Bolmsö – Heritage and Landscapes by Lake Bolmen

Bolmsö is the largest island in Lake Bolmen. Forests, open landscapes and the island’s immediate proximity to the water define its character. In the church village, several public buildings stand amid a cultural landscape that has been continuously cultivated for a long time. When planning your stay, you can therefore choose how to balance cultural history and activities on the lake.

Burial grounds and church history

The Spökebacken burial ground comprises 29 burial mounds and six upright stones. A smaller burial ground with ten graves lies northeast of Bolmsö Church. Bolmsö already had a church in the 13th century; the present-day Bolmsö Kyrka was built in 1863. The early history of the church and the construction date of the present building are therefore two distinct points in time.

Bolmsö Kyrka is open during the day. If you want to make sure it is open at the time you plan to visit, call ahead.

Church village and Hembygdspark

The church village of Bolmsö is a cultural environment of national interest. Its archaeological setting, parish centre and church village together illustrate the process by which the parish was established and developed. This brings individual historical sites into a shared context of the parish’s development.

Bolmsö Hembygdspark has a ridge-roofed hut from Möcklagård, completed for the first local heritage festival on 1 August 1948. In 1950, a barn from Vinsta was moved into the park; in 1957, a drying hut from Perstorp was added. This sequence of dates makes the park’s development over several decades easy to follow.

Haymaking festivals have been held at Bolmsö Hembygdspark every summer since 1962. Midsummer celebrations include dancing around the Midsummer pole, music, singing, refreshments and folk dance performances. If you would like to time your visit to coincide with one of the festivals, check the dates and programme before you travel.

Lake Bolmen, trails and coastline

Lake Bolmen is home to more than 20 fish species, including pike, zander and perch. Its islands are suitable for fishing, and there are also fishing opportunities on and around Bolmsö. Check local regulations before fishing. Paddling is another way to enjoy the lake.

Several hiking trails pass through nature and by historical sites. Cycling is another leisure activity on Bolmsö. Bathing spots and rest areas are dotted along the coast; check individual locations before setting out. When choosing your day’s activities, the distinction is practical: hiking trails and cycling are land-based activities, while paddling and fishing focus on the lake; bathing spots and rest areas offer additional coastal stops.

Getting there by ferry

The Bolmsöleden road ferry connects Sunnaryd in Jönköping County with Bolmsö in Kronoberg County across Lake Bolmen. The ferry route is 1,000 metres long; the crossing takes ten minutes and is free of charge. Check the ferry’s latest operating information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Kråkshult, Angelstad, Bolmen, Lagan, Tannåker, Ryssby, Agunnaryd, Vittaryd

For the main travel overview: Ljungby.