Outer Vitholmen 

The story of Yttre Vitholmen

Yttre Vitholmen outside Jogersö was purchased in 1942 by the brothers Thure and Göte Blomdahl. At that time, the island was uninhabited, barren, and without amenities, but soon became an important gathering place for the family. During the 1950s and 60s, life on the island was characterized by simplicity, community, and a strong dependence on the clinker-built boats.

The boats were crucial for everyday life. They were used to transport people, food, water, building materials, and other necessities for life on the island. In the story, we meet the eka, the spinning boat with an Archimedes engine, and the old Blekinge eka – boats that were not only means of transport but an obvious part of life in the archipelago.

Through Rolf Blomdahl's memories, we get a personal and vivid insight into what summer's everyday life looked like: fishing, boat maintenance, simple houses, kerosene lamps, and community across generations. The text is both a warm family memory and a valuable piece of local coastal history from Sömland.

Source: The story of Yttre Vitholmen by Rolf Blomdahl.

”In March 1942, my father Thure Blomdahl and his brother Göte were looking out over the ice of Marsviken towards Yttre Vitholmen. The ice did not hold, and they had to decide whether to buy the island.”