Skeppsgården: Hiking and Maritime History

Skeppsgården is an old shipping location on Edsviken. The Vindån River flows into Edsviken at Skeppsgården in Valdemarsvik Municipality. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip here, hiking in Åsvikelandet or the area's maritime history can be the focus. The area's features can help you tailor your stay to specific interests: trail lengths, historic trading sites, and buildings offer different points of interest.

Hiking in Åsvikelandet

The hiking trail system in Åsvikelandet is part of Östgötaleden and marked in orange. The southern hiking loop in the area is about eight kilometres long. A section of Östgötaleden about 36 kilometres long starts in Skeppsgården. Comparing the lengths makes it easier to decide where to start: would you like to plan a single loop or focus on a significantly longer section? Åsvikelandet Nature Reserve is two kilometres from Skeppsgården B&B.

Trading Site and Maritime History

From the mid-16th century, Skeppsgården was a major loading and trading site. The loading site reached its heyday in the 19th century; Skeppsgården served as an export point for firewood, pulpwood, and timber. At the beginning of the 20th century, about ten ships had their home port in Skeppsgården. Thus, alongside the export of goods, the ships based in the village are another part of its maritime history. A steamboat landing remained in Skeppsgården until the 1950s. Fiskartorpet is Skeppsgården's historic fisherman's cottage, adding a connection to fishing alongside trade and shipping.

Villa Skeppsgården and the Church in Östra Ed

Villa Skeppsgården was built in 1908 by K. A. Wallenberg and presented to Helge Lybeck and his wife, Nanny Wallenberg, as a wedding gift. Since the 1980s, it has been a course centre offering knowledge and expertise in Levande Föda. Its construction date, its history as a gift, and its function as a course centre bring together different chapters of local history in one building.

Nearby Östra Ed Church has a gilded pilot cutter as its spire. The present church was rebuilt on the same site after a fire in 1958 and inaugurated in 1960; the old walls could be used in the process. The maritime shape of the spire and the history of the rebuilding are among the different features that shape the impression of the church.

Accommodation and Practical Information

When choosing a hotel, first consider which part of the trip matters most: the trail distances suit plans focused on hiking, while the loading site, villa, and history of the church building suit an interest in the area's history. Then compare specific hotel offers based on your travel dates and the information provided for each property.

Motorhomes can park in Skeppsgården, with spaces available for daytime and overnight use. They are located near Vindån, the bridge, Åsvikelandet, and Torrö. As service information may change, check current availability before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Valdemarsvik, Östra Ed, Ringarum, Gryt

Return to the main travel guide: Valdemarsvik.