Kalmarsundsleden Stage KS9 - Bergkvara - Bröms - part of Smålandsleden

Welcome to a story-rich stage, KS9 - a route along the Kalmar coast, from the beautiful setting of Badudden, just south of Bergkvara and continuing through a coastal landscape that bears traces of centuries of shipping, fishing traditions and dramatic meetings between kings and kingdoms. Here, quiet beach meadows coexist with roaring seas, old fishing villages with lively cottage areas and ancient burial cairns with windswept viewpoints. It is a walk for both curiosity and enjoyment - a journey along Kalmarsund where each section tells a new story.

**Kärrabo and Skäppevik

Outside Kärrabo, the coast consists of vast meadows known for their rich bird life. In the area there is a round headland with three small spits called Treskär. There is a birdwatching tower with a very beautiful view of the coastal meadows. Skäppevik is a cottage area located about 4 kilometers south of Bergkvara. There is a campsite, swimming area, kiosk and restaurant etc. Järnsida is another cottage area with a swimming area. There is a mighty Bronze Age cairn in a grove of trees, and along the shore are the remains of a 17th-century gun emplacement.

**Grisbäck

At the boathouses there are clear remains of a rifle range. The area has been devastated several times by fighting, mainly between Swedes and Danes. Grisbäck is an old eel fishing camp that has largely preserved its old-fashioned character. The councilors lived in Grisbäck village in connection with the meeting between Gustav Vasa and Christian III in 1541. There is also an old windmill in the area. At the headland there is a picnic area with a shelter and barbecue area.

**Southern Kärr

A beautiful cottage area that now largely consists of permanent housing. In the eastern part is Nötholmen with a swimming area.

Grämkulla fields

Here the trail passes a beautiful meadow. On the headland is an old harbor and shipyard. A metal plate on the ground reminds us that St. Birgitta's dust was brought ashore here.

**Bröms

Brömsebäcken used to form the border between Sweden and Denmark. Nowadays it is the border between Småland and Blekinge. On the Blekinge side, there are the remains of Brömsehus with a castle plan and moat. On the land southeast of the castle, the royal meeting between Christian III and Gustav Vasa took place in September 1541. A path leads from Brömsehus to the peace stone. There is a rest area about 300 meters from the stone. At the farm next to the stone there is a farm shop.

From Bröms, the hike can continue on the Blekingeleden trail south to Sölvesborg and then on the Skåneleden trail.