Blå Jungfrun, also called "Blåkulla," is a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. It is located in the Kalmar Strait, between the mainland region of Småland and the island region of Öland. The island is not inhabited and is part of the Oskarshamn municipality. It covers about 0.7 square kilometers (0.27 square miles) and has an average height of 86 meters (282 feet) above sea level. The island is home to black guillemots and has been a Swedish National Park since 1926. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight or make fires on the island.

The island has areas of bare rock and dense hardwood forests. There are several caves and an ancient stone labyrinth. Removing stones from the labyrinth is not permitted.

Geologically, Blå Jungfrun is an ancient rock formation that rises from the Sub-Cambrian peneplain. It formed during the Precambrian era and was later covered by sandstone, which protected it from erosion. The sandstone layer was removed in more recent geological times. In 2014, researchers discovered a cultural layer in the soil after examining it. At that time, they were only allowed to work in a small area and could not take samples. Three years later, they found pieces of quartz, which are believed to be from the Stone Age and possibly made by hunter-gatherers. The exact age of the site is unknown, but it is estimated to be about 8500 BC, or 10,000 years ago.

Legends

The island holds a significant place in Swedish folklore, where it is seen as a location filled with evil and magic. Sailors originally used the name Blå Jungfrun to avoid angering the spirits believed to live there. A widely shared belief, first recorded by Olaus Magnus in 1555, claims that witches gather on the island every Maundy Thursday. Carl Linnaeus, who visited the island in 1741, expressed doubt about these stories:

"Women and fairy tales often say that witches travel here (a very difficult journey) each Maundy Thursday; however, those who have visited the island once are unlikely to return. They would discover the reason behind the story: If any place in the world appears unpleasant, this is surely one of the most harsh."

Modern traditions

In Sweden and areas of Finland where Swedish is spoken, people remember the story of witches traveling to a place called Blåkulla, which is sometimes also called Blå Jungfrun. During Easter, children dress as witches and older people and visit homes to receive treats, similar to how people trick-or-treat on Halloween. They may also give handmade cards and other greetings to those they visit.

Park establishment and tourism

Between 1904 and 1925, red granite from Blå Jungfrun was taken from three quarries on the southern part of the island. This stone was mainly sent to Germany for use as decoration. The damage caused by quarrying led to efforts to protect the island. A donation from the Swedish businessman Torsten Kreuger allowed the island to be purchased, stopping the mining activities. The national park was created by the Swedish government on February 5, 1926.

During the summer, visitors can travel to the island by tour boats departing from Oskarshamn or Byxelkrok. Regular boat trips began in the 1950s. A guide at the park explains information about the national park and its rules to visitors. A visit to the island lasts about 3.5 hours.