Discover Runnö: Island History Between Forest and Water

Runnö combines a distinctive island history with paths through the forest leading to the water. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment for a stay on Runnö should therefore take into account not only the landscape, but also the independent journey by boat and the island’s historical traces when planning their trip.

Forest Paths, Water and Unusual Geology

Several walking paths lead through the forest on Runnö to the water. This makes it possible to discover the island in different ways, without a single attraction defining the entire stay. A striking foundation of the landscape is Runnö sandstone. It formed approximately 600 to 500 million years ago during the geological period of the Cambrian. In addition, Runnö and the surrounding small islands lie in a transition zone between the moraine archipelago landscape in the south and the bedrock archipelago landscape in the north.

For families who want to combine observing nature with an engaging history, the so-called tomtningar are a defining destination. Runnö is home to the largest group of prehistoric tomtningar along the Kalmar Strait. These are low stone house foundations with simple superstructures that were used during seasonal fishing. Most of these structures are concentrated in the northern part of the island, within Långgloviken and Nättlevik. Simple buildings probably served there as overnight accommodation for fishermen involved in the former summer herring fishery.

Villages, Boathouses and Island History

The buildings are concentrated on the western side of Runnö in the two villages of Sörgården and Norrgården. At the beginning of the 19th century, they were relocated: the buildings around Norrgården were moved farther north, while those around Sörgården were moved farther south. The old village square lay between the two present-day clusters of settlement. This development makes the settlement structure itself part of the island’s history.

Sörgården by the water is particularly illustrative. There is a linear settlement in which the boathouses are initially arranged along the jetties and shore. The houses stand behind them; barns and hay sheds are located on the eastern side of the continuous village road. The boathouses are notable for their striking extensions at one gable end, some of which are just as large as the actual boathouse space. Old boat landing places complete the picture.

At the entrance to Sörgården harbour, the Holkkvarn windmill stands on Kvarneholmen. It is a highly visible maritime landmark and provides another fixed point of orientation when exploring the island. Sörgården also has a public landing stage for arriving boats. Runnö can only be reached by your own boat. You should therefore take this into account early when choosing accommodation and organise your preferred journey accordingly.

From Fishing to Today’s Island Landscape

Runnö has had a permanently resident population since at least the Middle Ages and was first mentioned around the year 1300 in a sailing description. Eel fishing was the island’s most important livelihood. Berry picking was also an important source of income for women and children. Such details help you see the villages, boathouses and paths not merely as a scenic backdrop, but as parts of an island society that developed over a long period.

When planning your day, you should also observe the prohibition on entering Runnö Rödskär: it applies from 1 April to 10 July. The other impressions can be weighted according to your interests – for example, forest paths leading to the water, the tomtningar in the north, the settlement structure of Sörgården and Norrgården, or the windmill at the harbour. In this way, choosing a suitable holiday apartment primarily supports the way you want to experience Runnö, without having to separate the island’s history from its natural features.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare other places for your travel planning, you can also visit the pages about Gullabo and Rugstorp.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Kalmar.