The rune stone on Sturkö is the only surviving Viking Age rune stone in Blekinge. The island’s character is also shaped by a vast nature area in the south, a long history as a cultural landscape and maritime heritage. Visitors who want to combine nature and culture on an island trip will find a range of ways to explore them here—from marked trails to the history of the shipwreck graveyard.

Nature and cultural landscape in the south

Uttorp Nature Reserve is part of a large, easily accessible open-air area in southern Sturkö. The reserve features staggen heath, heathland and coastal meadows; the land is still grazed. Marked trails offer a way to explore the open landscape on foot. There is also a parking area and information facilities at the nature reserve.

The landscape itself also tells the story of how it has been used: the Sturkö–Hålevik–Uttorp area has been shaped by centuries of grazing and extensive stone quarrying. A large wetland complex with diverse habitats also extends across the south of the island. Some of its most distinctive habitats are coastal meadows, wet heathland, vegetated ponds, shallow mires and swamp forests.

Trails through the archipelago landscape

Sturkö has well-marked cycling loops through the archipelago landscape. The island is also a central hub on ARK56. This connected trail network links the entire Blekinge Archipelago and includes kayaking, cycling, hiking and sailing routes. If you are planning a route on ARK56, check route conditions before setting out.

The different trails offer different ways to experience the island region: Uttorp Nature Reserve focuses on its accessible open-air area and habitats, while ARK56 brings together several modes of travel in a regional route network. You can take these two perspectives into account separately when planning your trip, without having to follow a particular order of tours.

Rune stone and maritime history

The inscription on the rune stone reads, in essence: “Gude’s seaman erected … the stone.” The ellipsis is part of the wording as it has been handed down. Its status as the only surviving Viking Age rune stone in Blekinge makes it a special point of reference for the island’s history.

The coast, too, preserves traces of the past. Ekenabben is a historic fishing harbour on the west side of Sturkö; the harbour is home to the open-air exhibition “Världsarvets vrak.” The shipwreck graveyard near Sturkö lies in the Djupasund strait between Sturkö and Tjurkö. It comprises around 20 ships from the period around 1550 to 1650, deliberately sunk in the late 17th century to form a barrier towards Karlskrona. Most of the wrecks can still be seen while diving. Check diving conditions and access locally before planning this part of your trip.

Church, mill and bathing spot

Sturkö Church was built in 1878 on the site of an older votive church dedicated to Saint Gertrude. The two dates highlight the difference between the church building and its older predecessor. Sturkö Mill was completed in 1901; from there, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view over the island and the archipelago. In summer, the mill has a café and restaurant. Check opening dates before your trip.

The family-friendly bathing spot on Sturkö has a playground and barbecue facilities. It is worth checking shortly before your visit, as local facilities can change. You can include this option in your stay plans alongside the island’s natural landscapes and cultural attractions.

Getting to Sturkö

Sturkö can be reached via Sturkövägen. The road crosses fixed bridges over Senoren and Skällö. This road connection is a useful starting point for planning your journey; you can tailor the rest of your plans to your interests—for example, Uttorp’s landscape, the cycling loops or the maritime history.

Discover more destinations: Nävragöl, Torhamn, Ebbenäs, Lyckeby, Karlskrona, Nättraby, Hasslö, Drottningskär.

Return to the main travel overview: Karlskrona.