Works of art to see Sweden

Five kilometers south of Bredsätra are seven windmills in a row. They form a long row on the headland and are the longest preserved row of windmills in Öland. They are typical island windmills, and many of them have been restored by local associations. The village of Störlinge is one of the few villages where most farms still have their windmills. Two kilometers further south, the medieval church of Gärdslösa houses frescoes from the ^17th century, and furniture from the ^17th and ^18th centuries.

It is an old stone bridge crossing the Östra Klarälven. Built in the ^18th century, it is remarkable for its style, made of a succession of twelve stone arches spanning the river. Previously, there were wooden bridges on the site, but they could not withstand the spring floods. Construction was to take four years, but it was not until 1797, after 32 years, that the bridge was inaugurated. Connecting the districts of Haga and Norstrand with its 168 m length, it is also the longest of its kind in Sweden.

The most beautiful view of the city. From the top of the 54 m of this water castle, striated white and sky blue, you dominate the whole region from mountains to lake. And of course we discover the castle and the city centre from a very different angle. It's essential if you go to the corner. A café at the top of the water castle offers for 95 Sek a dish, a drink, a salad and a coffee and offers an exceptional view.

The only mill to polish the stone of Öland is 3 km along the coast.

To the south-east of the square, Alamedan Street leads to the Royal Bridge. It is bordered by wooden houses, which escaped the destruction caused by the great fire of 1790, after which 3 000 inhabitants were homeless. The fire took place on the Admiralty Street (Amiralitetsgatan) because of the insouciance of a servant who was busy his laundry. The wind blowing strong that day was busy spreading the disaster. The Royal Bridge was once the main place of access to Karlskrona. On the right, we see the shipyard surrounded by fortifications.

The river Skellefteälv and its built banks are perfect for a long walk which describes a pleasant loop, first by way of the village-church, then by taking steps on the small island of Kyrkholmen (where the summer Kyrkholmen Café serves delicious Swedish brussell to the chicoutés, these Nordic little blackberries). Then, past the church, you must admire Lejonströmsbron, the bridge of the lion's current. It is the oldest wooden bridge accessible to vehicles across Sweden. Supported by large stone piers, it dominates the vif waters of the river. Every seven years, the work must undergo renovations because the studded tires of cars use the boards that cover it. The place witnessed an important battle between the Swedish and Russian armies in 1809, but it was not destroyed! The walk continues on the other side, where you can reach the centre via the other bridge.