Borgholm Castle

High above the island's capital rises Borgholm Castle, an open-air stone stage of mighty walls and stair towers, widely regarded as the most impressive castle ruin in Scandinavia. What now reaches for the sky was once intended as a grand Baroque residence. The ruin is Öland's best-known landmark and, in summer, a stage for concerts and exhibitions.

From fortress to ruin

This strategic site above the Kalmarsund carried a defensive stronghold protecting trade as far back as the Middle Ages. In the 17th century, King Karl X Gustav had the castle rebuilt into a monumental Baroque palace, it was never finished. The complex fell into disrepair, and in 1806 a major fire destroyed the building for good. Ever since, the ruin has stood over the town as an imposing reminder of past splendour.

What to expect

• The walkable castle ruin, with sweeping views from the courtyard and walls out over the Kalmarsund
• Permanent and temporary exhibitions, in 2026, these include "Icons of Power" by Andreas Englund
• A children's castle (26 Jun-11 Aug), included in admission
• A museum shop inside the castle
• An app audio guide with 15 stops (2-3 minutes each) in German, English and Swedish, included in admission

A guided tour with a staff member (around 45-50 minutes, in Swedish or English) can be booked for an extra charge, it is not part of standard admission.

Concerts and events

The ruin is one of Sweden's most atmospheric concert venues. For 2026, acts announced include The Ark (16 Jul), Hooja (22 Jul), Takida (23 Jul), Miss Li (25 Jul), Thomas Stenström (28 Jul) and Veronica Maggio (5 Aug). The Victoria Concert takes place in mid-July around the Crown Princess's birthday, followed in late September (25-27 Sep) by Sheep Days and a historical soldiers' camp. On concert and event days, regular opening hours may change or the ruin may close entirely, it stays closed on 13 and 14 July and on 24 September. Find dates in the events calendar.

Getting there and practical info

The castle sits on Riksväg 136, at Sollidenvägen 5, south of Borgholm town centre. There is parking right by the entrance. If you'd rather leave the car in town, footpaths through the castle woods lead up to the ruin, the same paths also connect it to Solliden Palace.

• Payment: card only, cash is not accepted
• Season: late March to early November, closed in winter
• Best time: mid-morning at opening or in the late afternoon, when it's quieter
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours for the ruin, longer with the exhibition and a walk

Combine with the surroundings

Right next door lies Solliden Palace, the Swedish royal family's summer residence, whose gardens open to visitors in summer, it has its own ticket and opening hours. Both palaces plus a stroll through town make for a full, rewarding day around Borgholm. For more of the island's highlights, see our overview of Öland's attractions.