Ancestor Route - Tornstrom Family Sweden Adventure

Exploring our roots in Karlshamn and beyond - June 17, 2025

Our Ancestor Driving Route from Karlshamn

On Tuesday, June 17, after checking into Karlshamn Port Hotel Apartments, we’ll pick up our BMW 1 Series (or similar, station wagon) from Sixt and embark on a 90 km journey to visit ancestral sites. A local guide will assist in Elleholm, Karlshamn, and Mörrum, with possible access to Elleholm church after 4:00 PM via a neighbor (Karlshamn church access not available). Museums and churches in Karlshamn close at 4:00 PM, and Bräkne-Hoby church closes at 3:00 PM, so we’ll prioritize an early visit there to see Trånhem farm, established in 1827. A genealogist will guide us in Bräkne-Hoby, potentially arranging church access if we arrive later.

Open Ancestor Driving Route in Google Maps

Leg 1: Karlshamn to Bräkne-Hoby

Distance: Approximately 20 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 15 minutes

Route: Take the E22 eastbound from Karlshamn towards Bräkne-Hoby.

Highlight: Visit the Jönsson/Tornstrom farm Trånhem, nr 177, established in 1827, with a genealogist guide; church closes at 3:00 PM.

Leg 2: Bräkne-Hoby to Elleholm

Distance: Approximately 25 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 20 minutes

Route: Head west on E22 back towards Karlshamn, then take local roads south to Elleholm.

Highlight: Explore Elleholm’s quaint charm with a local guide; church may be accessible after 4:00 PM via neighbor arrangement.

Leg 3: Elleholm to Mörrum

Distance: Approximately 5 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 10 minutes

Route: Drive north from Elleholm to rejoin the E22, then head west to Mörrum.

Highlight: Visit Mörrum’s scenic river with a local guide.

Leg 4: Mörrum to Jämshög

Distance: Approximately 15 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 15 minutes

Route: Take local roads north from Mörrum to Jämshög.

Highlight: Jämshög offers a glimpse into rural Swedish life tied to our heritage.

Leg 5: Jämshög back to Karlshamn

Distance: Approximately 25 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 25 minutes

Route: Head southeast on local roads to rejoin the E22, then eastbound back to Karlshamn.

Highlight: Return to our base after a day of connecting with our roots.

Trip Summary

Car Rental: BMW 1 Series or similar (station wagon), Reservation #9721558382, Pickup: Karlshamn/Best Western Hotel, Tue, June 17, 9:00 AM, Return: Wed, June 18, 9:00 AM

Total Estimated Distance: Approximately 90 km

Total Driving Time: Around 1 hour 25 minutes (plus stops)

We’ll spend the day visiting these ancestor areas, reflecting on our family history. Don’t miss the Emigrant Monument in Karlshamn, which mirrors the one in Lindstrom, MN!