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A warm welcome to the little town of Misterhult in the municipality of Oskarshamn. Home to a stunning archipelago, an archetypal Småland homestead that’s now a museum, and a beautiful church. Experience the power of nature here.
Misterhult archipelago
The northern archipelago of Misterhult nature reserve offers the best of untamed archipelago landscape. The area is ideal for enjoying outdoor leisure activities. The nature reserve is vast, one of the largest in Sweden, and includes sea and around 2,000 islands, islets, skerries and outcrops. Large areas of the archipelago were previously given over to agricultural land in various ways, and most of the islands were grazed. There is hardly any archipelago farming left now, but several islands still retain their authentic village structure. Haymaking and grazing animals have been reintroduced on some of the islands. Owing to its size, the archipelago is home to some fascinating and unique birdlife. There are all the usual birds that are typically found in archipelago habitats, including the common eider, tufted duck, graylag goose and great crested grebe. But there are rarer species too, such as the jaeger and razorbill. The white-tailed eagle and eagle owl have returned to the archipelago following a difficult period in the 1970s and 80s. Misterhult archipelago is home to a number of bird sanctuaries, to prevent the birds from being disturbed during the sensitive breeding period.
A protected archipelago like Misterhult is also an important breeding ground for Baltic herring, whitefish, perch, pike and many other species of fish. You do not need a permit to use hand-held fishing gear, but you are not allowed to fish using fixed gear such as nets or pound nets. There are four inhabited islands in the reserve: Örö, Strupö, Älö and Marsö.
Misterhult open-air museum
Misterhult open-air museum is made up of 17 different buildings with over 2,000 objects that reflect local life and history. Come and immerse yourself in 19th-century rural Sweden, and explore the homes and fascinating objects including fishing, stonemasonry and farming equipment. The homestead park is not far from the church. You can book visits to the homestead park via ‘hembygdsföreningen’ (the homestead association).
Misterhult church
Misterhult church is situated in the heart of the town of Misterhult, along the old main road and right next to the site of the original medieval church. The church is built in a neoclassical style, with its bell-shaped cupola, symmetrically positioned windows and smooth facades.
The church was built in 1777–80. The pulpit and altarpiece were made by sculptor Jonas Berggren. The church’s medieval objects include a winged altarpiece featuring St Olof, a triumphal cross dating back to the 14th century and an unusual ‘Shrine Madonna’; a sculpture that opens, depicting Mary with the baby Jesus.
Oskarshamns Tourist Information
If you would like to get into contact with us at the tourist information of Oskarshamn, you can easiest do that through our email info@oskarshamn.com