Mönsterås on Kalmarsund: Archipelago Coast, Nature and Culture
Mönsterås is located on Kalmarsund and combines an archipelago coast with river landscapes around the Emån and Alsterån rivers. The Mönsterås archipelago comprises grazed islands and old cultural landscapes. The municipality's built-up areas include Mönsterås, Timmernabben, Blomstermåla, Fliseryd and Ålem.
Coast and islands
Oknö is an island in Kalmarsund with road access. The Oknöleden, also called Östersjöspåret, is an eleven-kilometre-long hiking trail along the water. On Oknö, well-trodden paths lead along the sea; there are good opportunities for swimming, fishing and birdwatching.
Lövö Nature Reserve combines a well-preserved archipelago village with a historic cultural landscape of fields, pastures and flower-rich coastal meadows by the sea. There are several hiking trails in the south; because of the grazing livestock, the crossings there pass over cattle grids. Lövö Nature Reserve also offers opportunities for swimming, for example at the ford between the mainland and Brönnsö.
Nature and trails
The Mönsteråsleden is just over 80 kilometres long and runs through the entire municipality of Mönsterås. In the north, it connects to the Ostkustleden, and in the southwest to the Högsbyleden. Along the trail there are several wind shelters, fire pits and a public overnight shelter by Lake Norregöl; the shelter does not need to be reserved.
Jungnerholmarna is a recreational area surrounded by the Emån River and featuring significant natural value. The area has hiking trails with cultural and natural information along the route. There are also barbecue areas, a bathing spot and green spaces for recreation and play.
History and culture
Near Kronobäck are the ruins of a monastery church built by the Order of St John at the end of the 15th century, which was then the largest building of its kind in the Nordic region. The wetland circular trail near Kronobäck starts at these monastery ruins, forms a loop of approximately 2.4 kilometres and is signposted with red-marked posts.
The wetland at Kronobäck is known as Sweden's first “pike factory” and serves as a spawning ground for thousands of pike in spring. It is used for birdwatching and is home to numerous white-tailed eagles and other birds of prey.
Modéerska huset is a listed merchant's house from the 18th century and the oldest wooden house in Mönsterås. The house displays unique objects made by craftspeople from the municipality of Mönsterås; various exhibitions are held there during the summer months.
Pataholm was an important trading centre. The area around the market square is today almost unchanged compared with the 19th century. Strömsrum is an estate with origins dating back to the Middle Ages; the present main building was erected in the 18th century.
Gabriel's tiled stoves are crafted in Timmernabben. The factory has been located at the same site since it was founded in 1925.
Active days
In Långehäll 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.
Mönsterås's guest harbours offer visiting boaters overnight berths and a starting point for excursions ashore. In the municipality of Mönsterås, there are good opportunities for fishing along the coast, in lakes and in flowing waters.
For the main travel overview: Kalmar.
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