Blåvik on Lake Sommen: Church, Natural Swimming Area and Östgötaleden

Blåvik combines distinctive cultural sites with experiences by the water and varied sections of the Östgötaleden trail. The different options help you plan your trip according to your own interests.

Culture and a Remarkable View of Lake Sommen

Blåvik Church was built in 1872 and inaugurated in 1873. It offers a view of the northernmost bay of Lake Sommen. The cemetery surrounded by water is another impressive feature of the place. Several artistically designed gravestones feature relief depictions of the faces of the deceased. This means that the church is not only a historical landmark, but also a place for anyone interested in regional architectural history, cemetery culture and distinctive details.

Allow plenty of time during your visit to take in the view of the water and see the gravestones. The combination of ecclesiastical history and lakeside scenery gives Blåvik its own character, without requiring you to experience the place solely through a single attraction.

Swimming and Hiking on the Östgötaleden

Blåvik bathing area is located on Lake Sommen by the church village of Blåvik. The small natural swimming area has jetties and is a convenient destination for a day by the water. The bathing area also has a fire pit, picnic tables, a dry toilet and a rubbish bin. Anyone wishing to plan a break between excursions will find a clearly defined place here for swimming, picnicking and spending time outdoors.

Blåvik church village is also a starting point for hikes on the Östgötaleden trail. The starting point is at Blåvik bathing area; the car park has space for approximately 20 cars. The Boxholm–Blåvik section has several attractively located rest areas, and there are opportunities for swimming along this section. The Blåvik–Sundsudden section runs from Blåvik church village to Sundsudden. At the end of this section, you can take the ferry from Sundsudden to Torpön in summer, from May to September.

Depending on how you plan your day, you can therefore combine a shorter activity at the bathing area with a longer hike or a stage of the Östgötaleden trail. You can also take a look at Boxholm for further travel planning.

Farm Shop, Café and Arrival by Boat

The Gårdsbutiken i Blåvik is part of the local atmosphere. It includes a café, a waffle hut and a well-stocked farm shop with carefully selected, locally produced goods. This provides another opportunity to complement your stay with a break, a waffle or the purchase of regional products.

For arriving by boat, berths are available directly in front of the Gårdsbutiken i Blåvik in Blåvik harbour, as well as by Blåvik Church. This detail may be important for travel planning if you would like to approach Blåvik from the water.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Blåvik, it is worth first deciding on the main focus of your stay. Should the trip primarily include culture at Blåvik Church, time swimming in Lake Sommen, hikes on the Östgötaleden trail or regional specialities at the Gårdsbutiken? If you are travelling with children or in a group, different ideas for the day can be particularly helpful: while some may prefer spending time by the water, others may choose a hike or a visit to the church.

To the overarching travel overview: Boxholm.