Segerstad is a small settlement in the southeastern part of the island of Öland, the second largest island in Sweden. It is today part of Mörbylånga Municipality in Kalmar County, but was once the center of its own parish. The whole parish, including the settlement, has today a population of around 90 inhabitants. In English. the name would today mean “Victory Town”, but the name is less victorious. It’s most likely referring to the place of Sighar, whith Sighar being an old male name.
A Short History of Segerstad
Segerstad Parish had its origins in the Middle Ages and its first church is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Construction of a new church began in 1839 and it was inaugurated in 1843 replacing the medieval church. The parish acted as the local government up until the Swedish Municipal Reform of 1862. This was when its responsibilities were split between the church congregation and the new civic government of Segerstad Municipality. The municipality was in 1952 merged with other small municipalities in the southern part of Öland to create Ottenby Municipality, which in turn became a part of Mörbylånga Municipality in 1967. The church congregation is since 2002 a part of the Sydöland Congregation, the congregation of southern Öland.
Things to Do and See
As with many rural villages it is the church that is the most prominent building in the area. At least until you head down towards the coast and find the local lighthouse. This small village has a lot in its vicinity. The Baltic Sea is never far away and there are many ancient remains close to the main road through the parish. These includes places like the Träby Fortress and the rune stone in Seby.
Segerstad Church
The local church is a white stone church with a high tower. It was inaugurated in 1843 when it replaced a former medieval church at the location. The church is today a part of the Sydöland Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
J.A.G.S Museum
Johan August Gustafsson was born in 1852 and lived his life in Segerstad Parish. He was a local artist and many of his sculptures are on display in the small J.A.G.S. Museum in Segerstad. The museum is open during during the summer months.
How to Get to Segerstad
- Flights: The nearest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR), which is 57 kilometers to the northwest.
- Car: Segerstad is on countryside roads south of Mörbylånga.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 462 kilometers (5 h 20 min)
- Gothenburg – 390 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
- Malmö – 327 kilometers (4 h)
- Linköping – 286 kilometers (3 h 40 min)
- Kiruna – 1693 kilometers (18 h 10 min)
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