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Öland
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Landmark
Öland is the second largest island in Sweden, located in the Baltic Sea and separated from the mainland by the Kalmar Strait. The island is connected to the city of Kalmar via the 6,072-meter-long Öland Bridge, which was the longest in Europe when it opened in 1972. Geographically, Öland is defined by its flat landscape and a unique limestone plateau in the south called Stora Alvaret, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its rare flora and fauna. Historically, the island was an important agricultural hub and features numerous archaeological sites, including the reconstructed Iron Age fortress of Eketorp. Öland is also well-known as the summer residence of the Swedish Royal Family, who stay at Solliden Palace. The mild climate and lime-rich soil support various rare plant species, particularly orchids. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, famous for its iconic wooden windmills and extensive sandy beaches.
- Location: Sweden
- Top sights: Karum · Rönnerum - Abbantorp · Ismantorp
- Nearby: Köpingsvik (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 39 | 34 | 32 | 46 | 60 | 83 | 68 | 49 | 66 | 66 | 52 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The island of Öland is freely accessible year-round, offering a unique landscape of limestone pavements and windmills. Most attractions like Stora Alvaret are open at any time, while some museums have seasonal hours.
Typical hours
The natural landscape has no opening hours; most museums and castles are open from May to September. Check the exact times for each attraction in advance.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted across the entire natural landscape. In historic buildings and museums, photography may be restricted; follow the respective rules.
Time needed
To explore Öland's main attractions, you need at least a full day. For a road trip with stops at beaches and windmills, allow two to three days.
Combine with
Öland is connected to the mainland via the Öland Bridge and can be easily combined with Kalmar. Visit Solliden Palace, the royal summer residence, as well as the many bird reserves.
Getting there
Öland is reached by car via the Öland Bridge from Kalmar. Public buses connect the island to the mainland, but renting a car is recommended for exploring.
Insider tip
Rent a bicycle to explore the flat island in an eco-friendly way. Visit the southern tip Ottenby in spring or autumn to watch bird migration.
Geography
Facts
- The island covers an area of about 1,347 km² and is 137 km long.
- The Öland Bridge rests on 156 pillars across the Kalmar Strait.
- Stora Alvaret covers approximately one-quarter of the island's total land area.
- More than 350 historical wooden windmills are still standing on Öland.
- The Långe Jan lighthouse is Sweden's tallest at 41.6 meters.
- More than 30 different species of orchids are native to the island's unique soil.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Öland (7)
Ölands Museum Himmelsberga🏛 museum
An open-air museum on Öland showcasing the region's traditional farming life.
🌐 olandsmuseum.com🕒 May 10-31 Sa-Su 11:00-17:00; Jun-Aug Mo-Su,PH 11:00-17:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Öland?
Via the 6 km long Öland Bridge, which connects the city of Kalmar to the island.
What is Stora Alvaret?
A vast limestone plateau in the south of the island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Are there windmills there?
Yes, Öland is famous for its many historic wooden windmills that characterize the landscape.
Where does the Swedish royal family vacation?
At Solliden Palace on Öland, which is partly open to the public during the summer.
Which beaches are recommended?
Böda Sand in the north is one of Sweden's most popular and longest sandy beaches.
Öland: where is it located?
Öland is located in Sweden.
Öland: what is there to see?
Highlights include Karum, Rönnerum - Abbantorp, Ismantorp.
Öland: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Öland: why is it worth visiting?
Öland is the second largest island in Sweden, located in the Baltic Sea and separated from the mainland by the Kalmar Strait.
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