^{Sightseeings and destinations for trips in Hannäs}

As Hannäs to a great deal consists of lakes and streams, brooks and rivers the area is perfect for relaxation and experiences of the nature. From lake Yxningen in the north to lake Vindommen in the south there are plenty of lakes for bath, canoeing or fishing in the summer or long distance skating in the winter. The forests offer a lots of berries and mushrooms.

Many people consider the area around the narrow of Hägersta one of the most excellent and interesting areas for rambling around. Wonderful aesthetic experience everywhere to see: the water surface of Vindommen, impressive oaks, the well conserved ruin of the old church, the graves of the Vikings (from the Iron Age), which stir the imagination, and the legendary manor of Hägersta itself. The manor looks like coming from the fairy tales with its two towers embedded in lush verdure overlooking the lake.

Park the car just below the ruin of the old church and take a walk up to the ruin of the oldest church in Åtvidaberg. It can be dated to the 12th century. From the ruin, on the top of a sandy ridge called Vinåsen, you get a ravishing view over the lake Vindommen.

Take a walk over the bridge and follow the path along the cape with graves. You will pass a stone circle and about fifty graves of the Iron Age. It is to be considered as a classical grave field located on a ridge by a lake. At the tip of the cape there is a footbridge leading to a little island. The circumference of the big oak on the island stands 6,3 meters in the height of breast. Under the oaks there is a newer dated grave. Here is the former owner and proprietor of the manor buried.

Arrive at sunset one or two weeks before the midsummer and listen towards the lake, perhaps you will hear a croaking, creaking and burping sound. That's the male of the edible frog, Rana esculenta, which is giving his pairing concert. In Sweden this specie of frog is most common in the southwest of the landscape Skåne, and in addition to that known from a few seats left up to the north of the landscape Uppland. The female is a bit larger than the male and can become about 15 cm long. It's the biggest specie of frog in Europe and considered as a delicacy in France. Sorry, but we can't offer you any frog legs from Hannäs - the frog is protected!

Do you want to get to know more about of the 1400 hectare lake and the surroundings, take a tour with the excursion boat M/S Amanda.

Another way to experience the lake Vindommen is to go skating when the lake is covered with ice. With an alternating countryside, unspoiled watersides, bays and islands, the lake is excellent for trips on long-distance skates. A tour around all straggling bays is about 70 km. The lake is 13 km long, as the crow flies.

Also nice additional lakes to experience skating are Västersjön, Storsjön and Önn. It's possible to walk between the lakes on the most narrow places, and the three lakes together make a tour of about 30 km. A shorter and very pleasant tour can be done at Öjesjön. This lake is just like Vindommen, extremely full of bays and partly counted by an impressive wild countryside along the watersides.

If you prefer to be on dry land, the footpath Östgötaleden crosses the parish of Hannäs. Östgötaleden is in total 900 km and of these 30 km through Hannäs. The footpath is winding through a country intersected hills and valleys and offers a varied nature, from primeval forest to beautiful views from the hills. The primeval forest hasn't been touched in 200 years and is one of the two nature reserves in Hannäs. In the edge of the primeval forest the province flower of Småland, twin-flower (linnæa borialis) grows. The small pink bells are so beautiful to watch during the blossom around midsummer.

There are more interesting things in the nature of Hannäs for the interested. Here is a juniper, which is one of the tallest in Sweden, a pine which grows upon a stone, and creeping spruces, which grow along the ground instead of upwards.

In the old days the population in this region earned their living from hunting, fishing and agriculture. Ancient remains indicate that this region has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Among other things there are two ancient monuments of castles. The enjoy of the toil walking to the top of the ancient castle by Breviksnäs is the ravishing view over the lake Storsjön.

The oldest houses in Hannäs are situated in Gärdsnäs village, in north by the lake Yxningen. Two fairly low timber houses, in right angle to each other, build a yard. The kernels are dated to the age of the 17th century.

The country business museum is in Kvarnvik. Except the exhibition of the most of utility goods from old country business, there are a lot of more or less strange utensils and equipments. The former owner of the country business will gladly show the museum and has a lot of information to share.

The local history museum Domarvik is open for visitors every midsummer's eve. For a visit at another time, please get in touch with Hannäs Local history association, which gladly welcomes groups.

This is only a selection of sights. You get closer information how to find the places, if you stop at one of the halting places in Hannäs. A board with tourism information is to be found at every halting-place, watch here.