Ölands rika historia återspeglas i dess imponerande slott och borgar, var och en med en unik historia:
Borgholm Castle: känt som ”Nordens vackraste ruin” erbjuder Borgholms slott en resa genom över 900 års historia. Dess storlek är överväldigande och dess läge fascinerande, där natur och arkitektur smälter samman till en unik enhet.
Eketorps borg: en fullständigt utgrävd fornborg där mur och hus har återskapats direkt på de antika lämningarna. Det är ett idealiskt resmål för den som är intresserad av natur och kultur, och ger insikter i borgens historia, arkeologi och Alvarets fauna.
Ismantorps borg: en av Ölands största fornborgar med en diameter på 127 meter, omgiven av våtmarker i Mittlandsskogen. Det är både ett arkeologiskt mysterium och ett populärt utflyktsmål med en liten röd stuga som har tjänat besökare i generationer.
Gråborg & Sankt Knuts kapell: Ölands största fornborg och en av Sveriges största anläggningar av sitt slag. Centralt belägen på ön kallades den tidigare för Backaborg. Intill borgen finns även en medeltida kapellruin.
Sandby borg: en av cirka femton fornborgar från järnåldern på Öland. Utgrävningar har avslöjat en fruktansvärd historia om en brutal massaker som ägde rum för cirka 1 500 år sedan. Det är den enda Ölandsborg som ligger precis vid stranden, vilket gör den till ett spännande besöksmål.
Att utforska dessa borgar ger en djup inblick i Ölands rika kulturarv och erbjuder hänförande vyer över öns varierande landskap.
Öland’s landscape is adorned with historic windmills, each telling a unique story of the island’s rich heritage. Here are four of the most notable:
Sandvik’s Mill: located in northern Öland, Sandvik’s Mill is one of the largest windmills in the world. Originally built in 1856 near Vimmerby, it was relocated to Sandvik in 1885. This Dutch-style mill stands as a testament to the island’s milling history and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional milling techniques.
Högby Stone Mill: also known as the Kopparslagarkvarnen, this Dutch limestone mill is situated outside Löttorp. Built around the mid-19th century, it stands 14 meters high with walls 1.7 meters thick at the base. The mill’s robust construction and historical significance make it a fascinating site for visitors interested in Öland’s industrial past.
Jordhamn’s Scouring Mill: this unique wind-powered scouring mill, originally built in 1905, was used to grind limestone. Located along Öland’s northwest coast, it’s likely the only remaining mill of its kind on the island. The site also features remnants of old quarries and cattle-driven scouring paths, offering a comprehensive look into the island’s limestone processing history.
Lerkaka Mill Row: this picturesque row of five wooden post mills is one of Öland’s most photographed sites. Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, these mills exemplify traditional Öland milling architecture. Their alignment along the flat landscape creates a striking visual, making it a must-visit location for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Visiting these mills offers a unique insight into Öland’s cultural and industrial heritage, showcasing the island’s historical reliance on wind power and milling.
Öland’s lighthouses are not only vital navigational aids but also significant cultural landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s maritime heritage. The most prominent among them are Långe Jan and Långe Erik.
Långe Jan, located at Öland’s southern tip, stands as Sweden’s tallest lighthouse at 42 meters. Built in 1785, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is open to visitors during certain seasons.
Långe Erik, situated on the northern cape, is a 32-meter-high limestone lighthouse completed in 1845. Visitors can climb its 138 steps to the balcony, approximately 28 meters high, for a magnificent view of the surroundings.
Other notable lighthouses on the island include:
Exploring these lighthouses provides insight into Öland’s rich maritime history and offers breathtaking views of the island’s diverse landscapes.
Öland’s rich history is reflected in its impressive castles and fortresses, each with a unique story:
Borgholm Castle: known as the ”Nordic’s most beautiful ruin,” Borgholm Castle offers a journey through over 900 years of history. Its size is overwhelming, and its location is fascinating, where nature and architecture merge into a unique unity.
Eketorp’s Castle: a completely excavated ancient castle where the wall and houses have been recreated directly on the ancient remains. It’s an ideal destination for those interested in nature and culture, offering insights into the castle’s history, archaeology, and the fauna of Alvaret.
Ismantorp’s Castle: one of Öland’s largest ancient castles with a diameter of 127 meters, surrounded by wetlands in the Mittlandskogen. It’s both an archaeological enigma and a popular excursion destination, featuring a small red cabin that has served visitors for generations.
Gråborg & Sankt Knut’s Chapel: Öland’s largest ancient castle and one of Sweden’s largest facilities of its kind. Centrally located on the island, it was previously called Backaborg. Next to the castle, there is also a medieval chapel ruin.
Sandby Castle: one of about fifteen ancient castles from the Iron Age on Öland. Excavations have revealed a horrific history of a brutal massacre that occurred about 1,500 years ago. It’s the only Öland castle located right next to the beach, offering an exciting place to visit.
Exploring these castles provides a deep insight into Öland’s rich cultural heritage and offers breathtaking views of the island’s diverse landscapes.
