Mönsterås between the archipelago coast and cultural landscapes

In the municipality of Mönsterås, the archipelago coast meets the river landscapes around Emån and Alsterån. The Mönsterås Archipelago includes grazed islands and historic cultural landscapes. Hiking trails, wetlands and historic sites reveal different sides of the area.

Hiking trails between the coast and inland areas

The Mönsteråsleden is just over 80 kilometres long and runs through the entire municipality. To the north, it connects to the Ostkustleden, and to the southwest, to the Högsbyleden. There are several wind shelters and fire pits along the route. There is also a public overnight shelter by Lake Norregöl, which does not need to be reserved.

On Oknö, an island in the Kalmar Strait connected by road, the Oknöleden—also known as Östersjöspåret—is an eleven-kilometre hiking trail that runs along the water. Well-trodden paths also follow the shoreline there. Oknö offers opportunities for swimming, fishing and birdwatching. The lengths of the Mönsteråsleden and Oknöleden can help you compare longer and shorter routes when planning your trip.

Wetlands and nature reserves

A wetland loop trail starts at the ruins of a monastery church in Kronobäck. The loop is about 2.4 kilometres long and marked with red posts. The ruins are from a church built by the Order of St John in the late 15th century; at the time, it was the largest building of its kind in the Nordic region. The wetland is known as Sweden’s first “pike factory” and serves as a spawning ground for thousands of pike in spring. It is also used for birdwatching and is home to numerous white-tailed eagles and other birds of prey.

Jungnerholmarna is a recreational area surrounded by Emån and rich in natural values. Hiking trails provide information about the area’s culture and nature along the way. Barbecue areas, a bathing spot and green spaces for recreation and play add to the area. In Lövö Nature Reserve, a well-preserved archipelago village is set within a historic cultural landscape: fields, grazing land and flower-rich coastal meadows lie by the sea. Several hiking trails can be found in the south. Because the area is grazed, the paths there cross cattle grids. Swimming is also possible in the reserve, for example at the ford between the mainland and Brönnsö.

Cultural history across the area

Modéerska huset is a listed 18th-century merchant’s house and is considered the oldest wooden house in Mönsterås. It displays unique objects made by craftspeople from the municipality; various exhibitions are held during the summer months. The summer exhibition programme adds a seasonal reason to visit to the house’s historical significance.

Pataholm was an important trading post. The area around the market square has changed very little since the 19th century. Strömsrum dates back to the Middle Ages, while the present main building was constructed in the 18th century. In Timmernabben, Gabriel-brand tiled stoves are handcrafted. The factory has been at the same location since it was founded in 1925.

Cycling, activities and fishing

In Långehäll, just outside Blomstermåla, there are marked mountain bike trails, a bike park and a loop trail. The activity park in Mönsterås harbour offers opportunities for parkour, skateboarding, inline skating and BMX. The municipality also offers fishing opportunities along the coast, in lakes and in flowing waters. Mönsterås’s guest harbours offer overnight berths for boaters and serve as a starting point for excursions on land.

Discover more destinations: Blomstermåla, Fliseryd, Ålem, Mönsterås, Timmernabben, Mörbylånga, Torsås, Västervik.

For the main travel overview: Kalmar.