Blåvik: Church, Nature Swimming Area and Östgötaleden

If you are considering Blåvik as a destination for a hotel stay, local highlights offer a concrete starting point: the history of Blåvik Church, Lake Sommen with a small natural swimming area, and sections of Östgötaleden. There is also Gårdsbutiken i Blåvik, with a café, waffle hut and farm shop. This can help you decide whether church architecture and the cemetery, swimming and hiking, or a visit to the farm shop should be the focus of your stay. When planning your routes, it is worth distinguishing between the two sections of Östgötaleden.

Church and cemetery by the water

Blåvik Church was built in 1872 and inaugurated in 1873. Construction and inauguration thus took place in two consecutive years. The church offers a view of the northernmost bay of Lake Sommen. The cemetery at Blåvik Church is surrounded by water; several artistically designed gravestones show the faces of the deceased in relief. The two waterside settings offer different points of interest: from the church, the view extends to the bay, while at the cemetery the water frames the gravestones and their distinctive designs.

Swimming at Lake Sommen and the trailhead

Blåvik swimming area is on Lake Sommen, near the village of Blåvik, and is a small natural swimming area with jetties. The Östgötaleden trailhead is also located at the swimming area. This brings together two specific interests: swimming in Lake Sommen and setting off on a hike. Facilities on site include a fire pit, picnic tables, a dry toilet and a rubbish bin. If you would like to include both swimming and hiking in your stay, you can plan around this shared point of reference. The facilities also give you an overview of what the swimming area offers in addition to its jetties.

Two stages of Östgötaleden

Blåvik kyrkby is a starting point for hikes on Östgötaleden. The car park has space for about 20 cars; this is an approximate figure. The different trail features can help you choose a stage: the Boxholm–Blåvik section passes several scenic resting places, and there are opportunities to swim along this stage. The Blåvik–Sundsudden section runs from the village of Blåvik to Sundsudden. At the end of the stage, you can take the ferry from Sundsudden to Torpön in summer, from May to September. While resting places and swimming opportunities characterise the Boxholm–Blåvik section, the other section leads to the ferry point at Sundsudden. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance.

Farm shop and arrival by boat

If you arrive by boat, there are moorings directly in front of Gårdsbutiken i Blåvik in Blåvik harbour, as well as by Blåvik Church. These two locations indicate the mooring options mentioned. Gårdsbutiken includes a café, a waffle hut and a well-stocked farm shop with carefully selected, locally produced goods. A visit can therefore combine a café or waffle break with the chance to browse local products in the farm shop. The farm shop is a distinct highlight alongside the trails, swimming area and cultural and historical details around the church.

Discover more destinations: Boxholm

Back to the main travel overview: Boxholm.