Olofström is a locality in the province of Blekinge in southern Sweden. It is the seat of one of the five municipalities that make up what is today Blekinge County. It is the only one of the municipalities that does not have direct access to the Baltic Sea. This is a former industrial town that has developed around a former ironwork and that today has a population of around 7,700 inhabitants.
A Short History of Olofström
An ironworks known as Petrefors Bruk was established here in 1735 in what was then Jämshög Parish. It soon changed its name to Olofströms Bruk. The ironworks developed during the second half of the 18th century to also include a manufacturing plant. Iron processing continued to be at the center of Olofström’s development in the 20th century, especially with the completion of the railway in 1901. It was in the 20th century that Volvo became a part of the local history. The local manufacturing plant delivered body parts for Volvo’s trucks. The plant was acquired by Volvo in 1969.
Things to Do and See
The center of Olofström is where you will find many of the small businesses and restaurants. It is a small center around the central square Nya Torget, or “The New Square”. A lot of the surrounding space is made up of parking lots. The river Holjeån is almost circling the center on its way from Lake Halen before turning south towards the Baltic Sea.
Just south of the center there are many sports facilities. Here you will find the athletics field, the indoor ice rink, the indoor swimming pools, and a few facilities for other sports.
Holje Park
Holje Park is the local heritage museum of Olofström. It is open during the summer months. Well, that is a part of it. This is the grounds where many public events and celebrations take place. This is where many celebrate midsummer or meet to let the kids play at the playground.
Halenbadet
Halenbadet is a beach at Lake Östersjön, a part of the larger Lake Halen. Halen is the largest lake in the province of Blekinge. The beach is adjoined by the local camping ground.
Olofström Church
The Olofström Church was inaugurated in 1933. It was originally a chapel that was expanded in 1986. The church is today a part of the Jämshög Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Dannfeltska Kapellet
Dannfeltska Kapellet is a grave chapel dating back to 1836. It is the final resting of Carl Christopher Herman Börrien von Dannfelt. He was once the owner of the manor Lilla Holje.
Halen Nature Reserve
Halen Nature Reserve lies between Olofström, Jämshög, and Lake Halen. It was established in 1972 and after several extensions, it does today cover an area of 808 hectares. It is known for its wilderness with forests and lakes, all within walking distance from the nearby urban areas.
Hiking: Halenrundan
Halenrundan is a hiking path that goes through both parts of the nature reserve as well as towards the residential areas close to the center of Olofström. It covers a distance of 5,7 kilometers, mostly along the shores of Lake Östersjön.
Hiking: Rödhultsrundan
Rödhultsrundan is a hiking path almost completely within the borders of the Halen Nature Reserve. It covers a distance of 11.3 kilometers through the forested area.
Hiking: Blåsegylet Runt
Blåsegylet Runt is a short hiking trail around Lake Blåsegylet. It is a path that has been made accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. The path around the lake covers a distance of one kilometer.
How to Get to Olofström
- Flights: Two airports can be found nearby. These are Kristianstad Österlen Airport (KID) to the southwest and Ronneby Airport (RNB) to the east.
- Car: Olofström lies along Road 15 between Lönsboda and Pukavik
- Train: There are currently no passenger trains to and from Olofström.
- Bus: Buses from Blekingetrafiken connect Olofström with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 519 kilometers (5 h 40 min)
- Gothenburg – 265 kilometers (3 h 10 min)
- Malmö – 141 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
- Linköping – 324 kilometers (3 h 40 min)
- Kiruna – 1750 kilometers (18 h 10 min)
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