Torsås: Coast, Nature and Maritime History

Örarevet is a two-kilometre-long glacial ridge with a small archipelago landscape, extensive shore meadows, distinctive juniper heaths, barren shingle beaches and a municipal sandy beach. The immediate surrounding area includes Gullabo, Söderåkra, Torsås and Bergkvara.

Nature on the Coast and Reef

The Örarevet Nature Reserve is known for its diverse birdlife; around 40 bird species live there more or less permanently. Older coniferous forest dominated by spruce prevails in the Strömby Nature Reserve. The oldest pines are about 200 years old. Deadwood and the limited influence of modern forestry support a diverse range of animal and plant life there, including many rare species.

In the Örarevet Nature Reserve, a path leads from the car park along the entire reef. There are four rest and barbecue areas, while the first section has a low-barrier gravel surface. The Ödet nature area complements the coastal landscape with walking paths and boardwalks through wetlands and oak forest, a lookout tower for birdwatching and barbecue areas. The audio walk “Vattnets väsen” takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is suitable for children aged four and over.

Hiking and Cycling

The 144-kilometre-long Torsåsleden is a continuous circular trail with rest and overnight accommodation points, so the hike can be started at various locations. The Torsås section of the Kalmarsundsleden is about 25 kilometres long and is considered an easy coastal route from Kalmar to the border with Blekinge.

For cyclists, the approximately 100-kilometre-long Slöjdleden runs through forests, meadows, dry-stone walls and traditional fences between the coast and inland areas. The approximately 30-kilometre-long Dackeleden is both a hiking and cycling route and follows in the footsteps of the freedom fighter Nils Dacke; the Torsås app allows visitors to take a journey back in time along the way.

The Skeppeleden is divided into three stages: the short loop is 10 kilometres, the medium loop 15 kilometres and the long loop 28 kilometres; the long route extends as far as Bröms. In Torsås, Slingan is a just over 1.3-kilometre-long, illuminated training loop with a woodchip surface. There is also a larger gravel area, for example for football, as well as a boules court with seating.

Activities for Different Days

The Sahara Aktivitetsområde in Torsås offers an athletics facility, tennis and padel courts, a beach volleyball court, a climbing wall, a friends’ swing, as well as interactive play and exercise elements. Tennis and padel cannot be booked there and are intended for spontaneous play.

Kanaberg consists of huge boulders that have lain there since the Ice Age, between which visitors can climb and crawl. There is also a small barbecue area. Tegubben offers a guided tour and a bookable experience at Tegubbens Lavendelträdgård.

Harbour, Islands and Coastal Waters

The Sälsafari från Bergkvara departs from Bergkvara’s Small Boat Harbour and takes about an hour and a half. The island with the Garpen lighthouse can be reached from the Small Boat Harbour in Bergkvara by boat Gustav in about 15 minutes.

A canoe and kayak route runs along the coast between Bergkvara and the Örarevet Nature Reserve, passing special seal areas and Djursvik. Örarevet has a jetty, barbecue areas and sandy beaches. For a meal, Nature TRIBE operates a tipi lunch café that is open all year round, serving wood-fired pizza, including a vegetarian option and a vegan option on request.

Seafaring, History and Handicrafts

Bergkvara Konsthall in the Kulturmagasinet at Bergkvara harbour presents exhibitions by professional artists. The Bergkvara Sjöfartsmuseum is located in a hundred-year-old harbour warehouse; the museum includes an intact ship forge on nearby Dalaskär.

The historical walk “I sjöfartens spår – Bergkvara” leads to various sites connected with Bergkvara’s maritime history. The Torsås app provides an informative audio guide for adults and older children. At Olssonska Gården, the same app can be used to take a journey back in time and follow in the footsteps of the people who lived on the farm.

The first church in Torsås may have been a stave church built in the 12th century; in the 13th century, it was replaced by a stone church. The present stone church building was constructed in 1777–1780, reusing walls from the medieval church in the southwest.

At Kus’ krukmakeri, visitors can make pottery, create sculptures, fire ceramics and paint porcelain by appointment; ceramics are also sold. Handicrafts and craftwork have been produced and sold in Torsås since the mid-19th century. Materials used include wood, birch bark, textiles, ceramics, woven materials and metal, and there are various points of sale.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Emmaboda, Oskarshamn, Mörbylånga.

To the higher-level destination overview: Kalmar.