Mörbylångadalen is the heart of the Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland World Heritage Site. Other discoveries include archaeological remains, historic buildings and landscapes where birdwatching and experiencing nature play an important role. Here, different stories and habitats come together on Öland.
Birdlife and landscapes
Ottenby is a well-known destination for birdwatchers. Thousands of birds are ringed each year at the bird observatory there. The nature reserve has four marked hiking trails, as well as other unmarked paths and management tracks. Their availability may change due to access restrictions. Along the Kyrkhamnsleden are Kungsstenarna, the ruins of the Chapel of St John and the remains of the fishing settlement of Kyrkhamn. The trail runs from Kungsgården to the southern tip through grazing land; boardwalks cross wet sections.
Beijershamn also combines nature observation with a range of activities: birds can be watched from a bird tower, an observation platform and walking trails. Of Sweden’s approximately 1,000 species of large butterflies, 650 have been recorded there; this number may change as more observations are made. The waters south of the pier are suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing, although seasonal restrictions may apply to protect wildlife. Beijershamn is accessible by car, bus and bicycle; public transport connections may change.
Dröstorp Nature Reserve is a mosaic of dry meadows, gravel alvar, limestone pavement and wetlands, with a rich variety of plant and animal life. Its karst features include the sinkhole Prästgropen, which is 40 metres wide and 2 to 3 metres deep. The protected areas of Karlevi norra och södra alvar, in turn, showcase typical habitats of the Stora Alvaret, shaped by thousands of years of grazing and home to many rare species.
Trails for different interests
For longer hikes, the Mörbylångaleden offers a route of more than 80 kilometres through natural and cultural landscapes. It runs between the Öland tourist information centre at the bridgehead and Ottenby vandrarhem in Näsby, is divided into five stages and marked with red wooden arrows. A section between Penåsa and Skärlöv is wheelchair accessible: it follows an old railway embankment with firm gravel and a strip of grass down the middle. As surfaces and trail conditions may change, it is a good idea to check current conditions before setting out.
The Stora Alvarleden is a 13-kilometre hiking trail that can be cycled and crosses the alvar from Karlevi to Möckelmossen. The route continues across the Stora Alvaret to Frösslunda alvar; stone cairns mark the way. Seasonal restrictions may apply to cycling. The Eketorpsleden is shorter: this 1.6-kilometre circular trail starts at Eketorps borg. For another trail with a story to tell, the six-kilometre Bergstigen in Degerhamn is a cultural and historical nature trail through varied landscapes shaped by a 300-year-old stone industry.
In Ottenby lund, a route passes Kyrkängen, with its orchids and other species dependent on hay meadows, as well as the lakes Prästgårdssjön and Ljungbackasjön. Frogs and toads are found there, and ducks nest. Flowering and wildlife sightings depend on the season. The children’s trail in Penåsa is two kilometres long and combines illustrated information boards with an ongoing story about the calf Sol-Blända and its friends; QR codes provide additional content.
Rune stones, churches and castles
Karlevistenen is a Viking Age rune stone with one of the longest inscriptions in the Nordic region. Björnflisan is the only rune stone on the alvar and served as a waymarker between Torslunda and Sandby. At Gettlinge gravfält are a stone ship setting, a pair of stone circles, upright stones and square stone settings. The burial ground lies on Öland’s western Landborg ridge along Road 136 and offers views across the Kalmarsund.
Resmo kyrka is one of Sweden’s oldest churches and was built around the year 1100. The chancel and apse contain early medieval lime paintings; paintings from the late Middle Ages and the 17th century can also be seen on the nave walls. Eketorps borg offers a different experience: visitors can enter the castle and look around. Guided tours and activities such as archery, breadmaking and traditional crafts round out the visit; the programme may vary by season. Excavations and reconstruction offer insights into life on Öland during the Iron Age and the early Middle Ages.
The site where Sandby borg stands is open to visitors. The surviving castle wall is visible; no traces of houses can currently be seen inside. From the designated car park, a 100-metre footpath runs south along the shore. Långe Jan near Degerhamn also tells a story: the lighthouse dates from 1785, and 197 steps lead to its viewing platform. Access to the platform may be seasonal.
Gardens, exhibitions and crafts
Capellagården adds a cultural dimension to the landscape. You can stroll around the garden and park at your own pace throughout the year. During the season, Capellagården presents exhibitions of art, applied arts and crafts; workshops for children and adults are also offered. This means there is a choice of discoveries, from peaceful outdoor explorations to artistic themes and hands-on activities.
Discover more destinations: Grönhögen, Degerhamn, Färjestaden, Mörbylånga, Stenåsa, Vanserum, Borgholm, Vimmerby.
For the main travel overview: Kalmar.
