oeland.de

Overview

Travel Tips for Öland

Practical travel tips for Öland, best time to visit, getting there via the Öland Bridge, where to stay, paying in SEK, and the top sights, from Borgholm Castle to Stora Alvaret.

Contents

Öland is Sweden's second-largest island, linked to the mainland by the Öland Bridge (Ölandsbron). Along its roughly 130 kilometres of coastline you'll find castle ruins, lighthouses, a UNESCO limestone plain and fine sandy beaches. This overview brings together the essential travel tips, best time to visit, getting there, where to stay and paying on the island, and links on to the 17 main destinations.

The top destinations

The island's best-known landmark is Borgholm Castle, the largest castle ruin in Scandinavia, easily combined with the royal summer residence Solliden Palace. In the south stands Långe Jan, Sweden's tallest lighthouse, right by the Ottenby bird reserve; its northern counterpart is the Långe Erik lighthouse. History comes alive at the reconstructed ring fort Eketorp Fortress, the Gettlinge Gravfält burial ground and the row of windmills at Lerkaka Väderkvarnar. For nature, don't miss the UNESCO limestone plain Stora Alvaret, the limestone sea stacks (raukar) at Byrums Raukar and the gnarled Trollskogen forest. Families head for Ölands Djurpark wildlife park, while culture fans make for the Öland Museum Himmelsberga and the Vida Museum. For swimming, there are the long beaches at Böda Sand and Lyckesand, plus Grönhögen at the southern tip.

Free or paid admission

10 of the 17 main destinations are free of charge. Free to visit are Stora Alvaret, Byrums Raukar, Trollskogen, Gettlinge Gravfält and Lerkaka Väderkvarnar, as well as the beaches at Böda Sand, Lyckesand and Grönhögen. Långe Erik and Ottenby also make the list, entry to the site itself is free, with only an optional lighthouse climb costing extra (at Långe Jan in Ottenby, 50 SEK for adults and 30 SEK for children).

Admission is charged at Borgholm Castle (140 SEK low season, 150 SEK high season), Solliden Palace (150 SEK, children aged 7-18 70 SEK), Eketorp Fortress (75 SEK, children 50 SEK), the Öland Museum Himmelsberga (120 SEK, children 60 SEK), the Vida Museum (140 SEK) and Ölands Djurpark (495 SEK all-inclusive in high season, or just 195 SEK for the wildlife park in low season). Smaller fees can apply even at otherwise free sites, for example around 10 SEK per hour for the Lyckesand car park at Böda Sand during high season (15 June to 15 August), or the mooring fee at Grönhögen marina (from 220 SEK per day, according to the booking portal). There is no island-wide combination pass; all prices are in SEK (correct as of 2026, check before your visit).

Practical planning notes

Most paid attractions open seasonally, roughly from Easter to All Saints' Day, while the beaches, alvar and lighthouse grounds are open year-round. The route in is via the toll-free Öland Bridge from Kalmar; for best time to visit, where to stay, and tips on travelling with family or dogs, see the related guides. Payment is in Swedish kronor throughout, mostly cashless by card or Swish.

Frequently asked questions

Which Öland travel tips are free?+
A large share of the island's best sights charge no admission at all. Free to visit are the UNESCO limestone plain Stora Alvaret, the limestone sea stacks (raukar) at Byrums Raukar, the gnarled Trollskogen forest, the Gettlinge Gravfält burial ground, the row of windmills at Lerkaka Väderkvarnar, and the beaches at Böda Sand, Lyckesand and Grönhögen. The grounds around the Långe Erik lighthouse and the Ottenby bird reserve with its Naturum visitor centre are free too, only the optional lighthouse climb costs extra. In total, 10 of the 17 destinations are free of charge.
What is the one must-see sight on Öland?+
The island's best-known landmark is Borgholm Castle (Borgholms Slott), the largest castle ruin in Scandinavia. It has a long season, roughly from late March to early November, and pairs well with nearby Solliden Palace and a stroll through the town of Borgholm for a full day out. Nature lovers should add the UNESCO limestone plain Stora Alvaret to the itinerary as well.
How many destinations does this Öland travel guide cover?+
The overview brings together 17 main destinations across four categories, seven sights, four nature spots, three museums or experience parks, and three beaches. Of these, 10 are free to visit and 7 charge admission.
What currency is used on Öland?+
Öland uses the Swedish krona (SEK) - Sweden is not part of the eurozone. Card payment and Swish are accepted almost everywhere, and many places are entirely cashless; Borgholm Castle, for instance, takes card payment only. There is no island-wide combination or free-entry pass.
How do you get to Öland?+
Öland is connected to the mainland at Kalmar by the roughly six-kilometre Öland Bridge (Ölandsbron), which is toll-free and open year-round for cars. The nearest airports are Kalmar and Ronneby, and seasonal Baltic Sea ferry connections are also available. See the guides on getting there and the Öland Bridge for details.