Borgholm
29 Jun 2021
Ten excursion gems

#5 Borgholm, Central Öland

Charming small-town idyll, summery seaside resort & royal splendor

Discover Borgholm – one of Öland's most varied excursion destinations where city, nature and history meet. Here you can easily move between the coast, forest, alvar and iconic sights such as Borgholm Castle and Solliden. Along Strandvägen, you pass magnificent villas from the seaside resort era, with views of Kalmarsund, before continuing through Slottsskogen and on towards open landscapes and historical sites.

On this excursion, we will guide you through the area and give you tips on what not to miss along the way. Take part in our 6 royal tips below – carefully selected places and experiences that will make your day in Borgholm both memorable and complete.

Tip: The area is just as suitable all year round, with beautiful walking paths and historical environments to experience even when the attractions are closed.

  • Six royal tips, including Solliden and Borgholm Castle
  • Sights along the way, such as Borgholm Lighthouse and historic sites
  • Tips for experiencing the Borgholm Castle area on foot all year round
  • Inspiration for a full-day excursion in Borgholm and the surrounding area

Discover on foot - 6 royal tips

1. Borgholm Castle

Welcome to the most beautiful ruin in Scandinavia, as the castle has been called, dates back to the 12th century and was until the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 an important strategically located defensive facility.  At Borgholm Castle, it has been teeming with people over the centuries. Enjoy the fantastic view of the castle salvar and Kalmarsund upstairs.

Read more about Borgholm Castle.

2. Solliden Palace

Solliden Palace has been the Royal Family's summer paradise for generations. When you visit the castle park, you will soon understand why, here lush and greenery are combined with winding paths and exciting stories. 

When you walk through the gate to Solliden Palace Park, you are greeted by a very special environment that invites you to walk and explore. The park encloses the Royal Family's summer palace and was laid out just over a hundred years ago by the then Queen Victoria.

Read more about Solliden Castle.

3. Queen Victoria's bust

In 1938, King Gustav V erected a bust in memory of his wife, Queen Victoria, on the alvar south of Borgholm Castle. The bust is almost six meters high and made of granite.

 

4. Karl XV's Hunting Stone

Hunting has been conducted on Öland as a royal hobby since the time of the Vasa kings. The hunting stone and cairn were erected in 1873 in memory of the three hunts organized by King Karl XV. The cairn is located by Borgholm Castle's car park.

 

5. Queen Victoria's Resting Home

In 1922, Queen Victoria bought the former manor house for Borgholm's royal estate, and two years later the first guests arrived. The beautiful park garden was laid out in the mid-1800s.

 

6. The Nightingale Trail

Between the hunting stone and the rest home, a beautiful path winds along the slope of the castle. After a few minutes' walk, you will be greeted by Öland's first holiday home, Vita Villan, from 1862.

 

En flicka med sin mormor på restaurang Meza i Borgholm.
Alexander Hall
Vacker keramik hos Kookon by Sweden i Borgholm.
Lovisa Furubo

City of Borgholm

After experiencing the royal sites, a city with a vibrant offer awaits you all year round. Borgholm has a long tradition as a bathing and spa resort, where the fresh Öland air already in the 1800s attracted visitors from all over the country – a feeling that still characterizes the city today.

SE Borgholm's selection here

Here, small, personal shops coexist with high-quality restaurants and cozy cafés, making it easy to stroll on and discover more at a leisurely pace. Down in the harbor, you are greeted by a vibrant boating life during the summer months, with proximity to both restaurants and ice cream kiosks.

SE Borgholm's selection here

 

 

For those who want to take a dip, there are several central swimming opportunities. The cold bath house in the harbor offers swimming all year round, and at Kapelludden there is both a swimming area and a bathhouse for nice moments by the water. Together, they create a city where history, the sea and a rich selection make Borgholm an obvious excursion destination – regardless of the season.

Book Kallbadhuset here!

Se alla restauranger och sevärdheter i Borgholm

Ten Öland excursion gems

Take part in more tips or see all ten excursion gems here!

 

#1 Nordspetsen, northern Öland

#9 Stora Alvaret, southern Öland

#4 Northeast Side

#7 Mörbylångadalen, southern Öland