Ivö combines geological features with traces of cultural history. Ivö Klack rises 134 metres above sea level and is made of ancient bedrock. The Ugnsmunnarna caves, by contrast, were eroded from limestone cliffs. Those who want to put nature and history at the heart of a trip will find a range of themes on Ivö, which they can prioritise according to their own interests.
Getting there by car ferry
The Ivöleden car ferry runs across Lake Ivösjön between Barum and Ivön, northwest of Bromölla in Skåne. The crossing is 700 metres long and takes about seven minutes. Ugnsmunnarna on Ivö can be reached from the mainland by car ferry from Barum. Include the ferry crossing in your travel plans and check the timetable before your travel date.
Geology and nature at Ugnsmunnarna
The different rock formations give Ivö’s landscape a distinctive geological character: Ivö Klack is made of ancient bedrock, while the Ugnsmunnarna caves near the shore of Lake Ivösjön were eroded from limestone cliffs. At least 40 red-listed mushroom species have been recorded in the Ugnsmunnarna nature reserve. This natural area thus combines striking geological formations with a remarkable diversity of mushrooms.
The open-air museum at Ivö Klack adds insight into the area’s geology to the nature theme: visitors can learn more there. On Ivö, both the forms of the landscape and their geological context take centre stage. The caves and the hill offer different points of interest for anyone curious about rocks and nature.
Church and medieval traces
S:ta Ursula kyrka on Ivö was probably built between 1224 and 1228 by Archbishop Andreas Sunesson in the Romanesque style. The chancel wall features murals that are thought to date from the 14th century and depict S:ta Ursula and S:ta Katarina. The dates are not certain: the church’s construction period is probable, and the murals’ dating is also uncertain. The murals are thought to be from a considerably later period than the church building.
Another historical trace is Biskopskällaren, the surviving cellar of a bishop’s palace built on Ivö in the 1220s by Anders Sunesen, Archbishop of Lund. Ursulas källa is a votive spring named after Saint Ursula; another recorded name is Ursule killa. The church, murals, cellar and spring offer different ways to explore the island’s cultural history, from Romanesque architecture to names passed down through tradition.
More activities and travel planning
Ivögården Mat & Vingård offers a walk among grapevines and goats. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are also available to rent there; availability may vary by season. If you want to plan one of these activities, check that it is available for your intended travel dates.
For the broader travel overview: Fjälkinge.
