Blå Jungfrun

Blå Jungfrun National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Location Kalmar County, Sweden
Nearest city Oskarshamn
Coordinates 57°16′N 16°47′E / 57.267°N 16.783°ECoordinates: 57°16′N 16°47′E / 57.267°N 16.783°E
Area 1.98 km2 (0.76 sq mi)[1]
Established 1926, extended 1988[1]
Visitors 9,700 (in 1976)
Governing body Naturvårdsverket
Website Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

Blå Jungfrun ("[the] blue virgin" or "[the] blue maid[en]"), or "Blåkulla" ("Blockula"), is a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. More precisely, it is situated in the Kalmar Strait, between the mainland province of Småland and the island/province of Öland. Administratively, it belongs to the municipality Oskarshamn. It is uninhabited and has an area of only about 0.7 km², though it rises 86 metres above sea level. Since 1926, it is one of the national parks of Sweden, and the Everyman's right at Blå Jungfrun is limited: one cannot stay overnight on the island or make a fire.

The island consists partly of bare rock, partly of dense hardwood forest. The black guillemot is a characteristic bird. There are several caves and an ancient monument, a stone labyrinth, an early historical structure on the island. It is forbidden to remove stones from the labyrinth.

Detail of the stone labyrinth on Blå Jungfrun.

Mythology

The island plays an important role in Swedish folklore, where it is viewed as an evil and magical place. The name Blå Jungfrun was originally used by sailors to avoid provoking the evil spirits who dwelt on the island. According to a widespread belief, related already by Olaus Magnus in 1555, witches meet there each Maundy Thursday. Carolus Linnaeus, who visited the island in 1741, was sceptical:

Women and fairy-tales ... generally say that all witches will go here (truly a rather difficult journey) each Maundy Thursday; but those who have visited the place once are not likely to return, and should find out the reason for the fable: If any place in the world looks hideous, this is surely one of the most cruel.

According to tradition, anyone who removes a stone from the island will suffer from bad luck until it is returned. Oskarshamn yearly receives stone shipments from people, often with an accompanying letter of warning describing the misfortunes and disasters which happened to them after removing a stone.

Park establishment

Between 1904-1925 the red granite of Blå Jungfrun was extracted in three quarries on the south of the island. It was exported chiefly to Germany as decorative stone. The destruction led to efforts to protect the island. A donation from the Swedish entrepreneur Torsten Kreuger made it possible to acquire the island and stop the quarrying. The national park was established on February 5, 1926 by the Swedish Government.[2]

Tourism

In summer, the island can be visited by tour boats from Oskarshamn or from Byxelkrok.[3] Regular trips began in the 1950s. A park guide on Blå Jungfrun informs the visitors about the national park and its regulations. The visit on the island lasts for about 3,5 hours.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Blå Jungfrun National Park". Naturvårdsverket. Retrieved 2013-05-23.
  2. ↑ Länsstyrelsen Kalmar - Blå Jungfrun.
  3. ↑ Solkustturer Boat to Blå Jungfrun

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Blå Jungfrun.