Discover Bergkvara: maritime history and coastal trails

Maritime local history, art and trails by the water offer a range of ways to enjoy a stay in Bergkvara. The Bergkvara Maritime Museum, historic buildings and cultural venues sit alongside hiking trails, a coastal route for boats and canoes, and the connection to Garpens Lighthouse. When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether you want to explore seafaring and art, get a sense of a particular route, or include a weather-dependent boat trip.

Maritime history at the harbour

The Bergkvara Maritime Museum is housed in a hundred-year-old harbour warehouse with sweeping views of the sea. A complete boatbuilding workshop is located in the basement. Photographs and objects illustrate the importance of eel fishing since the Middle Ages, as well as the role of pilotage and lighthouse services. The exhibition brings together fishing, boatbuilding and navigation at sea. The history of eel fishing reaches back to the Middle Ages; the other exhibits focus on important aspects of seafaring.

Building history, art and culture

Building history can also be seen at several sites. Höglundska huset was moved to Bergkvara Hembygdspark in 1946. Bergkvara Chapel was built in 1958 to designs by architect Sigvard Ullén. Its high walls are somewhat reminiscent of medieval fortified churches.

Kulturmagasinet is housed in the warehouse buildings of a shipowner’s estate dating from the mid-19th century. It comprises three studios, a printmaking workshop and an art gallery. Bergkvara Konsthall hosts exhibitions of works by professional artists. In summer, Kulturmagasinet offers a wide range of art and culture courses for beginners and advanced students in collaboration with Torsås Municipality. If you would like to combine your trip with a course, check the dates in advance.

Trails through Bergkvara and the surrounding area

“I sjöfartens spår-Bergkvara” is a walk through Bergkvara’s maritime history. Information boards at stops along the route provide additional details about each place. The trail combines exercise with a thematic look at Bergkvara’s seafaring history.

For a different kind of route planning, section KS8 of the Kalmarsundsleden has specific endpoints and a published length: it runs for 14.2 km from Stufvenäs to Bergkvara. The Lionsleden runs between Torsås and Bergkvara along a former railway embankment and was converted into a walking and cycling path in 2010. The differences can help you choose: KS8 is defined by its distance and endpoints, the Lionsleden by its former railway embankment and use on foot or by bicycle, and “I sjöfartens spår-Bergkvara” by its stops exploring maritime history.

Badudden and destinations by the water

Badudden has basic changing cabins, with a walking trail running alongside. A boat and canoe route follows the coast between Bergkvara and the Örarevet Nature Reserve. These are different ways to include the coast in your travel plans: one via a trail at Badudden, the other along a route for boats and canoes. Bergkvara guest harbour is located in Torsås, close to nature and services.

Garpens Lighthouse is another destination by the water. From the marina in Bergkvara, the lighthouse can be reached in about 15 minutes by the Gustav boat; the trip is weather-dependent. Climbing the lighthouse at Garpens Lighthouse is also mentioned as a visitor activity. Check in advance whether access is available during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Gullabo, Torsås, Söderåkra.

Go to the main travel overview: Torsås.