Högsby is a locality in Kalmar County, within what was once the province of Småland. This is an inland community that together with its church is the seat of the local community. It is also an agricultural center for the many farms along the river Emån. Around 2,000 people have Högsby as their home and there are a few small industries as well.
A Short History of Högsby
Högsby has a long history as a local center for the surrounding countryside. Its first known church is believed to have been built in the 13th century, about a century prior to the first known written mention of Högsby in 1337. The settlement was located along the main road along the river Emån, a road that still today is important locally. The road was joined by the railway at the end of the 19th century. This meant that the area got a railway connection with Kalmar, a railway that today has been extended and connects with Linköping in the other direction.
Things to Do and See
Högsby has a cozy small center with many historical buildings. In addition to the medieval church, there is also the town hall from 1917 and several former bank offices and older commercial buildings. Exploring the surrounding area includes many small rivers, lakes, and forests. Well, it might not be possible to consider the forests in this part of Sweden as small.
Högsby Kyrka
The former parish church has its origins in the 13th century. The last major changes to the church were performed in the 19th century when the church was rebuilt rather than replaced. It is today a part of the Högsby Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Emån
Emån is the river that runs through Högsby. The river offers both the possibility to enjoy a stroll in nature and to enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are several historic bridges across the river. With a fishing permit, there is also the possibility of fishing.
Greta Garbo Museum
What was once one of the local bank offices is today turned into a museum about Greta Garbo. Greta Garbo was born in Stockholm in 1905 and was to become a famous actress who was active in both Sweden and the United States. It was her mother who came from Högsby, which is the reason why there is a local museum about Greta Garbo here.
How to Get to Högsby
- Flights: The closest major airport nearby is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR), which is a bit to the southeast.
- Car: Högsby is located a bit inland from the main coastal road the E22. It is at the intersection between Road 34 and Road 37.
- Train: Krösatåg has trains to and from Högsby. This includes destinations such as Hultsfred, Kalmar, Linköping, and Vimmerby.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Högsby with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 360 kilometers (4 h)
- Gothenburg – 300 kilometers (3 h 30 min)
- Malmö – 290 kilometers (3 h 30 min)
- Linköping – 157 kilometers (12 h)
- Kiruna – 1590 kilometers (17 h)
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