Discover Blåvik: Lake, Hiking Trails and Local History

Blåvik combines a natural swimming spot on Lake Sommen, hiking trails and local history. The small natural swimming spot, Blåviks badplats, is on the lake by the church village; the starting point of the Östgötaleden trail is also located there. There are also two hiking sections with different features, Blåvik Church overlooking the northernmost bay of Lake Sommen, and the Gårdsbutiken farm shop with a café, waffle hut and farm shop. When choosing accommodation in Blåvik, you can plan your stay around whether you mainly want to swim, hike, discover the local culture or learn about local products.

Natural Swimming Spot and Trailhead by Lake Sommen

Blåviks badplats is a small natural swimming spot with jetties on Lake Sommen by the church village of Blåvik. The swimming spot has a fire pit, picnic tables, a dry toilet and a waste bin. The parking area has space for around 20 cars. The starting point of the Östgötaleden trail is also at the swimming spot. This brings the bathing area and trailhead together at one reference point; the facilities also provide opportunities to take a break. If you want to combine swimming and hiking in your day’s plans, this combination is a useful starting point for planning.

Two Sections of the Östgötaleden Trail

Two sections of the Östgötaleden trail offer different ways to plan your day. Boxholm–Blåvik passes several scenic rest areas; there are opportunities to swim along the route. Blåvik–Sundsudden runs from the church village of Blåvik to Sundsudden. At the end of the section, you can take the ferry from Sundsudden to Torpön in summer, from May to September. This makes the choice clear: rest areas and swimming are features of the Boxholm–Blåvik section, while the named endpoint and seasonal ferry connection are relevant for Blåvik–Sundsudden. Check the ferry timetable for your travel date if you plan to cross.

Church, Cemetery and Views of Lake Sommen

Blåvik Church was built in 1872 and inaugurated in 1873. It offers views of the northernmost bay of Lake Sommen. The cemetery, surrounded by water, has several artistically designed gravestones, with reliefs depicting the faces of the deceased. The dates give the church a clear historical context, while the reliefs draw attention to a distinctive detail of the cemetery’s design. Alongside hiking and swimming, this offers a cultural highlight that is also connected to the landscape of Lake Sommen.

Local Businesses and Moorings

The Gårdsbutiken i Blåvik offers another aspect of the area: the business includes a café, a waffle hut and a well-stocked farm shop with carefully selected, locally produced goods. This combines a meal break with the chance to discover regional products in the shop. For travelers by boat, the moorings also provide a useful point of reference: they are located directly in front of the Gårdsbutiken in Blåvik harbor and by Blåvik Church. If you are planning to spend time by the water and in the village, you can take these two locations into account when arriving by boat.

Discover more destinations: Boxholm

Go to the main travel overview: Boxholm.