On southern Öland, we are met by many nice places, not least Ottenby, Eketorp's castle, Grönhögen and Öland's southernmost town, Näsby. Take your time and drive down to southern Öland to experience nature and the wings of history.
The road down to the southern tip, with the lighthouse Långe Jan in sight, is one of the most spectacular on Öland. At Öland's southern cape, which is one of Sweden's best bird localities, lies the Ottenby nature reserve. Every year, birdwatchers from all over the world gather here to watch the migratory birds that come or leave the country. Research on the birds has been conducted at the site since the 1940s. Many birds are ringed here, which provides valuable knowledge about how the populations are developing and how climate change is affected.
When you walk across the German Shepherd Meadows, you might think you've come to the African savannah. It is one of Northern Europe's largest hay meadows and also consists of extensive pastures with interesting geological formations. There is a ban on entry here during spring and summer, but you can always walk along the marked trail, Ängsvaktarstigen, which goes from the grove to a viewpoint near the beach. There are more nice accessible hiking opportunities in the area.
At the lighthouse village, next to the lighthouse, there is a bookshop and a small lighthouse museum. At the lighthouse site there is also a restaurant and Ottenby bird station. On the rocks off the eastern shore, harbor seals often lie and sunbathe. Naturum Ottenby is located in the middle of the lighthouse village. Admission to the interesting exhibition on migratory birds is free and there are also many guided tours for visitors.
Långe Jan, which was lit for the first time in 1785, is one of Sweden's oldest lighthouses. At 42 metres, it is also Sweden's tallest lighthouse. The name Långe Jan comes from the medieval chapel of St. John. When the chapel was demolished, the stone was used for the lighthouse construction. A stone cross, west of the road between Långe Jan and Ottenby royal estate, marks the site of the chapel at the time. In the summer, the lighthouse is open to visitors. From up here on the southern tip of Öland, the view is magnificent.
Eketorp's castle has been used in three different periods from 300 to 1,240 AD and is today the country's only completely investigated and reconstructed ancient castle. The castle's floor plan, with residential buildings in the middle and farm buildings along the wall, was common among Öland's ancient castles. Borgen is an interesting destination with a variety of activities for both young and old. Read more about Eketorp's Castle.
Öland's southernmost community is charming Grönhögen where the harbor with a café and the large Dutch windmill up in the village dominate. The mill came to Grönhögen in 1916. After World War II, when wind-powered mills became obsolete, the mill was used as a fire station before it was renovated into a restaurant in the late 1970s.
On southern Öland there are several unique dining experiences where the surroundings become part of the taste. Enjoy good food with a view of the sea in Grönhögen's harbour, sit down in a charming mill environment or eat with a view of Långe Jan and the open landscape. Also take the opportunity to visit farm shops nearby, where you will find local ingredients and flavors to take home with you. Here, food, environment and local produce are combined – perfect for a memorable break during the excursion.
Hike the 3.9 km long Norra Lundleden and experience rich bird life with species such as golden plover and flycatcher. The trail takes you through forests, meadows and pastures with a varied plant and animal life.
If you want to walk a shorter loop, there is Skogsuddeslingan of 1.5 km which takes you into one of the most beautiful parts of Ottenby lund.
Cycle the Fornborgsrundan which takes you to royal lands, the mighty ancient castle Eketorps Borg and the small town of Grönhögen which is located along the Kalmar Strait. There you will find one of Sweden's only Linksgolf courses, a limestone quarry, restaurant and much more.
