Kostabanan

Two glassworks - one loop

**A scenic bike ride that goes between Målerås and Kosta. A tour that combines Småland nature; forests, marshes, gravel roads and both Kosta and Målerås glassworks.

1899-1931 there was a narrow gauge (600mm gauge) railway between Målerås and Kosta. It was an extension of the railway Lessebo - Kosta. The then manager of Kosta Glassworks, the manager and forester Axel Hummel, built the railroad.

**Kosta

This tour goes partly on the old railroad bank to Kosta and on the ring roads around Kosta shooting field. If the gates are open, you can cycle all the way on the railway bank. You cycle on varying gravel roads through forests and marshes, but you also get fantastic experiences in Kosta with glass blowing, outlet shops, food restaurants and cafes. You can visit the museum with a 100-year-old locomotive with wagons and right next to Glashusen, terraced houses designed by furniture maker Bruno Mathssons. On the way to Kosta, you can visit one of the Glass Kingdom's moose parks. You also pass a couple of nature reserves.

**Målås

To Målerås you also cycle on village roads, forest roads and railway banks. There are alternative routes to choose.

Målerås emerged as a community in 1876 when the railroad was pulled through the forests between Nybro - Sävsjöström (later to Nässjö) and the area's sawmill needed a loading site.

When you come to Målerås, you can also experience all the stages of glassmaking and blow your own bowl. In Barnens Glasrike there is a playhouse, playground and children can try to blow glass digitally.

At the glassworks you will find Kristallshopen and Hantverkshuset with sales of local products. If you follow the railway embankment past the station house, you will see the impressive loading dock and soon you will come to the excavation site of the original cabin from 1890. After a few more steps, you can step into the shop at Målerås leather.

If you feel like a hike or want to take a bath, the resort's bathing area Långegöl is 2km away. Here is also the start of a 7km long hiking trail - In the footsteps of the ice age or the 3k long Trollstigen where children, and even adults, can look for wooden sculptures of trolls. Nearby there is also a MTB area with several loops.

Full directions

To access the detailed route description with information about the culture and history surrounding the trail, you need to purchase a full route description. The route description will also give you tips on nice detours. Places to buy detailed directions can be found via the link below.

Or you can cycle the trail just as it is and enjoy the environment and the attractions available in Kosta and Målerås.