies bowling team (southern Swed­
ish League), Anderstorp Sports Club men’s
handball team and Smålandsstenar’s
Tennis Club (Division 1). Women’s football
is represented in Division 2 by the clubs
Westbo United and RÅs LB. Golfer Lina
Boqvist from Gislaved will play in the LET
(Ladies European Tour) in 2015.
Grassroots sports are big in the municipal­
ity. Football is the biggest sport, with a lot
of club teams and a lot of youth activities.
There are also associations for swimming, athletics, orienteering, skiing, down­
hill skiing, martial arts, ice hockey, golf
and multisport. In actual fact, every sport
except basketball is represented by the
associations in Gislaved municipality.
There is easy accessibility to the various
sports facilities and the municipal venues
– in addition to the many sights and places
of interest. Members with disabilities are
welcomed in the various associations.
Thanks to efforts from charity associations,
like the Lions Club, there are things like
swimming and horse-riding for children
and teenagers with disabilities being organised.
The Lejonen (Lions) Speedway Club will be driving in the top division – Elitserien (the Elite League) – in
2015. They won the Swedish championships in 2008 and 2009. Oliver ‘Vispen’ Berntzon, a promising
driver from Anderstorp, shown here.
Local sports stars
Several sports stars began their careers in
one of the local clubs in Gislaved munic­
ipality. These include Simon Hjalmarsson
(ice hockey, CSKA Moscow in KHL), Oscar
Hiljemark (football, PSV Eindhoven), Patrik
Sjöland (golf pro with several European
tours), Maria Rydqvist and Majken Johans­
son Henæs (cross-country skiing).
17
Involved in sports associations
Almost all sports associations in
Sweden are counted as voluntary,
as they are non-profit organisations.
In most cases, the membership
and practice fees are relatively low.
Youth clubs can apply for activity
grants from the municipality, and
receive a lot of help from parents
involved as leaders.
One of these parents is Fredrik Gustafson,
who initially accompanied his daughter,
Elin, to her football practice sessions with
Anderstorps IF. “I watched the team practice and during the second year I was
asked if I wanted to be a coach. I have now
been involved in the club for seven years,
and I am one of six coaches for my daugh­
ter’s team. I also hold an administrative
role, and look after things like the team’s
website,” says Fredrik and continues,
“Last season, we practised three days a
week and played in two different divisions.
There are about 120 football sessions
during the period between March and
August. As there are several coaches,
there isn’t that pressure on you to be there
every time.”
Fredrik explains that their football sessions
are not always about practice or matches,
“In order to raise money for the team, we
help local businesses to repackage and
sort their products. It feels slightly more
fun than selling raffle tickets.” The goal is
to raise enough money to subsidise an
overseas training camp and, for example,
to play in the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg,
which is the world’s largest youth football
tournament.
About his role as a sports association
youth leader, Fredrik says, “It’s an absolute
pleasure. I get to be involved in what the
children are doing and get to know both
my daughter’s friends and establish contact with other parents.”
The largest associations
Gislaveds IS (football), Burseryds IF (orienteering, cycling, athletics, football, floorball),
Anderstorps SK (handball), Gislaveds SK (ice hockey), Westbo IBK (floorball), Hestra SSK
(downhill skiing, football, floorball), Reftele GoIF (football), Smålandsstenar GoIF (football).
Isaberg received the Swedish Travel and Tourism
Industry Federation prize Trip Award 2013 in the
“strongest comeback” category for its development
of Isaberg as a destination. Pictured: Isaberg
Mountain Resort MD, Louise Söderlund.
My thoughts
about active
leisure time
Louise Söderlund, MD for
Isaberg Mountain Resort:
“Our aim here at the resort is to inspire
people to take part in outdoor adventures.
We do this through a broad mix of activities
throughout the seasons, and with something for everyone regardless of age or
previous knowledge. The concept reflects
our times where more and more people
seek outdoor activities and want a little ac­
tion in their time off, after work or at weekends,” says Louise, and continues: “Isaberg
with its variety of terrains offers the perfect
conditions. It has steep hills, cliffs, pine
forests, beautiful views, lakes and streams.”
What are your visions for the
Isaberg area?
Burseryds IF (Burseryd Sports Association) was awarded Youth Club of the Year in 2014 by the Swedish
Football Association. Here is a photo from one of the practice sessions.
18
“We note a continuing health trend, so we’re
investing in developing such things as
mountain biking and a variety of sporting
activities. Our activities with guides are in
great demand and provide beginners with
a good introduction and lend a helping
hand to the more experienced. We would
love to see more schools discover Isa­berg.
Young people are our ambassadors and
tempt the entire family to enjoy outdoor
activities,” says Louise.
950
Culture
is fun
students are enrolled
in the municipal
music school.
Quality art exhibitions
Gislaved’s art gallery offers art exhibitions of high national and inter­
national quality. They exhibit a wide range of paintings, sculptures,
photographs, mixed media, crafts and video art. Lectures are orga­
nised around the various exhibitions. There are also a wide range
of local artists. Famous artists from the municipality include
Ann-Marie AVA Valsten and the opera singer Iréne Theorin.
Film and theatre
There is a rich cultural life in Gislaved municipal­
ity, with dance, theatre, music and art – under
both municipal direction and through associations. Music plays a prominent role, thanks to the
municipal music school and the music associa­
tions. The Gislaved Drum & Drill Corps, which
is a well-known section of the music school,
performs locally, nationally and interna­tionally.
There is a wide range of musical performances
provided, with symphony orchestras, big bands,
choirs and modern music.
The Folkan cinema in Gislaved and the Klämman cinema in Små­
landsstenar have films for all ages. They also show live and recorded
concerts and operas from the world’s major stages. For anyone
wanting to see alternative cinema, there is the Gislaved Filmstudio.
They make watching films a social institution, with audience partic­
ipation.
The municipality has a lot of libraries, with a wider range of
services than just book-lending. All of the libraries show children’s
films and theatre, for the very youngest audiences.
Glashuset (the Glasshouse) – a new cultural centre
The Glasshouse in Gislaved is a new meeting place that houses a
catering school, entertainment venues, bowling and the Cultural
Plateau – with practice venues, a DJ room, recording studios and
workstations for the creation of audio, visual and film projects.
The Cultural Plateau also offers a range of courses, including
dance, theatre and photography. Several local theatre groups
have sections for children, teenagers and adults.
19
Pick of leisure and cultural activities
Classical
Enjoy both classical and modern music
with the Gislaved Symphony Orchestra.
Every week, around 60 people, between
the ages of 12 and 85 play music together.
They put on a number of productions
every year.
Together
Motorsport
In the autumn of 2014, ‘Together’ – a new
attraction containing a multi-purpose
arena, a par­kour ground, a traditional
playground and allotments with greenhouses – was officially opened in a residential area of Gislaved. This will be a
meeting place for people of all ages, with
activities in different outdoor ‘rooms’.
Anderstorp Racing Club acts as functionary and organiser for major motorsports
events, both nationally and internationally.
Black Box
Gislaved’s art gallery has a permanent
exhibition room for visual art and moving
images.
Exercising
Indie
The Sunkträsket musical and cultural
society arranges various events. They de­
scribe themselves as ‘Småland’s craziest
and cosiest trash-indie hang out’.
The classic gymnastics associations also
offer classes like Zumba, Tabata, Kettlebells, Bootcamp, Bodystep, spinning,
baby gym and much more. There are associations throughout the municipality.
Go for a swim
There are 12 beaches in Gislaved munic­
ipality, with pontoons and toilet facilities.
But there are infinitely more places you
can go for a swim. There are 388 lakes in
the municipality.
20
Småland
Gislaved municipality is located in the province
of Småland, which is the largest province in
southern Sweden, geographically. Almost one
tenth of the country’s population live here.
Småland is known for its forests and many
lakes, its untouched countryside and the clean
air. The name Småland comes from merging
several ‘small lands’ into one.
Those of us who live here are known as ‘Smålänningar’ (people from
Småland), an expression that has been used since the Middle Ages.
Smålandians are legendary for their tenacity, ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
The cairns and stone walls found throughout Småland bear
witness to this. They are the result of land having been prepared for
cultivation. Stones must be removed to make the land cultivable.
This battle against nature began before the Common Era, but it
was not until the 19 th and 20 th centuries that the stones were laid
as walls, to enclose the agricultural land and grazing pastures.
Småland is also a major design province. There are a lot of furni­
ture companies here that have made themselves famous far beyond Sweden’s borders, for example Swedese, Bruno Mathsson,
Karl Andersson & Sons and Källemo. It was also in this province
that Ingvar Kamprad was born and created IKEA. Småland is also
the glassworks province, it is home to the Swedish Glasriket
(Kingdom of Crystal).
Ostkaka (curd cake)
Something very typically from Småland is curd cake. It is a dessert
made from milk, flour, rennet, sweet almonds, bitter almonds, eggs,
granulated sugar and cream. It is served warm with strawberry jam
and gently whipped cream. For many, curd cake is essential to
Christmas buffet table, but it is also eaten all year round.
Lingonberries
There are plenty of lingonberries
in Småland’s forests. Sugared
lingon­berries are an ideal accompaniment to meatballs, oatmeal
porridge, potato cakes, stuffed
cabbage rolls, blood pudding
and many other typically Swedish dishes. If you want to make
your own sugared lingonberries, the
recipe is very simple: 2 parts lingonberries (fresh or frozen) to 1 part sugar.
Mix together in a bowl and stir with a spoon until the sugar has
melted, and that’s it. It should be kept in the fridge, and it keeps
for about a week.
Every Swedish province has different plants and wildlife associated with the area. These are Småland’s:
Flower: Linnea
Animal: otter
Fish: catfish
Bird: song thrush
Stone: red Växjö granite
Mushroom: Hericium ramosum
Insect: hornet
Moss: luminescent moss
Apple: Hornsberg
Dish: isterband (smoked sausage)
21
Daniel van Laethem’s best advice
before emigrating to a new country:
• Don’t let anything be a surprise.
Do your research, get the facts.
• Be realistic – no dreams.
• Language is the key to a lot.
Be prepared, learn the basics.
• Find the right area/region to live in.
What is most important to you,
prioritise and make a list.
• Visit more, travel about and have
a look around.
• Make contacts, be curious and
be interested.
• Bear in mind that you are going to
have to leave your friends and family
– but the rewards are great!
Quality of life
That’s exactly how Daniel van Laethem summarises his new life
in Sweden. He was looking for a change in his life, and after a
few years as a ‘trial Swede’ he took the plunge and emigrated
to Sweden with his wife. A decision they are really pleased with.
They are now living a wonderful life, without stress and with the
countryside right on their doorstep.
Daniel is originally from Belgium. Even in his
youth he felt an affinity with Scandinavia,
in particular Sweden and Norway. There
was something special about this part of
Europe. It’s actually fairly close to Belgium,
and yet so far away; so different with a
varied landscape and beautiful countryside. All the lakes, woodlands and coastlines. Exciting cities and a lot of history.
The Arctic circle appealed, with its midnight
sun in the summertime and an equally fas­
cinating winter, completely enshrouded in
darkness. “There’s been a lot of travelling
and I have discovered so many fantastic
places,” says Daniel. He talks with enthusiasm about all the places he’s visited in
Sweden. It sounds as if he has seen more
of Sweden than your average Swede will
see in their entire lifetime.
It began with a holiday home in
Sweden
Daniel is married to a German woman and
worked in Germany for about 20 years.
During this time, for a couple of years he di­
vided his time between working in Germany
and the US. At the time he was working
22
with idea development and his wife was in
marketing for a large company in Hamburg.
At the end of the 1990s, Daniel and his
wife bought a holiday home just outside
Tidaholm in Sweden. They felt at home
there. They got to know a few Swedes and
discovered that they shared similarities in
their cultures and in their approach to life.
Gradually, they started to think about permanently relocating to Sweden.
In his spare time, the camera is his constant
companion. The subject varies; it could be an interesting branch in the woods, a beautiful building, a flower or a babbling brook. Here are a few
photos from Daniel’s own photo album.
Sweden on trial
Daniel explains, “We talked about the
future a lot, my wife and I. It’s a big decision,
moving to a new country. Giving up the
security of your current situation, making
new acquaintances and building a new
life. We wanted to be sure that it would
work.” They agreed that Daniel should try
out life in Sweden for a while, so they
could evaluate the experience. A job was
the first thing Daniel thought about. “That
had to be sorted out before I moved.
Sweden was hit by a winter storm on the
evening of the 8 th January 2005, and one
in ten Swedish households had no electricity the following morning. Fallen trees
had wreaked havoc on rural power lines.”
Daniel, who is a qualified electrician, began
to work as a linesman. “There was a sense
of disaster in the air, and there were loads
of jobs available. I joined a team of linesmen, loggers and machine operators
whose job it was to ensure that electricity
was returned to the houses and farms.
Under these conditions, the team bonded.
I felt like I was doing some good and really
felt at home. Even though I’ve moved on
to new jobs, I’m still in touch with a few
people from that time.”
Daniel commuted between Sweden and
Hamburg in Germany. There were a lot of
discussions and evaluations of ‘the new
life’. They agreed that they would give it a
few years before they made their final
decision. Daniel’s wife had a good, wellpaid job and did not want to leave it for an
uncertain future. For Daniel it was important
that he integrated into Swedish society.
“Language is the key,” he says and contin­
ues, “Being able to speak Swedish is the
most important part of integration. I read
a lot, watched television and actively
made contact with people during my
everyday life. I believe that people should
invest in contacts. Take the time to get to
know your neighbours, colleagues and
people who seem to share your leisure
interests or hobbies.”
Relocating for real
After Daniel’s three years in Sweden, his
wife moved here too. Her job became more
and more stressful. She spent almost three
hours a day in the car and was showing
signs of burnout. She was ready for the
new life now. They bought a house in a
small village on the border between the
municipalities of Gislaved and Gnosjö.
“It was perfect for us. It felt kind of rural,
but not really. Its proximity to the Isaberg
area was perhaps the deciding factor, as
we like spending time in the woodlands
and countryside with our dog. I enjoy
mountain biking too, and there are great
opportunities for that, both at Isaberg and
in the woods around our house,” explains
Daniel.
Working career
Swedish citizen
After his electrician job, he worked with
property administration and property main­
tenance for a few years before moving on
to a more qualified position.
Since 2011, Daniel has worked for
Gislaved municipality as project manager
in the engineering office. He is in charge of
the larger projects relating to roads, water
and sewage, as well as park areas. It involves drawing up cost estimates and
tender documentation, following up and
coordinating colleagues and various exter­
nal contractors. He likes his job. “I have a lot
of contacts in my job, partly with different
professions, but also a dialogue with prop­
erty owners and residents in the areas in
which we are carrying out work. Listening
and being open to other people’s ideas is
important, as well as getting everyone to
work towards a common goal,” explains
Daniel.
After almost ten years in Sweden, Daniel
can summarise his new life. He feels that
Sweden is his new homeland and it is the
big picture that makes it a fantastic quality
of life. He is very pleased with the location
in which he has chosen to live and work.
“If I were to summarise everything I’ve
seen in the past ten years, then I would
rank Gislaved municipality very highly.
The environment and the countryside are
wonderful. Wise decisions are made here,
which meet the expectations of the residents. The municipality is a good employer
too,” says Daniel. Once they had decided
to live here, Daniel also applied for Swedish
citizenship. It was a personal decision and
he explains that in his case it was part of
the integration process. He wanted to feel
as Swedish as possible. “When I talk, you
can hear from my accent that I am from
Germany or Belgium. It isn’t something I
am concerned about, I instead see it as an
opener. A reason to start a conversation
when you are asked, where are you from?”
says Daniel and continues, “Here in Sweden
I am seen as a Belgian or a German. But
when I am in those countries, I am seen
as a Swede. By my friends anyway. I feel
Swedish and I want to be Swedish, here
in my new homeland.”
Daniel van Laethem works in the engineering office
at Gislaved municipality, where he is a project
manager for various projects relating to roads,
water and sewage, as well as park areas. Here
are photos of the redevelopment of Torggatan in
Gislaved.
23
Close to the countryside
Gislaved municipality offers a fantastic pallet of
different nature experiences and a varied landscape. It has everything that southern Sweden
has to offer, except a coastline, but all the more
lakes and waterways.
Water and fishing
We’re taking a journey through Gislaved municipality, which is 70 km
long. Starting in the south east, where the municipality borders
Lake Bolmen, Sweden’s tenth largest lake and a popular fishing
spot thanks to its wide variety of species and great fishing waters.
The large lake, of course, is also inviting for swimming and other
water activities, such as canoeing, boating and waterskiing. Just
north of here, an agricultural landscape unfolds. Rolling fields and
meadows, grazing cows and sheep. There is also a nature reserve
here, Draven – one of Sweden’s most interesting ornithological
reserves. There are 388 lakes in total.
Rolling landscapes and cultural history
The south west of the municipality borders Lake Fegen, which is
considered to be one of the larger of Sweden’s lakes. It is popular
for fishing, water sports and swimming. A bit further north, still in
the east, we come to a rolling landscape with a combination of
woodlands and open views and a lot of deciduous trees, small
lakes and small villages dotted about. Here you will find the church
village of Villstad, with its beautiful agricultural landscape, giant
oaks, ancient ruins and historic buildings. Gislaved munic­ipality
has a rich cultural history and there are a lot of locations with preserved flour mills and sawmills, historic industrial sites and buildings. The Industrial Museum in Gislaved is a goldmine for any­one
interested in the indus­trial development of the 19 th and 20 th centuries. Outside the muse­um is the Nissan River, one of the longest
in Sweden at 186 km. The Nissan flows through the entire municipality, with a stretch of approx. 80 km. For those interested in the
outdoors and canoeing, there is the Nissan canoe trail, which
passes through several munic­ipalities.
24
8
nature
reserves
Flora and fauna
We are now in the centre of the municipality, where we find Anders­
torps Stormosse – a nature reserve and one of southern Sweden’s
largest and most important swamplands, with its unique wildlife,
flora and fauna. Continuing north, the landscape becomes more
hilly and the woodlands deeper and denser. Isabergstoppen (the
Isa­b erg peak) rises up towards the sky, just over 300 metres
above sea level – it is also a nature reserve. On and around the
mountain there are hiking and mountain biking in the summer and
skiing in the winter. At the foot of the mountain is Lake Algustorpa,
one of the lakes that the Nissan river flows through. There is Värö
nature reserve, which has an abundance of Småland’s provincial flower,
the Linnea. At the northern end of the
lake is yet another nature reserve,
Ettö. During the summer, this area
has one of the most beautiful views
along the Nissan valley – a flat calm
lake, evergreen woodlands and an
Isaberg peak backdrop.
Deep forests
We have now reached the northern end of Gislaved municipality,
where we find Svinhultsåsen, the municipality’s smallest nature
reserve. Forests dominate the undulating landscape. There is also
a real sense of Småland’s deep forests and you could imagine
Småland fairytale illustrator, John Bauer, finding the inspiration for
his woodland settings, with goblins and trolls, here.
388
lakes
‘Allemansrätten’ –
only in Sweden!
The Right of Public Access gives us the right to roam on private
land in nature – to pick berries and mushrooms, for example – but
at the same time it obligates us to be considerate and careful with
nature, wildlife and those who own the land on which we are
present. The Right of Public Access gives us a fantas­tic opportunity to move around freely in nature as long as we do not disturb
or destroy. Do not litter and follow the local rules for lighting fires.
25
Cycling
in Gislaved
Gislaved municipality has high
ambitions for bicycle possibilities, it should be easy and
safe to cycle here. Not just
for the people who live in the
mu­nicipality, but also for anyone choosing to visit or cycle
through.
100
kilometres of walkways
and cycle paths in
the municipality.
Existing secluded cycle paths
The Sweden Trail
The GG Trail
Planned cycle paths
Existing cycle trails
Cycling in everyday life
Today several areas are connected by
walkways and cycle paths, which are sep­
arated from all other traffic. For example,
Hestra – Gislaved, Gislaved – Anderstorp
and Smålandsstenar – Skeppshult. In addi­
tion, Anderstorp is connected to our neigh­
bour Gnosjö. Within the various urban
areas there are safe walkways and cycle
paths between the residential areas and
schools, as well as the sports facilities.
This provides safe routes for anyone
wanting to cycle between their home and
their work, to leisure activities, and of
course for children and teenagers who
want to take their bicycle to school or to
their leisure activities. In addition, cycling
as a form of exercise has been on the rise
in the municipality over the past decade.
Bicycle touring
There are several cycle trails that pass
through the municipality, the longest being the Sverigeleden (the Sweden Trail),
which stretches across the entire country.
The GG Trail (Gislaved – Gnosjö) passes
national roads that are often asphalted,
but some stretches are gravel roads. The
route passes through a varied landscape,
with pine forests, beech forests and open
landscapes. Even the Bolmen-round Trail
passes through the municipality.
There are several MTB off-road trails
at the Isaberg leisure area, as well as
shorter cycle trails for anyone looking for
a half-day excursion on their bike. It is not
just tourists who use the various cycle
trails, even the municipality’s inhabitants
use them.
26
Political goals
Today there are approx. 100 km of walkways and cycle paths in the municipality.
In the existing plans, there is a need for a
further 81 km or so, as well as various additional activities. There is a constant need
for improvements and changes to create
better standards and opportunities for
cyclists in the municipality.
By bicycle – distances in minutes:
• Anderstorp – Hestra
• Anderstorp – Reftele
• Broaryd – Burseryd
• Broaryd – Skeppshult
• Gislaved – Anderstorp
• Gislaved – Burseryd
• Gislaved – Hestra
• Gislaved – Reftele
• Gislaved – Smålandsstenar
• Reftele – Smålandsstenar
• Skeppshult – Smålandsstenar
75 min
44 min
34 min
27 min
22 min
80 min
57 min
50 min
63 min
43 min
20 min
Within health and the environment,
Gislaved municipality’s overall
goals are to:
• Be a fossil fuel free municipality by 2050.
• Improve public health. The vision is
‘Good health on equal terms’.
• Increase road safety.
• Increase cycle touring/tourism.
The goals set for walkway and
cycle path plans are:
• To increase the level of cycling, by cre­
ating better circumstances for cyclists.
• To reduce the number of bicycle-related
accidents and injuries.
• To further develop bicycle tourism opportunities in Gislaved municipality.
• To influence traffic behaviour within the
municipality by increasing cycling and
walking.
Former railway Gislaved – Hestra
Local bicycle manufacturer
The former old railway embankment between Gislaved and Hestra is now a cycle
path. An ideal 15 km circuit one-way.
There is a barbecue area for anyone
wanting to take a break and perhaps have
a barbecue or just to get off the saddle
for a while. In the winter time the cycle
path is prepared for cross-country skiing.
As early as 1911, Albert Samuelsson began
making bicycles on a small scale. In 1920
he built a factory and business took off.
Since 1945, the company has been called
Skeppshultscykeln. Today they are one of
the few Swedish bicycle manufacturers
and their range consists mainly of all-round,
high quality bicycles. They also make a
three-wheeler, which can be used by older
cyclists with slightly poorer balance or
people with a disability who wish to cycle
on their own.
What is typically Swedish?
A brief introduction to our traditions, celebrations and eating habits …
The cinnamon bun – the most Swedish
of all pastries. This sweet pastry is usually
full of butter, cinnamon and sugar, as well
as a sprinkling of nib sugar. But there are
so many different variations and versions.
Cinnamon buns are eaten all year round,
but have their own special day on 4 t h
October.
Fika – this has become a Swedish export
and is on its way to becoming as famous as
the smörgårsbord. We fika often and gladly.
Mid-afternoon at work, or when visiting
friends or acquaintances at the weekend.
A fika is almost like a between-meals snack,
usually consisting of coffee and cake and/
or a pastry.
Semla – a cream bun with almond paste
and a sprinkling of icing sugar. Usually
eaten some time between January and
March. However, we can’t usually wait for
these treats, so a lot of cake shops start
selling them as early as November.
Easter – bank holiday weekend in March – April when Swedes gorge themselves.
Eggs, salmon, chicken and copious
amounts of sweets.
Valborg (Walpurgis night) – 30 th April.
We welcome the spring with big bonfires
and song.
Midsummer – a long weekend at the end
of June. Lunch consists of pickled herring, early potatoes, boiled eggs, dill and
chives. Generally washed down with beer
and snaps. For dessert, we eat strawberries and whipped cream, or a strawberry
cake. We dance around the midsummer
pole and play a lot of silly games.
Lösgodis (pick ‘n’ mix) – a wall of selfservice sweeties in all supermarkets.
Swedes eats an average of 18 kilos of
sweets a year each; that’s got to be the
world’s highest. One favourite is salta
fiskar (salty licorice fish), known abroad as
Swedish fish. They taste of salty lico­rice,
a popular flavour among Swedes – and
apparently among other nationalities too.
Sweden’s national day – 6 th June, it be­
came a bank holiday as recently as 2005.
Anderstorp has been celebrating our
national day since 1992, with a lot of companies giving their staff the afternoon off.
a ‘snapsvisa’, a short song that usually
rhymes.
The crayfish party – held during the month
of August. A party with friends, where you
eat boiled crayfish, pie and crispbread,
washed down with lots of beer and snaps.
The snaps is very often accompanied by
Lucia – 13 th December celebrates St.
Lucia, the Queen of Light. She sings with
a procession of tärnor (Lucia girls), stjärngossar (star boys), pepparkaksgubbar and
-gummor (gingerbread men and women).
Pepparkaka (Gingerbread biscuit) – thin,
crispy biscuits flavoured with ginger and
other spices. Eaten all year round, but
mainly around Lucia and Christmas.
Knäckebröd (crispbread) – a hard flatbread cracker that is usually baked from
rye into thin, flat crackers. It gets a perforated pattern from a dough docker or
dimples from a grooved rolling pin before
being baked at a high heat.
27
Locality facts
Gislaved
Anderstorp
Smålands­stenar
Hestra
Reftele
• Population 9,914
• Preschool
•P
rimary school grades F – 9,
upper secondary school,
post-secondary school
• Indoor sports arena/
gymnasium
• Indoor swimming pool
• Weight lifting
• Ice hockey rink
• Bowling alley
• Sports grounds
• Illuminated track
• Indoor tennis
• Tennis courts
• Football ground, indoors
• Speedway racing track
• Indoor boules court
• Karate hall
• Judo hall
• Spontaneous sports areas
• Grocery stores
• Public transport by bus
• Population 4,966
• Preschool
• Primary school grades F – 9,
upper secondary school
• Indoor sports arena/
gymnasium
• Indoor swimming pool
• Weight lifting
• Indoor tennis
• Tennis courts
• Football ground, indoors
• Sports ground
• Illuminated track
• Racing track – racing cars
• Spontaneous sports area
• Grocery stores
• Public transport by bus
• Population 4,436
• Preschool
• Primary school grades F – 9
• Indoor sports arena/
gymnasium
• Indoor swimming pool +
temperated outdoor pool
• Weight lifting
• Sports ground
• Skate park
• Spontaneous sports area
• Motocross track
• Indoor tennis
• Tennis courts
• Boule lane
• Illuminated track
• Grocery stores
• Public transport by bus,
railway
• Population 1,290
• Preschool
• Primary school grades F – 6
• Indoor sports arena/
gymnasium
• Illuminated tracks
• Sports ground
• Spontaneous sports area
• Indoor tennis
• Tennis courts
• Grocery store
• Public transport by bus,
railway
• Population 1,239
• Preschool
• Primary school grades F – 9,
upper secondary school
• Indoor sports arena/
gymnasium
• Sports ground
• Spontaneous sports area
• Tennis courts
• Illuminated track
• Grocery store
• Public transport by bus,
railway
Burseryd
Skeppshult
Broaryd
•P
opulation 801
• Preschool
•P
rimary school grades F – 6
• Indoor sports arena
• Sports centre
• Sports ground
•T
ennis court
• Illuminated
track
• Grocery store
•P
ublic transport by bus
• Population 333
• Preschool
• Primary school grades F – 6
• Illuminated track
• Public transport by bus
• Population 296
• Preschool
• Primary school grades F – 6
• Illuminated track
• Sports arena
• Tennis court
• Public transport by bus
Preschools and primary
schools also in:
• Ås (grades F – 6)
• Öreryd (grades F – 6)
Illuminated track also in:
• Västboås
Hestra
Gislaved
Anderstorp
Shooting ranges are located
all over the municipality.
Burseryd
Smålands­
stenar
Broaryd
Skepps­
hult
28
living-gislaved.se
Reftele