The Gryt Nature Reserve is one of the gems of the Östergötland archipelago. Its seven sections represent most of the archipelago’s habitats that are especially worthy of protection. If you are looking for a nature-focused stay, you will find a clear connection to the protected island landscape here.

Archipelago and Paddling

One access requirement is important when planning island visits: the islands within the nature reserve can only be reached by private boat. Grytstriangeln is another way to experience the archipelago: the three-day paddling tour passes through the Gryt archipelago and includes overnight stays on Harstena and Häradskär. Depending on the route chosen, the total paddling distance is 40 kilometres. The distance therefore depends on the route selected. As seasonal conditions can vary, check them before setting out.

Grytstriangeln is a multi-day travel option with named overnight stops; by contrast, reaching the islands in the nature reserve requires a private boat. These differences can help you decide whether your stay should focus mainly on paddling or on the protected landscape. The tour information also makes clear that the distance in kilometres cannot be considered independently of the route chosen.

Swimming Area and Rose Garden

Sandgärdets havsbad combines a sandy beach with a grassy area for sunbathing. The swimming area also has a diving tower and jetties that separate deeper water from shallower water. The facility is adapted for people with disabilities, and a ramp leads into the water. This means the same swimming area offers different waterside settings and a specifically described way to access the water. Compared with the three-day paddling tour, the beach offers a different kind of connection to the water: the focus here is on the beach, the sunbathing area and the layout of the swimming area.

Kärlekens Trädgård is located in Lilla Vik in Gryt. Thousands of roses of more than 450 varieties and life-size sculptures by Karola Messner give the garden two distinctive focal points: its rose collection and its artworks. The garden is accessible by car and boat. For travellers who want to include garden art alongside the archipelago landscape and water, it offers a distinct thematic highlight.

Churches and Local History

Gryts kyrka is located on Kyrkön in Gryt. Kyrkön was once surrounded by water, so the church’s location is part of the area’s historic island geography. Inside, a large altarpiece by Pehr Hörberg dominates the space. The artwork gives a visit to the church a clear cultural focus, distinct from the nature and water destinations.

Another church-related detail is the sacristy of Gryt’s former church. It has been preserved and now serves as S:t Olofs kapell. Together with Gryts kyrka, it points to two different aspects of local history: Kyrkön’s historic connection to the water and the preserved sacristy’s present-day use as a chapel. When choosing Gryt according to your interests, you can therefore consider nature, paddling, swimming, gardens and church art as clearly distinct focal points.

Discover more destinations: Lövbäcken, Östra Ed, Valdemarsvik, Ringarum, Skeppsgården

Go to the main travel overview: Valdemarsvik.