Örarevet is a two-kilometre-long glacial ridge with a small archipelago landscape, extensive coastal meadows, distinctive juniper heaths, barren shingle beaches and a municipal sandy beach. The nature reserve is known for its rich birdlife; around 40 bird species are more or less permanent residents there.

A path runs from the car park along the entire reef. There are also four rest and barbecue areas in the reserve; the first section of the path has a gravel surface and is designed to be accessible. Check seasonal offerings before your trip. The Strömby Nature Reserve offers a very different kind of forest: older coniferous forest dominated by spruce. The oldest pines are around 200 years old. Deadwood and limited impact from modern forestry support a rich variety of animal and plant life, including many rare species.

Trails with different highlights

The 144-kilometre Torsåsleden is a circular trail with rest and overnight stops. Since you can start the hike at various points, you can choose a convenient starting point. Check the condition of the rest and overnight stops before setting out. The approximately 25-kilometre section of the Kalmarsundsleden in Torsås is considered an easy coastal route; the trail runs from Kalmar to the border with Blekinge.

The approximately 100-kilometre Slöjdleden cycle route winds between the coast and inland through forests and meadows, past stone walls and traditional fences. The Skeppeleden offers three route lengths: the short loop is 10 kilometres and the medium one is 15 kilometres. The long loop is 28 kilometres and reaches Bröms. The approximately 30-kilometre Dackeleden combines hiking and cycling with the history of freedom fighter Nils Dacke: you can take a journey through time along the way using the Torsås app. Check that the app is available before your trip.

Wetlands, activities and boulders

In the Ödet nature area, walking trails and boardwalks wind through wetlands and oak forest. There is an observation tower for birdwatching, and barbecue areas add to the facilities. The “Vattnets väsen” audio walk takes around 30 to 45 minutes and is suitable for children aged four and over.

The Sahara Aktivitetsområde in Torsås combines an athletics facility, tennis and padel courts, a beach volleyball court, a climbing wall, a friendship swing, and interactive play and exercise equipment. Tennis and padel cannot be booked; the courts are intended for spontaneous play. At Kanaberg, huge boulders have been there since the Ice Age. You can climb and crawl between them; there is also a small barbecue area. Assess the conditions on site.

Seafaring, crafts and history

The Bergkvara Konsthall in Kulturmagasinet, at Bergkvara harbour, presents exhibitions by professional artists. Check the exhibition dates before your visit. The Bergkvara Sjöfartsmuseum is housed in a hundred-year-old harbour warehouse; it also includes an intact ship’s forge on nearby Dalaskär. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance here, too. The historic walking tour “I sjöfartens spår – Bergkvara” takes you to various sites connected with Bergkvara’s maritime history. The Torsås app offers an informative audio guide for adults and older children.

The church is also part of Torsås’s history: a stave church may have stood here in the 12th century, before being replaced by a stone church in the 13th century. The present stone church building was constructed between 1777 and 1780; sections of the medieval church walls were reused in the southwest. Handicrafts and handmade goods have been made and sold in Torsås since the mid-19th century. Materials used include wood, birch bark, textiles, ceramics, wickerwork and metal; there are several places to buy them.

At Kus’ krukmakeri, you can throw pottery, make sculptures, fire ceramics and paint porcelain by appointment; ceramics are also for sale. At Olssonska Gården, the Torsås app takes you on a journey through time, following the people who have lived on the farm. Check visitor access in advance there, too. Tegubben offers a guided tour and a bookable experience in the lavender garden; booking is required.

Experiences by the water and a break

The Sälsafari från Bergkvara departs from Bergkvara’s small boat harbour and lasts around an hour and a half. From the same harbour, you can take the boat Gustav to the island with the Garpen lighthouse in about 15 minutes. Check dates and booking arrangements in advance for both activities; the trip to Garpen also depends on the weather and current booking conditions. A canoe and kayak route runs along the coast between Bergkvara and the Örarevet Nature Reserve, passing distinctive seal areas and Djursvik. Örarevet has a jetty, barbecue areas and sandy beaches. Check water conditions and equipment arrangements before setting out.

Nature TRIBE runs a tipi lunch café that is open all year and serves wood-fired pizza. A vegetarian option is available, as is a vegan one on request. Checking the menu and opening hours before your visit will help you plan.

Discover more destinations: Gullabo, Söderåkra, Torsås, Bergkvara, Kalmar, Mörbylånga, Mönsterås, Vissefjärda.

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