The emigrant history in Småland
There are many stories about the Swedish emigration that took place at the turn of the 19th century. The emigration from Småland to the United States is especially known thanks to the series of novels written by the Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg; The Emigrants (Utvandrarna from 1949) Unto a Good Land (Invandrarna published in 1952) and The Settlers (Nybyggarna from 1956).
If you do not want to read the books you can watch the 1971 or 2021 films, “The Emigrants”, based on Vilhelm Moberg´s books.
Sweden was up until the mid-18th century to a great extent an agrarian society. Nevertheless, with increased industrialization, millions of Swedes left their “home parish (Socken)”. Young people wanted to start a new life away from their villages and farmsteads.
Many went to the United States while others stayed on in the “new Sweden” which emerged in the growing cities. Cities like Gothenburg, attracted young migrants looking for job opportunities or to take a boat over to the UK and ultimately to the US.
Destination emigrant rout or trail in Småland
In Småland, you can find many small and quaint Swedish villages. The emigrant route in Småland takes you along several villages and locations that you can find in Vilhelm Moberg´s book. A great way to explore the area is to locally rent bikes.
- In the municipality of Emmaboda, you will find the village Duvemåla. Known for the being the birthplace of Kristina in Willam Moberg´s books. The Abba duo Benny and Björn also wrote a musical called Kristina från Duvemåla (“Kristina from Duvemåla”.)
- The village of Ljuder, formerly part of the parish of Ljuder, today part of the Municipality of Lessebo. Here you can find a “Hembygdsförening” (local history association with small local exhibitions.)
- William Moberg was born in the village of Moshultamåla, today part of the Emmaboda municipality.
Utvandrarleden, the Emigrant trail
Utvandrarleden or the “Emigrant trail” is hiking and bicycle trail that takes you along several historic landscapes, farms and sites. Some of the places are Ljuder, Långasjö, Korrö and Moshult.
Along this trail you get to experience great outdoor, as well as history and local culture.
You can also book comfortable full-board all inclusive packages with accommodation in historic surroundings. After a day with outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, swimming in a Swedish lake, or canoeing, just sit down and enjoy a good meal. You will be in the Kingdom of Crystal with many local glassworks. A nice way to explore the area and beyond is on your bike.
Emigrant path from Småland to Karlshamn on the Blekinge Coast
You can follow the path of the emigrants form the countryside in Småland to the coastal town of Karlshamn on the Baltic Sea coast. This trip will take you through several historic locations and villages.
- In Skruv you will find a glassworks and several local museums. If your are interested in tractors and mopeds, there is an exhibition during summer.
- At Eringsboda, stop at the local petrol station and get to know the locals, buy souvenirs and get tourist information. In the same locality, you can swing by the Räntemåla resort, where you can buy game meat and visit the elk park.
- Close to Ronneby at Karlsnäsgården, you can rent canoes and kayaks, as well as discover the Ronneby river and go sea kayaking.
The emigrants monument features the protagonists from William Morbergs and it stands on the beach in Karlshamn. It represents the more than 1 million Swedes who emigrated (1848 – 1930) to the United States, Denmark, Norway and Germany. From The Karlshamn harbour they could board migrant ships.
Ancestry trip in Southern Sweden
The whole of Sweden is full of emigrant stories. If you stem from a Swedish ancestry, from one ancestor, it is highly probable that you will find a great part of your family from the same area.
A real treat is to travel through the landscapes of your ancestors, alone or together with your family members. To travel in search of your Swedish roots is an experience that will take your places, both body and soul.
In many localities, you can meet up with the locals. Visit the local “hembygdsföreningar” and set up a meeting with a local historian. They have vast knowledge of local history and places to visit. Perhaps you will find an ancestor and living Swedish distant “cousins”.
Get to know your family history or just an insight into the way of living of Sweden in the mid-19th century.
