Överum combines historical landmarks with hiking and leisure activities: the industrial church built in 1872 and Överums bruk, founded in 1655, provide clear reference points in the area’s history; Holmsjöleden, a ski slope and climbing routes offer different attractions. You can tailor your stay to whether you’re more interested in history, hiking trails or outdoor activities.

Church and Ironworks

Överum Church was built as an industrial church in 1872. It is the only church in Kalmar County built as an industrial church. Överums bruk, meanwhile, was founded in 1655 by the Walloon founders Abraham and Hubert de Besche and their brother-in-law Henrik de Trij. The dates mark two distinct points in time: the founding of the ironworks and the later construction of the church. When exploring local history, you can consider these as two separate topics rather than combining them into a single development.

Hiking around Överum

Holmsjöleden starts on the outskirts of Överum, on a gravel area called Stenkrossen, and connects to stage 8 of Tjustleden. The trail runs mostly through forest around Holmsjön, west and southwest of Överum. The starting point and landscape offer different points of reference for the hike: you can factor in both the trailhead on the outskirts and the mostly forested route around the lake when planning your trip.

The connecting trail between Överum and stage 8 of Tjustleden also passes through old forest protected for its biotope before reaching Överum. The first two kilometres are very hilly; it becomes flatter near Överum. If you plan to take this connection, keep the change in terrain in mind: the hilly initial stretch and the flatter section near the village are two distinct parts of the trail.

There is a hiking trail in the Överumsån area. With careful observation, you may spot grey wagtails, tufted ducks and white-throated dippers along the Överumsån, among other birds. Birdwatchers will find a natural setting here that differs from the forest and route descriptions of Holmsjöleden.

Ski slope, climbing and swimming area

The ski slope in Överum has a 250-metre descent and a vertical drop of 47 metres. Its facilities include a child-friendly ski lift, lighting and a piste basher. Climbing at Råsklippan offers a different kind of activity, with routes for beginners and experienced climbers. You can assess the ski slope by its length and vertical drop, while Råsklippan offers routes for different experience levels.

Ryven in Överum is a swimming area in Västervik Municipality. This adds another kind of activity to the options available. When choosing between hiking, climbing, skiing and a swimming area, you can base your plans on your travel interests without trying to fit everything into the same day.

Plan your journey and stay

Road 35 runs through Överum and connects Linköping with Västervik. Trains on the Tjustbanan line stop at Överum station. The road and rail connections offer two different points of reference for your journey; if you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before you set off. Överum’s station building is preserved and is now privately owned.

For a stay in Överum, you can first decide what you want to focus on: the historical landmarks of the church and ironworks, or the hiking and leisure activities. The specific trail details help distinguish between the hiking options, while the information about the ski slope and Råsklippan describes two different activity profiles. You can then choose the travel arrangements that best suit your plans.

Discover more destinations: Totebo, Gunnebo, Edsbruk, Hjorted, Blankaholm, Ankarsrum, Gamleby, Blackstad.

See the overview of the wider area: Västervik.