Ekskogen Forest

For a long time, the Swedish Crown held exclusive rights to oak, as the timber was essential for the construction of warships.

Despite severe penalties, farmers continued to fell oak trees, leading to a shortage of oak timber in the early 1800s.

In 1819, a comprehensive survey of the country’s oak trees was carried out to meet the needs of the navy, particularly following the loss of Swedish Pommerania. Visingsö was identified as an ideal location for oak cultivation, and the planting of oak trees began in 1831. The trees were grown with a view to future shipbuilding.

However, by the time the oaks had finally matured, in the 1970s, developments had moved on. The navy no longer built its ships from wood, and the oaks were therefore never used for their original purpose. Instead, Ekskogen forest became a living reminder of an unusually long-term plan – and a distinct part of Visingsö’s cultural landscape.

Administrator: National Property Board of Sweden