“Today it’s blowing a half gale.” Gunnar Åberg carefully prepares us for what awaits. There’s more than a few whitecaps on the lake outside Ekenäs dock in Säffle this July day. The wind is literally roaring. But to Lurö we must go. And to Lurö we shall arrive, thanks to Gunnar Åberg’s experienced skipper hand. Gunnar, who has been running Lurö Guesthouse & Pub with Håkan Mattsson for several years, has sailed “the seven seas” countless times.
Ancient Glories and Settlers
From May to October, while the pub and guesthouse are open, Gunnar lives here. This makes him one of the island’s most permanent residents. Today, however, Lurö has no year-round inhabitants. But this has not always been the case. Lurö’s history and human heritage date far back. There are several examples. One is the ancient fortress located on a hill with captivating views over the Lurö archipelago. It is believed to have been built in the 5th or 6th century. A few centuries later, the next historical landmark belongs. In the 10th century, pilgrims stopped on Lurö on their way from Västergötland to Trondheim in Norway. Their accommodation for the night can still be seen in what remains of Lurö Church, now a ruin, dating from this period. In more modern history, Lurö’s demographic heydays were at the beginning of the 20th century. Then the population was so robust that a school could be operated on the island.
Lurö
Lurö Boathouse
Hiking Lurö
Lurö
Lurö is Rich in Discoveries
Lurö, with its central location in Lake Vänern, not only attracts with splendid food. It is also sunsure thanks to its geography. Usually. When we are on the island, however, the weather changes as quickly as the flag flaps rapidly in the strong wind. The cliff bath is missed, but Lurö is not an island that only shines with the sun’s rays. It is easy to discover much. Thanks to the Lurö Archipelago Nature and Culture Association, the trails are excellently marked and at every historical site, there is fun and informative trivia to read. At short distances, nature also shifts in a fascinating way, from meadows and deep pine forests to rocky slabs and cliffs. We end our evening on the island in just such a variety of ways. Between cold and warm, between the refreshing waters of Lake Vänern and the wood-fired warmth of the Mysingen sauna, we land with our experience.
Getting to Lurö
There is no fixed connection to Lurö, however, there are several options to book round-trip boat rides. From Midsummer to the end of August, the Lurö boat has daily tours from Ekenäs guest harbor (in Säffle). Travelers staying at Lurö Guesthouse & Pub can also book chartered transport for pickup at Ekenäs or Spiken (Kållandsö).
Stay on Lurö
On Lurö, there are two businesses when it comes to overnight stays; Lurö Guesthouse & Pub and Lurö Boat & Lurö Dock. The former, which is also affiliated with the Swedish Tourist Association, has the most sleeping places. In total, there are four cottages, with many beds in each unit. The archipelago-typical “Lighthouse” houses no fewer than seven bedrooms with 14 beds.
Dine on Lurö
On Lurö, it’s easy to satisfy hunger. Despite its island location, there are two restaurants with daily summer operations. Even when it comes to dining, the Lurö Guesthouse & Pub and Lurö Boat & Lurö Dock are the options. Whatever you choose, take the opportunity to eat locally caught Lake Vänern fish.