Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The island of Öland—90 miles long and only 8 miles wide—is a pleasant re-
sort known for its windmills, wildflowers, old limestone buildings, happy bird-
watchers, prehistoric sights, roadside produce stands on the honor system, and
Swede-filled beaches. This castaway island, with only about 25,000 perman-
ent residents, attracts some 2.5 million visitors annually. It's a top summer va-
cation destination for Swedes—even the king and queen have their summer
home here—due to its climate and tony, Martha's Vineyard vibe. Because of
its relatively low rents, better weather, and easy bridge access to the mainland,
Öland is also a popular bedroom community for Kalmar. If you've got a car,
good weather, and some time to kill—and if the place isn't choked with sum-
mer crowds—Öland is a fine destination for a quick joyride. (For a basic map
Dubbed the “Island of Sun and Wind,” Öland enjoys an even warmer cli-
mate than already-mild Kalmar and a steady sea breeze. And, because its top
layer of soil was scraped off by receding glaciers, it has a completely differ-
ent landscape than the pines-and-lakes feel of mainland Sweden. The island's
chalky limestone, rich soil, and lush vegetation make it feel almost more Medi-
terranean than Baltic. Öland is one of Sweden's premier agricultural zones.
Some call it “Sweden's Provence.” While that's a stretch, skeptical visitors are
pleasantly surprised by its colorful wildflowers (in spring) and by the bright
sunshine, which works like a magnet both on holidaymakers and on artists.
Centuries ago, the entire island was the king's private hunting ground. Be-
cause local famers were not allowed to fell trees, they made their simple houses
from limestone. The island's 34 limestone churches, which were also used for
defense, have few windows. Stone walls demarcate property and were used to
contain grazing livestock.
When built in 1972, the
Öland Bridge
from Kalmar to the island was
Europe's longest (free, 3.7 miles). The channel between Kalmar and Öland is
filled with underwater rocks, making passage here extremely treacherous—but
ideal for the Vikings' flat-bottomed boats. (In fact, “Kalmar” comes from the
phrase “stones in water.”) The little town of Färjestaden, near the island end of
