Olofström Between Lakes, Trails and Culture

Lake Halen shapes the landscape around Olofström: it is the largest lake in Blekinge, and approximately half of its area lies within the Halen Nature Reserve. The protected area covers 809 hectares of land and water. Forests and lakes define the wilderness here, within walking distance of the densely populated towns of Olofström and Jämshög. The area also provides habitat for many bird species, including ospreys and red-throated divers. Individual sightings are not guaranteed seasonally.

Trails Through the Landscape

The nature reserve has hiking trails, running routes and bridleways, as well as rest areas and shelters. A striking crossing over Lake Halen is the 83-metre-long Frickabron suspension bridge: it connects two nature reserves, and three hiking loops cross the bridge. This lets you consider the lake, reserve and route together when planning, without treating the different routes as equivalent.

The Blekingeleden also provides guidance for longer hikes: it runs through Olofström Municipality and connects with the Skåneleden near Jämshög and Boafall. Another hiking trail leads from Tulseboda Brunnspark to Kulturbrunn Forneboda and continues around Lake Fornebodasjön. If you compare tours, you can choose between a connection linking two long-distance trails and a route with named start and end points. Check trail conditions before setting out.

On the Water: Paddling and Fishing

Lake Halen has natural connections to Raslången, Gillesjön, Filkesjön and Immeln, offering a variety of opportunities for canoe trips. The canoe route system offers options for both beginners and experienced paddlers. A walking and cycling path about 900 metres long leads to the canoe centre and is marked as Blekingeleden–Skåneleden as far as the centre. Stand-up paddleboarding is another way to explore Lake Halen while swimming and exercising; seasonal availability may vary.

Those interested in fishing will find Harasjömåla, a nature-oriented sport-fishing area in north-western Blekinge, about ten kilometres north-west of Olofström. The area includes 23 lakes and a flowing watercourse. Options include spinning, bait fishing and fly fishing, for both beginners and experienced anglers. Before visiting, check the fishing regulations in force and whether a permit is required.

Industrial History, Literature and Local Culture

Ebbamåla Bruk is an almost completely preserved industrial site with buildings dating from the late 19th century to the 1920s. Today, the site is an industrial museum. Check visitor access information before your visit.

In Jämshög, the Författarmuseet includes workrooms, collections and a school museum. Olofström’s literary heritage is associated with Harry Martinson, Sven Edvin Salje and Pehr Thomasson; museums, literary walks and preserved historic settings trace their footsteps. In Vilshult, the Stenmuseet displays tools and works of art by local stone craftsmen and offers guided tours. Check museum access and opening information before your visit.

Aniaraparken is located by the Holjeån and features flowerbeds, a pond and several sculptures by Carl Eldh. Nässelfrossa brings together more than 100 events over eight days and is always held in the week after Midsummer. Check the dates for the relevant year before travelling.

More Places to Visit and Useful Information

A downhill trail area is located at Brännaregården, on the site of a former ski slope. The hilly, technically demanding terrain includes jumps, bridges and forest sections. Check trail conditions and safety requirements before riding. A 29-kilometre cycling route follows a former railway line and passes through pastureland, valleys, lakes and streams; here too, check trail conditions in advance.

For information about public services, the municipal tourist information office at Olofström Town Hall provides details about attractions, events, hiking trails and other activities; free Wi-Fi is also available there. Check information about these visitor services before your trip. The nearest bus stop to Holje Nature Reserve is Odasjöslätt on Road 15, about 800 metres north of the reserve. Check public transport routes before travelling as well.

Discover more destinations: Kyrkhult, Olofström, Vilshult, Jämshög, Sölvesborg, Ronneby, Karlskrona, Karlshamn.

View the regional travel overview: Blekinge.