The municipality of Högsby is characterized by a predominantly forested landscape, interconnected lakes and waterways, and cultivated land. Kyllen Nature Reserve brings together forests and wetlands; past fires have promoted biodiversity there and created deadwood. The reserve is about six kilometres northeast of Högsby; there is an information board and a car park on site. Allgunnen, meanwhile, is one of the few large unregulated lakes in southern Sweden. Together with the Alsterån, it forms diverse aquatic habitats. Högsby therefore offers a range of natural settings: forests, wetlands and large, unregulated waters.
Wetlands and Birdlife
Ryningen covers about 300 hectares and has two birdwatching towers and an observation platform. It is considered one of the most bird-rich wetlands in southern Sweden. Ospreys, white-tailed eagles and black-throated divers breed at Allgunnen; the surrounding area also provides habitat for capercaillies. The Högsby Nature Guide presents 20 selected natural areas and includes photographs and maps—a way to discover more natural sites in the municipality.
Walking Trails with Their Own Character
Högsbyleden is a longer, easy-to-walk trail through the entire Hornsö Ecopark. It passes many scenic places. Another route option is the ten-kilometre Jonas Stolts kyrkväg, which follows the historic route from Stenkullen in Basebo to Högsby Church. There are several information boards along the route; Torp Persdal is considered a particularly suitable picnic spot.
In Högsby, the two-kilometre Trollbergsrundan is located by the scout hut at Trollberget. Twelve information boards and activities for children and adults are the highlights of this activity trail. In Lanhagen, the one-kilometre Harmonirunda runs along the Emån and has twelve information boards. The trails differ not only in length: one follows a historic route, while the other features activities or focuses on the river.
On the Water and in Lanhagen
The Emån offers peaceful, natural stretches as well as wild rapids suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers. Canoes and kayaks can be rented in Högsby for paddling on the Emån, a lake or the sea. With a tourist fishing licence, you can fish for one or two weeks in 27 lakes and waterways.
In Lanhagen, alongside the open-air museum, there are disc golf, table tennis, boules and barbecue areas. The Harmonirunda also runs along the Emån there, and there is an obstacle course for children. The various activities combine exercise, time outdoors and a glimpse of the open-air museum, without requiring a set programme.
Church, School History and Local Collections
Högsby Church is centrally located in Högsby, beside the Emån. Its nave and sacristy reflect ecclesiastical architecture from the Middle Ages to the late 18th century. The church houses two late-medieval altarpieces and a runestone dated to the 1050s. In Högsby, architectural history and older artefacts can thus be seen side by side in one specific place.
Skälsbäck School Museum preserves two fully furnished classrooms with school desks spanning an entire century. Exhibition information is available in English and German. Parts of the collections of the Högsby Local Heritage Association are displayed at Hornsberg; archival materials for genealogical and local history research are also held there. These places focus on different aspects of history: school life, local collections, and family or local research.
Views and Local Flavours
Aboda Klint has a viewpoint with expansive views, as well as opportunities for hiking and swimming in Lake Kleven. Two clearly marked walking trails add to what is on offer. Höjdens Mejeri & Gårdsbutik is a source of local produce: the business makes handmade cow’s and goat’s cheese as well as sourdough bread, and runs its own farm shop. Kickis Matvandring combines a guided walk through the landscape with locally grown and prepared food served during the experience. Culinary discoveries vary too, from buying local produce to a walk where food is part of the experience.
One specific location to consider when planning your stay is Värdshuset Emågården: it is in the centre of Högsby, about 100 metres from the travel centre. Direct train services run from there to destinations including Kalmar and Stockholm.
Discover more destinations: Fågelfors, Grönskåra, Högsby, Ruda, Fagerhult, Berga, Fågelfors, Borgholm.
For the overview of the wider area: Kalmar.
