Attractions in Rumskulla
Below, you can read more about each attraction, which is numbered on the map.
The village of Tjurstorp (number 1 on the map)
The houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Runkesten (number 2 on the map)
Over the past million years, known as the Quaternary period, there have been at least four periods during which ice sheets covered most of Northern and Central Europe. The most recent ice sheet (“inland ice”) was in constant motion, moving southward across this part of the country. It was this ice sheet—like a giant scraper 2–3 kilometers thick—that broke loose and transported this massive boulder, finally placing it here on its edge during the melting phase approximately 10,000–12,000 years ago.
Runkesten is approximately 5 meters high, 4 meters wide, and 10 meters long, and is considered by researchers to be the world’s largest boulder that can be rocked.
A folk tale tells that it was the giantess Kåra who, in her anger at being disturbed by the church bells, threw a stone from “Harekulla Hill” in the neighboring parish of Pelarne toward Rumskulla Church. Upon impact, the stone split, with one half landing near Krogstorp in Pelarne and the other half, Runkesten, here on a rocky outcrop at the southern edge of the Rumskulla Valley. According to the legend, Kåra will one day return and destroy anyone who knocks Runkesten from its place.
Coordinates: 57° 37′ 59.02″ N, 15° 36′ 20.13″ E
57.63306°, 15.605591°
Trollegatan (number 3 on the map)
About 40 meters deep and 240 meters long. A miniature tunnel.
Holmsjöbadet (number 4 on the map)
Public swimming area with docks, changing rooms, and a basic restroom.
Rumskulla Church (number 5 on the map)
A stone church built in 1835. The altarpiece, crafted in Lybäck in the late 15th century, is considered one of the finest of its kind in the country.
Prästgårdsängarna (number 6 on the map)
Fossilized farmland (old, abandoned fields) divided into approximately 15 long, narrow plots. A burial ground from the Early Iron Age.
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Rumskulla Local History Farm (number 7 on the map)
The Rumskulla Local History Association was founded in 1918. Buildings containing many artifacts from days gone by were relocated here. The collections can be viewed by appointment. Please contact a member of the board; contact information can be found here.
Rumskulla Local History Farm is an excellent place to stop and enjoy the treats in your picnic basket.
Prästgårdskvarnen (number 8 on the map)
The priest’s tithe mill from the 18th century. Restored in 1990. Can be viewed in operation by arrangement with the Rumskulla Local History Association, which is responsible for the mill. Contact a member of the board; contact information can be found here.
There is a rest area adjacent to the mill.
Jättegrytan (number 9 on the map)
A “pothole” in the rock, carved out by the ice sheet and about 2 meters deep. Signposted from the road; a marked trail leads here from Gubbgölen.
Please note that parts of the trail have a steep incline. Ropes are provided to hold onto in the steepest sections.
The Ditch (number 10 on the map)
A fault line, approximately 100 meters long and up to 3 meters deep in some places.
Kvilleken/“Rumskulla Oak” (number 11 on the map)
Also known as the “Christ Oak” and cited as Europe’s largest and oldest tree. It has a circumference of 14 meters. A nature reserve was established in 2007 to preserve the meadows and pastures. The area covers 30 hectares, with the Kvilleken serving as its central symbol.
The National Park (number 12 on the map)
In 1927, an approximately 27-hectare forested area within the Norra Kvill Crown Forest was designated as a national park. In 1994, the park was expanded and now covers 114 hectares. There are marked trails throughout the area, which features stunning natural scenery with old-growth forest and small lakes.
Health Spring (number 13 on the map)
Mentioned by Dr. P. Dahlbeck in the mid-18th century. The following inscription is carved into the stone above the spring: “Hoc aqua salutaris, probata cum fructua”.
Norrhult (number 14 on the map)
This may be the oldest settlement in the area. It is steeped in legends and folklore! The crosses serve as a reminder that this was once an ancient place of worship and burial.
Grönsved (number 15 on the map)
The highest point in Kalmar County, 291 meters above sea level. Be sure to stop and admire these breathtakingly beautiful views. Then continue on the scenic country roads from Grönsved to Gibberyd to Rumskulla.
Garpön (number 16 on the map)
In Lake Hjorten, also known as Dackön. A fortification consisting of three rings of stakes around the island (approximately 2,000 stakes). The fortification dates back to 1369–1370, but was burned down during the Union period in 1389. Excavations have been conducted in collaboration between the Rumskulla Local History Association and the Kalmar County Museum.
Burial Ground & Domarsäte (number 17 on the map)
The burial ground dates back to the Early Iron Age. Domarsäte consists of standing stones arranged in rows.
Väggeberg Cave and Coffin (number 18 on the map)
A cave and ravine, respectively, in a mountainous area of the legendary Viggesbo parish.
Urkon’s Pit (number 19 on the map)
A legendary pit dug by Urkon. A pit as large as a small cemetery and about 20 meters deep. The pit is always dry, no matter how much rain falls.
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Katthult, Gibberyd (number 20 on the map)
The farm where the Emil in Lönneberga films were shot between 1971 and 1973. Experience the atmosphere, step inside the woodworking shed, and meet the animals at Katthult. Open daily during weeks 25–33 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Gift shop with ice cream, coffee, and beverages. Learn more on their website.
Gibberyd Sawmill (number 21 on the map)
In the 1920s, this small sawmill was built, featuring a saw bench and edging machine powered by a 20-horsepower hot-bulb engine. The hot-bulb engine dates from 1928. The sawmill was last in operation during the 1970s. The local heritage association has restored the building and machinery, and the sawmill is now in working order.
For a tour, contact the board of the Rumskulla Local Heritage Association; contact information can be found here.
