- Blå Jungfrun
Infobox_protected_area | name = Blå Jungfrun National Park
iucn_category = II
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location =Kalmar Strait ,Sweden
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area = 0.7 km²
established = 1926
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governing_body = Swedish National Environmental Protection AgencyBlå Jungfrun, or "Blåkulla", is a Swedish island in the
Baltic Sea . More precisely, it is situated inKalmar Strait , between the provincesSmåland andÖland . Administratively, it belongs to the municipalityOskarshamn . It is uninhabited and has an area of only about 0.7 km², though it rises 86 metres above sea level. Since 1926, it is one of the national parks of Sweden. As a national park, there are important limitations to theEveryman's right at Blå Jungfrun. For example, you are not allowed to make up a fire or spend the night on the island.The island consists partly of bare rock, partly of dense hardwood forest. The
black guillemot is a characteristic bird. There are several caves and an ancient stonelabyrinth .The island plays an important role in Swedish
folklore , where it is viewed as an evil and magical place. The name Blå Jungfrun (Blue Virgin) was originally used by sailors to avoid provoking the evil spirits who dwelled on the island. According to a widespread belief, related already byOlaus Magnus in 1555,witch es meet there eachMaundy Thursday .Carolus Linnaeus , who visited the island in 1741, was sceptical: :"... women and fairy-tales ... generally say that all witches will go here (truly a rather difficult journey) each Maundy Thursday; but those who have visited the place once are not likely to return, and should find out the reason for the fable: If any place in the world looks hideous, this is surely one of the most cruel..."According to a still living tradition, anyone who removes a stone from the island will suffer from
bad luck until it is returned.In summer, the island can be visited by tour boats from
Oskarshamn or fromByxelkrok .ee also
Blockula Hagalund Brita Zippel External links
* [http://www.naturvardsverket.se/en/In-English/Menu/Enjoying-nature/National-parks-and-other-places-worth-visiting/National-Parks-in-Sweden/Bla-Jungfrun-National-Park/ Blå Jungfrun National Park] from the
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.