Jönköping - Kaxholmen, Franciskusleden, St. 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)