Öland lovers recommend winter activities!

1. Discover the secrets of the Enchanted Forest

Visit the forest on the northern tip of Öland, the forest that during this time of year becomes even more magical and mysterious, especially when the sea roars and the wind howls among the crooked pines. Find a sheltered spot and grab a warming picnic or look for the wreck Swiks that sank in December 1926. In the nature reserve there are three trails, ranging from shorter accessible trails on footbridges to a longer trail that takes you all the way out to the northern tip. Read more about the trails here.

2. Walk in the crown jewel Halltorps Hage

Halltorp's pasture is the crown jewel among the deciduous forests along the west coast of Öland. So many species live here that the area is considered one of the most species-rich in Sweden. The most exclusive ones live in the ancient oaks found in Halltorp's pasture. If you walk the Little Grove Path, you will see these magnificent tree giants. Also don't miss the promenade and the beautiful deciduous meadow! 

3. Cycle along the trails in the newly formed nature reserve Rälla-Ekerum

Along the west coast of Öland, adjacent to Ekerum's golf course, lies the newly formed nature reserve Rälla-Ekerum. In the reserve, an impressive number of endangered species have been found. Imaginative names such as the big skittle bee, saffron finger mushroom, Öland comb beetle and devil's mushroom are just some of the representatives of this diversity. Next to Ekerum Resort's Golf Courses there are marked trails that lead you through Rällaskogen, they are anywhere from 2.5 km to 7.2 km long. 

4. Play hide and seek in Ismantorp Castle

Put on warm clothes and head to Ismantorp Castle, the mysterious castle in the Mittland Forest with old house foundations that are still clearly visible. If the children are with you, it is a fantastic place to play hide and seek and if you have your hiking boots on, there are hiking trails. Here you can take part in all the sights and hiking trails that are available in Mittlandsskogen! If you want to go for a longer hike of 50 km, there is a trail between Ismantorp Castle and Gråborg, take part of the map of the trail here.

5. Gråborg with picnic basket

When the winter sun is shining, it is best to make excursions on the island. Gråborg and St Knut's Chapel, which are located near Algutsrum just outside Färjestaden, is a perfect excursion destination that offers nice views and allows you to experience both nature and culture. The biggest, best and most beautiful, well, perhaps, at least Gråborg is Öland's largest ancient castle and also one of Sweden's largest ring walls of its kind. Helena Elm and her family made an excursion to Gråborg this spring, take part in her tour of the castle here and be inspired for your next excursion on the island.

6. Scout for birds in Beijershamn

The bird tower in Beijershamn not only gives you the opportunity to scout for all the birds that absolutely love the place, but it also gives you an incredibly nice view of Kalmarsund. A few kilometers south of Färjestaden you will find the nature reserve Beijershamn, one of Öland's most important locations for birds by water, so here it is important to be careful and not disturb or destroy. When you have finished scouting in the bird tower, there is a hiking trail of just over 5 km that takes you around the reserve. Take part of the map here.

7. Winter excursion to Penåsa

Join us on a winter excursion to Penåsa deserted village on Öland! Pack your picnic basket full of winter coffee and head to Penåsa near Kastlösa on Öland for a lovely winter excursion. Read more about the excursion together with Helena Elm and her family.

8. Look for sea eagles in Ottenby

If you have not visited Öland's southern cape during the winter months, it is high time to do so now! In addition to the fantastic expanses and nice walking trails, you now also have the chance to see White-tailed Eagles, which have been attracted here by the open water and the large numbers of seabirds. It is also now that you have the chance to see Starlings, which are looking for food underwater, the passing Silktails, which fly from rowan to rowan in search of the good berries, or Winter Hemlock, which winters in the southern parts of the country. What birds can you find? If you are looking for a bird tower, it is of course in the southern parts of Ottenby lund. The view from the tower is always breathtaking. From here you can look out over the Schäferi meadows towards the archipelago. When you have finished scouting, you can set up your picnic basket and enjoy all the goodies you have packed with you.

9. Refreshing cold bath

Have you noticed that there are many who have started cold bathing? Incredibly good as it has so many health benefits! Have you taken cold baths before? If not, maybe it's time to take a dip along the coast of Öland this winter.

To bring:

• Wear warm and loose-fitting clothing.
• Feel free to wear bathing shoes or raggsocks and a hat. 
• Bring a large towel to dry yourself with, maybe a bathrobe and a small towel to stand on when you change.
• Bring a hot drink in a thermos that you can drink after the bath.

To keep in mind:

• Never swim alone! Bring a friend with you and keep an eye on each other. 
• Take deep breaths and take it easy as you submerge yourself in the water.
• Keep track of time in the water. Don't stay in the water for too long, even if it gets nice after a while, two or three minutes is enough, and don't push yourself over boundaries that feel uncomfortable.
• Do not dip your head when it is freezing temperatures.

A cold bath stimulates three of the body's important hormones – serotonins that  contribute to well-being and good self-esteem, oxytocins for peace and quiet, and endorphins for the feeling of happiness and pain relief. In addition, it is said that cold baths strengthen the immune system, reduce susceptibility to infection, aches and the risk of depression, increase oxygen uptake and the ability to handle stress and anxiety, and provide better sleep, more energy and make us mentally stronger.