Björstorp on Lake Viken

Björstorp lies on the shore of Lake Viken and combines water, forest, and a tranquil landscape with a tangible local history. Those looking for a place by the lake for their trip can bring together a variety of interests here: swimming at two swimming spots, paths along the shore, observing birch and pine forests, or fishing on Lake Viken.

Lakeshore and natural areas

The Björstorp area consists mainly of natural areas. The forest is characterized by birch and pine trees and is managed to prevent it from becoming overgrown. The part of Lake Viken belonging to the Björstorp area has a predominantly rocky bottom. Together with the shore, this gives the surroundings a clear, natural character.

Björstorp also lies in an area designated under Chapters 3 and 4 of the Swedish Environmental Code as being of national interest for nature conservation, tourism, and mobile outdoor recreation. The designation concerns Lake Viken and its shoreline areas. The water level of Lake Viken is approximately 91.5 metres above sea level. It is regulated by the outflow via the Göta Canal and via the lock at Forsvik into Bottensjön and Lake Vättern.

Swimming spots, boat harbours, and fishing

Björstorp has two swimming spots on Lake Viken and two small boat harbours. Those who want to spend their days by the water will therefore find several specific options, but should plan each activity separately: the swimming spots are for swimming, while the boat harbours provide local access to the lake. Fishing with a hand-held rod and trolling from a boat are permitted on Lake Viken.

In the nearby area of Undenäs lies the municipal Viken–Skarven swimming spot. It is shallow, child-friendly, and equipped with a bathing jetty. This gives families an additional opportunity to include a swimming spot in the surrounding area in their travel plans, without equating its characteristics with those of the two swimming spots in Björstorp.

Lakeside path and arrival

A lakeside path leads from Björstorp towards Markaviken. For walks and excursions, this indication of direction is more useful than a general statement about a continuous network of paths. When travelling here, you should take the condition of the access road into account: the road to Björstorp is approximately 4.5 metres wide and surfaced with gravel. The area has three gated access roads, two of them in Björstorp and one in Markaviken.

There is little traffic in the Björstorp area. The roads encourage low speeds, which should be taken into account when planning your journey, along with the narrow, gravel access road.

Historical traces of the village

Björstorp was first recorded in 1498 in the land register of Jöns Ulfsson Roos. Later, the village was incorporated into the Sannum estate complex and remained connected to its owners. Claes Fleming was one of the owners of Björstorp in the 1640s and 1650s. Another historical trace leads to the year 1660: the Finnish settlers Carl Hindrichsson and Karin Mickelsdotter moved from Skallebo to Björstorp with their son and daughter-in-law.

Björstorp can therefore be experienced from several perspectives: by the water while swimming or fishing, on the lakeside path towards Markaviken, in the natural areas with birch and pine trees, and through the history of the village. Further pages to help you find your way around this selection can be found under Karlsborg, Brevik, Kärret, Forsvik and Mölltorp.

For the higher-level travel overview: Karlsborg.