Once upon a time in the Middle Ages, a law granted the Crown exclusive rights to Sweden's oak trees. Oak wood was prized for shipbuilding, and to keep the Swedish fleet well-supplied, a massive planting of oaks took place on Visingsö in the 1830s. Fast forward to today, and those majestic oaks are finally mature enough for logging. However, modern shipbuilders have turned to other materials, so these oaks find new life in different forms.
To secure quality timber after the oak forests in Swedish Pomerania were lost during the Napoleonic Wars, the Crown initiated the planting of several hundred hectares of oak trees on Visingsö. By the mid-19th century, around 300,000 oak trees had been planted, and many of these still thrive today, covering approximately 360 hectares. Now managed by Sweden's National Property Board, the oak forest serves a variety of purposes. While once destined for shipbuilding, technological advancements have made these oaks more valuable for other uses: think oak veneers for flooring, whisky barrels, and intricate boat furnishings, all showcasing the oak's hard and compact qualities.
Visingsö itself is a charming island in Lake Vättern, offering more than just its historic oaks. Visitors can explore the picturesque landscape by bike or horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the island's serene atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for those looking to connect with nature and history all at once.