What historical places are there to visit on Öland?

Öland is full of traces of people who have lived here for thousands of years. Here you can visit ancient castles, castle ruins, lighthouses, churches and old fishing villages. Visit places like Borgholm Castle, Eketorp Castle and Ottenby and discover the stories that have shaped life on Öland through generations.

Are there museums on Öland?

Yes, there are several museums and cultural environments around Öland where you can learn more about life on the island. Here stories are told about everything from shipping and agriculture to art, crafts and life by the sea.

Can you experience culture on Öland all year round?

Yes, culture on Öland is alive all year round. Summer offers concerts, art exhibitions and events all over the island, while autumn, winter and spring are often about quieter experiences, open studios and historic environments. See events

Are there arts and crafts on Öland?

Yes, Öland has a rich cultural life with many artists, ceramists, designers and craftsmen. All around the island you will find small studios, galleries and farm shops where you can meet the creators and see their work.

Culture & History

for all history lovers

Öland is the island where you can constantly experience the wings of history. Ancient castles, burials, agricultural landscapes, buildings and above all the windmills, which are perhaps the most characteristic cultural heritage that Öland can offer. Around the island, different types of historical cultural heritage are made available through more or less organized experiences. If you've set your sights on a holiday with historical and cultural features, you've come to the right place.

Öland Lighthouses

royal island country

Antiquities

Öland wrecks

Öland Mills

Churches & Chapel

Museum tips

Castles & Castles

the world heritage southern island

From Karlevi in the west to Gårdby in the east and then all the way south, a beautiful landscape and a unique cultural region stretches. This area was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The reason is that the agricultural landscape of South Öland is fundamentally different from other places on earth. Read more about the World Heritage Site South Öland.

the citizens' island

On June 8, 2024, the exhibition The Island of the Citizens will premiere. Explore the mystery and history behind Öland's ancient cities in this eight-year exhibition series created in collaboration with Stockholm University and Linnaeus University. The Kalmar County Museum invites you to an eight-year experience through Öland's fascinating archaeological landscape. Borgarnas ö is a long-term exhibition series that spans eight years, where each year offers new content and different themes. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Öland's ancient castles and gain a deeper understanding of the life of the islanders during the Iron Age.

row villages on Öland

Öland's row villages are an important part of the island's cultural heritage and a characteristic of the Öland landscape. The densely placed farms along the village street tell the story of how the villages were planned and how people lived and farmed the land for generations. Many row villages are still well preserved and provide a unique insight into Öland's history and the living world heritage site of the South Öland agricultural landscape. There are about 200 row villages on Öland.

guided tours & excursions

Join us on a tour and discover the best of Öland with local experts. Learn more about the culinary Öland, the island's ancient animals or about flowers and insects. Whatever you choose, we are sure you will experience a memorable guided tour of the island.

Take advantage of current excursions and guided tours in the calendar or read more about the operators who offer excursions and guided tours throughout the year here.

See all guided tours

questions and answers about culture & history

What historical places are there to visit on Öland?: Öland is full of traces of people who have lived here for thousands of years. Here you can visit ancient castles, castle ruins, lighthouses, churches and old fishing villages. Visit places like Borgholm Castle, Eketorp Castle and Ottenby and discover the stories that have shaped life on Öland through generations.
Are there museums on Öland?: Yes, there are several museums and cultural environments around Öland where you can learn more about life on the island. Here stories are told about everything from shipping and agriculture to art, crafts and life by the sea.
Can you experience culture on Öland all year round?: Yes, culture on Öland is alive all year round. Summer offers concerts, art exhibitions and events all over the island, while autumn, winter and spring are often about quieter experiences, open studios and historic environments. See events
Are there arts and crafts on Öland?: Yes, Öland has a rich cultural life with many artists, ceramists, designers and craftsmen. All around the island you will find small studios, galleries and farm shops where you can meet the creators and see their work.