Holiday apartment in Olofström: Lakes, nature and culture in Blekinge

Olofström combines the wilderness of the Halen Nature Reserve, characterised by forests and lakes, with extensive waterways, historical museums and literary traces. Between tranquil landscapes, active experiences and regional culture, a diverse picture of Blekinge emerges.

Nature

The Halen Nature Reserve offers a wilderness characterised by forests and lakes within walking distance of the densely populated towns of Olofström and Jämshög. Lake Halen is the largest lake in Blekinge; approximately half of its area lies within the nature reserve. The protected area covers a total of 809 hectares of land and water. This landscape is also a habitat for many bird species, including ospreys and black-throated divers.

The Halen Nature Reserve has hiking trails, running routes, bridleways, picnic areas and shelters. Halen also has natural connections to Raslången, Gillesjön, Filkesjön and Immeln, offering a variety of opportunities for canoeing. The Halen canoe route system offers options for both experienced paddlers and beginners. Stand-up paddleboarding is one way to discover Halen while swimming and training.

Activities

A striking connection between the landscape and the trail is the 83-metre-long suspension bridge Frickabron. It spans Halen, connects two nature reserves and is crossed by three hiking loops. The Blekingeleden passes through Olofström Municipality and connects with the Skåneleden near Jämshög and Boafall. A hiking trail leads from Tulseboda Brunnspark to Kulturbrunn Forneboda and continues around Fornebodasjön.

Harasjömåla is a natural sport-fishing area in north-western Blekinge, approximately 10 kilometres north-west of Olofström. It comprises 23 lakes and one flowing waterway; spinning, bait fishing and fly-fishing are possible there for both beginners and experienced anglers.

At Brännaregården, a former ski slope offers downhill trails through hilly, technically challenging terrain with jumps, bridges and forest sections. A 29-kilometre cycling route runs along a former railway line and leads through pastureland, valleys, lakes and streams.

A walking and cycling path approximately 900 metres long leads to the canoe centre and is marked as the Blekingeleden-Skåneleden as far as the canoe centre. The nearest bus stop to the Holje Nature Reserve is Odasjöslätt on Road 15, approximately 800 metres north of the reserve.

Culture

The cultural history of the area is particularly evident at Ebbamåla Bruk. The almost completely preserved industrial complex comprises buildings dating from the late 19th century to the 1920s and is now an industrial museum. Aniaraparken is also located along the Holjeån, with flowerbeds, a pond and several sculptures by the artist Carl Eldh.

In Jämshög, the Författarmuseet includes workrooms, collections and a school museum. Olofström’s literary heritage is associated with Harry Martinson, Sven Edvin Salje and Pehr Thomasson; their traces can be followed through museums, literary walking tours and preserved historic environments. Guided tours are offered at the Stenmuseet in Vilshult; tools and works of art by local stone craftsmen are also displayed.

Living cultural traditions are also part of the region’s character. Nässelfrossa comprises more than 100 events over eight days and always takes place in the week after Midsummer. At Röshult Vedugnsbageri, visitors can bake and cook together as people did at the beginning of the 20th century. As part of the cultural-environment experiences in Kyrkhult, flavour walks and a fitness trail were offered.

Practical information

The municipal tourist information office in Olofström’s town hall provides information about attractions, events, hiking trails and other activities. Free Wi-Fi is also available there. In addition to the landscape, there are therefore specific points of contact for events, trails and other activities.

To the general travel overview: Blekinge.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Karlshamn, Sölvesborg, Ronneby, Karlskrona.