Ottenby

Ottenby at Öland's southern tip is one of Sweden's most important birdwatching sites. Migration funnels through the narrow headland, and since 1946 the Ottenby Bird Observatory has been ringing birds here without interruption, the longest continuous ringing series in the world. Over 400 bird species have been recorded at Ottenby, along with around 120 breeding species.

A stopover for millions of migrating birds

The southern tip acts like a funnel: in spring and autumn, huge flocks pass over the narrow headland before crossing the open sea. Waders and songbirds, birds of prey and geese can all be spotted, best in the early morning during the migration peaks of April to May and September to October. The reserve has two viewing towers, several observation hides and windbreaks for exactly this purpose.

The nature reserve covers around 995 hectares (95 ha of which is water) and is one of the largest in Kalmar county. It's freely accessible year-round; toilets (including accessible ones) and picnic tables are available.

The bird observatory and its research

The bird observatory is run by BirdLife Sverige (Sveriges Ornitologiska Förening). Each year it rings around 23,000 to 25,000 birds of roughly 140 species; since 1946, more than 1.2 million birds have been recorded this way. The data is among the most valuable long-term datasets in European bird research.

The ringing station itself is only accessible on booked tours:

• Ringmärkningsguidning: a look over the ringers' shoulders. 500 SEK for 1 to 5 people, and for groups over 5, 100 SEK per adult and 75 SEK per child. Not available from 23 June to 23 August.
• Ottenbymorgon (around 4 hours): meet at 07:45, help with the ringing, breakfast at 9:00 and a nature guide including the lighthouse. 850 SEK per adult, 375 SEK per child. Runs 15 March to 15 June and 25 July to 31 October.

Naturum and the Långe Jan lighthouse

Right at the tip stand the Naturum visitor centre and Långe Jan, Sweden's tallest lighthouse. The Naturum explains bird migration and the landscape in an accessible way and has free admission. It's open seasonally from Easter to All Saints', and during peak season (29 June to 9 August) daily from 10:30 to 17:00.

Climbing the lighthouse costs 50 SEK for adults and 30 SEK for children, paid by Swish or card at the tower or in the Naturum. The proceeds support the bird observatory.

The King's Wall

The Karl X Gustavs mur, or "King's Wall", runs across the headland. The old stone wall once marked the boundary of the royal hunting grounds; today, fallow deer graze north of it across the vast Kungsgården estate. Hiking and cycling paths cross the reserve, which is easy to explore on foot.

Visiting and practical information

• Getting there: Via route 136 to the Ottenby kungsgård estate, then right towards the southern tip for around 4 km. Address: Ottenby 401, 386 64 Degerhamn (tel. +46 485-66 12 00).
• Public transport: There's no regular bus service to the tip. Take the Kalmar-Mörbylånga bus; the last stretch is covered only by the Kalmar länstrafik on-demand service (Närtrafik), book by the day before on 010-2121000 (within Sweden).
• Parking: Only day parking is allowed in the reserve, including for motorhomes and caravans. Overnight stays and camping are not permitted.
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours for a walk plus the Naturum; half a day to a full day with birdwatching or a guided tour.
• Best time: The spring and autumn migration peaks, early morning. See the guide to birdwatching for more, and the guide to the best time to visit for seasonal detail.

Nearby

Ottenby pairs well with the other sights at the southern tip: the Långe Jan lighthouse right next to the Naturum, the reconstructed ring fort Eketorp and the Gettlinge burial ground on the way there. The quiet seaside village of Grönhögen is just a few kilometres away. At the island's northern end stands its counterpart, the Långe Erik lighthouse. For an overview of Öland's natural landscapes, see the Nature guide; for general advice, see the Trip Planning guide.