Nye: Church, ceramics and nature

Nye brings together medieval heritage, ceramic crafts and wetlands. If you are looking for a hotel in Nye, you can assess the character of the area based on which themes you want to shape your stay: church history, nature, local food culture or crafts. The details below give you concrete points to consider when making your choice.

Church and medieval history

Nye Church has been here since the Middle Ages. Its nave was probably built in the second half of the 13th century. “Nave” refers to the elongated main space of a church building. This gives you two tangible points of reference for understanding the church: the presumed construction date of this part of the building and its place in the medieval history of the area.

The church also has two medieval bells. Together with its building history, they offer concrete points of interest for anyone interested in historic churches and their contents. The dating of the nave remains an estimate; the two bells are classified as medieval.

Ceramic crafts at Swahns krukmakeri

Swahns krukmakeri specializes in large bowls, plates and pots with rich decorative designs. Its range also includes cups, jugs, lidded pots, urns and jewellery. Alongside larger vessels, smaller items and jewellery showcase different forms of ceramic craftsmanship.

The materials used are earthenware and stoneware. Firing is done in both wood-fired and electric kilns. The materials, firing methods and product forms show different aspects of the craft, rather than focusing on a single item. If you are interested in ceramics, Nye offers a specific point of interest alongside its church history.

Smedbälgen: lake and wetlands

The nutrient-rich lake Smedbälgen is surrounded by wetlands, including open bogs, swamp forests and willow scrub. Several Red List species have been observed at the lake. The natural area is therefore more than just the water: the different habitats around Smedbälgen are also part of its character.

The municipal project at Smedbälgen ended in 2024. At the lake, there is a two-storey birdwatching tower, a car park and a marked path to the tower.

Nyefiket and seasonal cuisine

Nyefiket is a café in Nye. It serves simple meals and sandwiches made with meat from the farm. The café offers a farm-to-table food experience with full traceability. The menu may vary by season; if you want to include Nyefiket in your day’s plans, check what is on offer for your planned visit.

Agricultural connections

Agriculture and forestry are also part of the local picture. Farstorps Gård is an agricultural and forestry business focused on dairy and meat production. Kulla Gård breeds Gotland sheep and Dorper sheep. The two farms represent different aspects: Farstorps Gård focuses on dairy and meat, while Kulla Gård focuses on sheep breeding.

Hembygdsgården, views and local heritage

The local heritage farm in Nye is located along the old road to Kalmar. From there, you can walk up to a hill and enjoy views of the surrounding area. The Farstorps Gård museum is also located in Nye’s heritage park; it was inaugurated in 2025.

The archaeological heritage extends beyond the village itself: the parish of Nye contains numerous archaeological monuments, including Iron Age graves. Here, the parish is the relevant geographical frame of reference. For planning purposes, you can compare two different ways to experience nature: at Smedbälgen, the lake, wetlands and birdwatching tower are the main attractions; from Hembygdsgården, a walk leads to a hill with views.

Discover more destinations: Lillarp, Näshult, Holsbybrunn, Vetlanda, Kvillsfors, Skede, Lindshammar, Kvillsfors.

Back to the main travel overview: Vetlanda.