Öland: Birdlife, Coastlines and Cultural Heritage

The Ottenby Nature Reserve, the Raukar coast and the cultural landscape of Southern Öland showcase different sides of the island. Excursion themes include birdwatching and hiking, as well as open coastal spaces, historic buildings and events. If you’re looking for a hotel, choosing a clear focus for your trip is a good place to start: would you like to devote most of your time to nature, hiking or cultural heritage?

The Cultural Landscape and World Heritage Site of Southern Öland

The cultural landscape of Southern Öland was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. It includes villages, farmland, coastal areas and alvar landscapes, as well as numerous prehistoric archaeological sites. The World Heritage Site is therefore more than a single building: its character is also shaped by its diverse landscape features and traces of the past.

Ottenby: Birdwatching and Nature

Ottenby Nature Reserve is one of the largest reserves in Kalmar County and covers 995 hectares. It is a well-known destination for birdwatchers. Many species stop over or nest there, and rarities are often spotted too. Four marked hiking trails pass through the reserve. Seasonal access restrictions may apply to some trails; check the information for your chosen trail before setting out.

Långe Jan Lighthouse is 42 metres tall, making it Sweden’s tallest lighthouse. It was built in the 1780s. Naturum Ottenby, at the southern tip of Öland, focuses on birds, the sea and the landscape. From Easter until the weekend of All Saints’ Day, it hosts exhibitions and a wide range of activities. For specific visit planning, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates.

The entirely marine Ottenby rev Nature Reserve is accessible only by boat. Dense seaweed forests, mussel beds and lush seagrass meadows define the area. Safety and nature conservation rules may affect access; check the current access information before visiting.

Hiking Trails and Coastal Landscapes

Mittlandet can be visited year-round; many of its attractions, nature reserves, cultural environments and hiking trails are easy to reach. The 53.3-kilometre Mittlandsleden trail runs through Mittlandet. Mörbylångaleden is one of the Swedish Tourist Association’s twelve Signature Trails and passes through the austere yet beautiful World Heritage landscape. The length of Mittlandsleden gives a sense of its scale, while Mörbylångaleden’s Signature Trail designation and route through the World Heritage landscape help you find your bearings. Markings and trail conditions can change; check the latest information before setting out.

The Stenkusten is known for its stark coastline, raukar, limestone formations and open sea. Activities in the area include hiking, cycling, photography and picnicking. Near Byrum, Öland’s most beautiful raukar area stretches along a 600-metre section of beach. About a hundred raukar stand there; the largest formations in the southern part reach nearly four metres in height.

Along the Stenkusten, you’ll find restaurants, ice cream parlours and cosy cafés in Sandvik, Löttorp and Byxelkrok. As individual businesses and opening periods may change, it’s worth checking their opening hours before visiting.

Culture, History and Events

The history of Borgholm Castle dates back 800 years. Today, the ruins of a magnificent Baroque palace built by Charles X Gustav in the mid-17th century stand there. The World Heritage area of Southern Öland offers open churches, hikes, concerts, exhibitions, family activities and guided tours. Specific programmes and dates may vary.

Öland’s Harvest Festival is one of Sweden’s largest harvest festivals. Local producers, art, light installations and activities across the island come together to offer a wide-ranging look at island culture.

Discover more destinations: Örebro, Blekinge, Skåne, Västra Götaland, Östergötland, Kronoberg, Södermanland, Kalmar.

For the main travel overview: Sweden.