Ekobyn
A place in the heart of Småland
Nestled in the idyllic nature of Småland, just outside the small town of Virserum, you can find “Ekobyn”. It is a stunning natural estate with four typical Swedish houses, just a few steps away from the lake. It is the perfect retreat for a relaxing Swedish holiday. The lakeside location offers wonderful peace and tranquility, along with plenty of exciting leisure and excursion options. The scent of the surrounding pine and spruce forests will accompany you throughout your stay. With a bit of imagination, you can even picture the story of Nils Dacke coming to life, as he found refuge nearby (Dackegrottan).
In the “Virserumssjön” fishing is permitted without a license, and each house has its own rowboat.
On the property, you will also find a bathing jetty and a small, child-friendly natural beach. Larger beaches can be found around the lake. Additionally, there is a wood-fired sauna available to all guests of the four houses. After the sauna session, you can refresh yourself in the cool lake.
For daily needs, you will find various shopping options in Virserum, which is about 2 km away. There you will also find a bank, doctors, a restaurant/pizzeria, a café and a gas station. Art enthusiasts can visit the art gallery in Virserum, which offers interesting exhibitions. The amusement park Astrid Lindgren´s World in Vimmerby (50 km away) is also worth a visit.
Cottages
“Ekobyn” consists of 4 holiday homes, ranging from 42 m² to 130 m² in size. They can accommodate 4 to 6 people. The houses werde built according to ecological guidelines. The wood used for the houses Mia, Lotta and Sjövik was grown exactly in the same place where the houses now stand. Much of the material used is recycled or repurposed. The paint used is an old, traditional type, made with natural ingredients such as linseed oil, eggs, resin and beeswax. All materials werde sourced locally and delivered by local companies.
All wastewater is directed into our own wastewater treatment system, filtered and returned to nature. Toilet waste is composted through a biolocial system and used as fertilizer.
The houses offer all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay: electricity, hot and cold water, toilet, shower, refrigerator, dishwasher in house Sjövik, washing mashine in house Sjövik and house Sarek. A shared freezer is available in the shed. A cozy fireplace ensures warmth on cold evenings.
A wood-fired sauna is available to all our guests right by the lake.
Activities
“Ekobyn” is a dream destination all year round for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking active adventures.
A summer in “Ekobyn” offers everything you could wish for. The nearby lake “Virserumssjön”, just a stone´s throw from the cottages, invites you to swim and fish. Fishing at “Virserumssjön” ist free of charge. Explore the untouched nature as you start your hikes right from the doorstep. The surrounding area also boasts numerous beautiful excursion destinations, ideal for day trips. Whether you are eager to discover nature or explore local sights, “Ekobyn” has something for everyone.
While “Ekobyn” is a fantastic summer retreat, it´s equally wonderful in the winter. The “Dackestupet” ski resort is right outside the door, offering slopes for both children and adults. Besides one main lift, there are two childrens lifts that ensure fun for the entire family. The resort is even artificially snowed in when needed. If the ice on “Virserumssjön” is thick enough, you can enjoy unforgettable moments ice skating on the frozen lake.
From spring to autumn, mountain biking enthusiasts can use the trails at the ski resort to discover nature on two wheels. These trails, maintained by the local mountain bike club, provide a range of challenges and obstacles. “Virserumsleden”, a year-round hiking trail, invites you to take relaxing tours through the surrounding forests, where you can pick blueberries and mushrooms.
Sauna
On the shore of the lake, nestled in the natural surroundings, our guests can enjoy a cozy, wood-fired sauna. This little oasis of relaxation is available to guests from all four holiday homes, offering an unmatched experience in the heart of Småland’s nature.
After your sauna session, the adjacent lake provides a refreshing cool-down – an invigorating dip in the cool water that revitalizes both body and mind.
Ski
The ski resort „Dackestupet“ is right outside the cottages. There is one main lift and two children lifts. It offers slopes for both, children and adults. You can also find a sledding run for the whole family.
After an active day, you can warm up in the sauna and enjoy a refreshing ice bath in the lake. Spend a relaxing winter holiday in Småland and take in the stunning winter landscape.
Animals and nature
The forests of Småland surrounding our holiday homes are a true paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Experience nature right on your doorstep and enjoy a sense of peace and relaxation. Surrounded by idyllic landscapes, this is the perfect place to leave the stress of everyday life behind and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Here, you’ll encounter a diverse range of wildlife that calls the forest home. From majestic elk occasionally wandering through the underbrush, to shy deer, playful foxes, and rabbits spotted at the forest’s edge. The treetops are alive with a rich birdlife, including owls, woodpeckers, and cranes. With a bit of luck, you might even catch sight of a badger or the elusive lynx. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and magic of the forest and experience its inhabitants up close.
Fishing
Close to the holiday homes, you will find an idyllic lake, perfect for fishing. Surrounded by the peaceful nature of Småland, you can spend relaxing hours here, enjoying the calm of the water. The lake is rich in fish species such as pike, perch, and zander. Whether from the shore or using the rowboat, you’ll find the perfect setting for a successful fishing experience.
Leave the stresses of everyday life behind and enjoy the quiet and nature as you patiently wait for your next catch.
A summer in Ekobyn offers
everything you need!
Destinations
Astrid Lingren's World
Vimmerby with Astrid Lindgren’s World is located 55 km from Virserum. One of Sweden’s most visited tourist destinations.
Kalmar and Öland
Kalmar with Öland Bridge (in the 1970s Europe’s longest bridge) and Öland with its highly original landscape. Count on about 1 hour 20 minutes to Kalmar, there are over 100 km there.
Glasriket
Glasriket with many of the world’s finest glassworks can be reached within 1 hour’s drive.
Västervik
Västervik, Sweden’s most beautiful city, situated on the Baltic Sea and with a large archipelago, 110 km and about 1 hour 15 minutes drive.
Göteborg
Gothenburg, a nice city. Sweden’s second city. About 300 km and 3 hour journey by car.
Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden’s only city with a million inhabitants. 350 km and about 4 hours drive
FAQ
The lake is right next to the cabins, about 50 meter or ½ – 1 minute walk.
Yes, there is a nice little sandy beach that cottage guests have for themselves. Here it is suitable for bathing, for children or for those who can not swim. Next door is a bit rocky promontory where there is a ladder. At the ladder there is 150 cm deep. There is a public beach about 500 meter from the cottages and a further public beach in Virserum Lake about 1 km from the cottages.
Yes all the fishing with rod is free, day or night.
There are plenty of perch, and pike. There are also whitefish, roach and bream.
All shops are in Virserums center, about 2 km from the cottages. There are two supermarkets that have most of what you need. Virserum is known for a very nice meat shop with products from local suppliers. There is also a bank, flower shop, pharmacy, bakery, petrol station, etc.
In Virserum there is a hotel with food service. There is also a pizzeria and a café. No Pub.
Liquorshop is not. The closest is in Hultsfred, about 30 km away. It is also possible to order alcohol in one of the stores in Virserum. Then you get delivery the next day or two.
No, but as the cottage is situated in the woods so it may be that there are mosquitoes after long rainy periods, like at all other locations. It is very happy that the mosquitoes are´nt any major problems.
Prices
High-season
+59 € cleaning-fee
845 €
week
24.06.2023 – 26.08.2023
Including: firewood, sauna, WiFi and rowboat included!
Mid-season
+59 € cleaning-fee
575 €
week
13.05.2023 – 24.06.2023
26.08.2023 – 09.09.2023
Including: firewood, sauna, WiFi and rowboat included!
Low-season
+59 € cleaning-fee
545 €
07.01.2023 – 13.05.2023
09.09.2023 – 16.12.2023
Including: firewood, sauna, WiFi and rowboat included!
Christmas / new-year
+59 € cleaning-fee
845 €
16.12.2023 – 06.01.2024
Including: firewood, sauna, WiFi and rowboat included!
About us
From 1988 I was allowed to spend my childhood here in the outskirts of Virserum. Since then, Småland has been firmly anchored in my heart and I can no longer imagine life without it. The closeness to nature, the peace and quiet and the wonderful memories overwhelmed my family and me and made us return to Sweden again and again. Now we are very fortunate to be able to take over Ekobyn and to be able to continue operating in the future based on the ecological idea of Bengt and Anika Eriksson.
We would be very happy to share this wonderful place with you, so that you too can take away some of the power and beauty of Småland.
We look forward to you,
Your Stoye family
Contact us!
Sören & Sarah Stoye
Dackestupet 6-7-8
57795 Virserum
Sweden
Mail: Ekobyn@web.de