Möja has probably been inhabited since the 13' century, when it was actually called Myghi in King Waldemar's sailing records. Möja's also mentioned in an agricultural register of 1543, when eleven estates were divided between the villages of Berg, Löka, Ramsmora, Långvik and Södermöja.

The entire island burnt down in the year of 1719 during the Russian so-called lootings. The only building that survived was the little chapel at the village of Berg. The chapel was demolished though and in 1768 the current church was erected at about the same location. Since then, the church has been renovated and got its current appearance in the course of the 19th century.

Fishing was the predominant source of income and when the water was not frozen and covered with ice, the catch was rowed to Stockholm's markets. During winter, the fish was transported over the ice by horse and carriage. Fishing was the main industry until approximately 1980, after which it declined rapidly. Today, there's just one single fisherman left on the island.

Earlier on, strawberries were extensively cultivated on the island, and Möja-Strawberries were widely known throughout the area. Nowadays there's no-one left cultivating strawberries for commercial purposes. Still today, large open fields can be seen where strawberry fields once stretched out over the island.

About 280 people permanently inhabit the island. In summer time, this amount is multiplied many times and many of the permanent residents work in the various service industries then. During winter, other kinds of work are practised, such as manual labour, telecommunications and work at the school and the local store, which - incidentally - are the two main employers on the island. The school provides education at all compulsory school levels. There's also a kindergarten as well as a preschool.

Möja is a superb cycle- and walking island with fine roads from the North to the South. However, there are no prepared bathing areas as yet.

Please feel more than welcome when you are on the isle of Möja. We hope you do realise that your visit is based on the terms and conditions of nature and the cultural landscape. We hope you will protect and respect this beautiful, natural island and leave it in the condition you would like to find it, when you return for your next visit.

 

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