The wetland near Kronobäck is known as Sweden’s first “pike factory”: in spring, it serves as a spawning ground for thousands of pike. This unique encounter with nature is set alongside a landscape of archipelago coast, rivers and historic cultural landscapes. The municipality of Mönsterås lies on the Kalmar Sound and connects the coast with river landscapes around the Emån and Alsterån rivers. The Mönsterås Archipelago includes grazed islands and historic cultural landscapes. Exploring the area reveals a variety of perspectives on nature, outdoor activities and history.
Trails between water and cultural landscapes
The Mönsteråsleden is just over 80 kilometres long and runs through the entire municipality. In the north, it connects to the Ostkustleden; in the southwest, to the Högsbyleden. There are several wind shelters and fire pits along the trail. At Lake Norregöl, there is also a public overnight shelter that does not need to be reserved.
On Oknö, the Kalmar Sound lies right alongside the trail: the Oknöleden, also known as the Östersjöspåret, is eleven kilometres long and follows the water. Oknö is an island connected by road. Well-trodden paths run along the sea there, and the island also offers good opportunities for swimming, fishing and birdwatching. The Mönsteråsleden and the shorter Oknöleden offer different distances, while both trails put water at their centre.
Jungnerholmarna is a recreational area surrounded by the Emån River and rich in natural features. Walking trails there provide information about culture and nature. Barbecue areas, a bathing spot and green spaces for relaxing and playing complement the trail network. As trails and visitor facilities may change, check their current status before your visit.
In Lövö Nature Reserve, a well-preserved archipelago village meets historic cultural land: fields, pastures and flower-rich coastal meadows stretch down to the sea. There are several hiking trails in the south. Since the area is grazed, cattle gates are among the trail crossings. Swimming is also possible in the reserve, for example at the ford between the mainland and Brönnsö.
Kronobäck: Monastery ruins and wetland
At Kronobäck are the ruins of a monastery church built by the Order of St John at the end of the 15th century. At the time, it was the largest building of its kind in the Nordic region. The wetland loop trail starts at the monastery ruins: the approximately 2.4-kilometre loop is marked with red posts. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the historic monastery site with a walk through the wetland landscape.
As well as serving as a spawning ground in spring, the wetland offers opportunities for birdwatching. It is home to numerous white-tailed eagles and other birds of prey. The loop trail and birdwatching offer two different ways to experience this natural area: you can follow the marked loop or focus on the birdlife.
Trade, architectural history and local crafts
Modéerska huset is a listed merchant’s house dating from the 18th century and is considered Mönsterås’s oldest wooden house. Unique objects made by craftspeople from the municipality are displayed there, and various exhibitions are held during the summer months. Pataholm tells another part of the area’s story: it was an important trading place, and the area around its market square has remained almost unchanged since the 19th century.
Strömsrum also brings together different eras. The estate has medieval origins, while the present main building was constructed in the 18th century. In Timmernabben, meanwhile, Gabriel’s tiled stoves are made by hand. The factory has been at the same site since it was founded in 1925. Together, these places offer different points of interest: a merchant’s house, a historic market square, an estate and a craft tradition rooted in the same place to this day.
More activities on land and water
For mountain biking, Långehäll outside Blomstermåla has marked trails, a bike park and a circuit. The activity park at Mönsterås harbour offers opportunities for parkour, skateboarding, inline skating and BMX. Fishing is possible throughout the municipality, along the coast, in lakes and in running waters. Mönsterås’s guest harbours offer visiting boaters overnight berths and a starting point for trips ashore.
Discover more destinations: Blomstermåla, Fliseryd, Mönsterås, Timmernabben, Ålem, Emmaboda, Vimmerby, Nybro.
For the main travel overview: Kalmar.
