THE HISTORY OF FISHING IN BYXELKROK

Fishing has been an important part of life in Byxelkrok for several centuries. Originally, the village was a traditional fishing community where many families depended entirely or partly on what the Kalmarsund and the Baltic Sea provided.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, fish were landed under simple conditions at jetties offering little protection from wind and weather. With the arrival of motorboats, the need for a proper sheltered fishing harbour increased. After many years of work, the new harbour was completed in 1933 – an important milestone for commercial fishing on northern Öland.

Fishing flourished during the mid-20th century. Cod, herring, salmon and flounder were among the most important catches, and fishing boats became a familiar sight in the harbour. The traditional wooden harbour sheds were used by fishermen to store nets and equipment and to handle the day’s catch.

Towards the end of the 20th century, commercial fishing declined. Today, the old harbour sheds have found new life as shops, craft studios, cafés and restaurants – but the harbour’s history as a fishing village is still clearly visible