Farjestaden - Lotta Sjoberg's ceramics
02 June 2021
ten excursion gems

#7 Mörbylångadalen, southern Öland

fertile soils, creative art districts & historic ferry connections

Mörbylångadalen offers charming coastal communities such as Färjestaden and Mörbylång, open landscapes and experiences at a leisurely pace. Farm shops, art, cafes and local flavours await you along the roads – surrounded by meadows, farmland and sea views. An area filled with small excursions, genuine encounters and the best of Öland life.

  • Mörbylångadalen on Öland – a landscape in the World Heritage Southern Öland Cultivated Landscape
  • Färjestaden and Mörbylånga – central locations with services, restaurants and accommodation
  • Art and culture – studios, crafts and local exhibitions
  • Fertile agricultural area with terraced villages, fields and pastures
  • Rich birdlife and open views in a vibrant cultural landscape
  • Mörbylångaleden – signature trail for hiking and cycling through the valley
  • Cycling routes such as the Culture Tour and the World Heritage Tour
  • Proximity to Stora Alvaret and unique nature experiences
  • Farm shops, cafes and restaurants with local produce

1. Ferry Town

Färjestaden is the largest urban area on Öland. In the cozy harbor there are several restaurants and cafes. In summer, there is a lot of activity here and while the sun sets over the strait, with the bridge as a beautiful silhouette, there is the occasional evening dip with a jump from the harbor pier.

Due to its location, the ferry town has always been a center for crossing the Kalmar Sound. The strait is six kilometers between Färjestaden and Kalmar. From the 1200th century there is the first documented traffic. When the ferry traffic ceased, with the creation of the Öland Bridge in 1972, the Kalmarsundsbolaget had operated the strait for 106 years. Today, the strait is served in summer by the cycle and passenger ferry Dessi.

See the entire range in Färjestaden here!

 

2. The Mill King

Up on the crest of Björhovda, there are three mills in a row. The largest is called Kvarnkungen and is Europe's largest stump mill. Just north of Kvarnkungen stands a mill of the Dutch type, called Drottningen. Further north of Drottningen stands a smaller stump mill, called Prinsen.

A woman in a red sweater walks with a stroller on a footbridge at Beijershamn on Öland.
A birdwatcher walks on a gravel road towards the birdwatching tower in Beijershamn on Öland.

3. Beijershamn

Beijershamn is one of the most important bird localities on Öland. It started with a pier construction in the middle of the 1800th century that would result in an important port. That was not the case. Due to a faulty construction, the port quickly slammed again. Over time, this created good conditions for a rich birdlife with reeds, coastal meadows and open water surfaces. Today, there are several beautiful walking areas and a large bird tower with a view of the entire area.

4. Vickleby

The village street through Vickleby is often called one of the most beautiful on Öland. Walk or cycle here on a summer day and enjoy all the hollyhocks and beautiful buildings. Vickleby has a long history as an artist's haven, with Stay Guest House and Capellagården in the city center. Here you will find restaurants, cafes and galleries.

5. Mörbylånga

The Mörbylångadalen is one of Sweden's most fertile growing areas. The valley, which used to be the bottom of the lake, has given the farmers a natural environment for grain cultivation and the cultivation of other crops such as potatoes, onions and strawberries.

Köpingen Mörbylånga was founded in 1820 and has several beautiful streets with character from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The buildings between the sea and the square consist of period wooden houses with idyllic gardens. In the square there is the typical square fountain and all around there are restaurants and cafes. The proximity to the water and the harbor leaves its mark on the purchase, as do the artists and craftsmen who live and work here. The famous sun painter Per Ekström lived here in his last years.

See the entire range in Mörbylånga here!

6. Take the ferry over to Kalmar

A historic gem by the Kalmar Sound with cobblestone streets, charming cafes and beautiful views. Here you can visit Kalmar Castle, stroll through the old town and enjoy the city's culture and history. A perfect excursion whether you want to discover historical environments or enjoy seaside city life during your visit to Öland. The ferry runs between Färjestaden and Kalmar. Read more about Kalmar here!

See timetable here!

food & drink on southern Öland

In southern Öland, around Mörbylångadalen, there are several dining experiences where the environment is part of the whole. Eat with a view of the sea and the Öland Bridge in Färjestaden harbour where most of the restaurants are open all year round. Sit down in a charming Ölandsgård or stop by the surfing mecca in Haga Park. There are several restaurants in Mörbylånga and around the area you will find farm shops with local produce to take with you. Here, food, landscape and local produce become a natural part of the excursion.

 

cycling and hiking in Mörbylångadalen

The Mörbylångaleden, which is one of the Swedish Tourist Association's twelve signature trails, runs through the rugged and beautiful world heritage site. Experience the entire trail from Färjestaden down to Ottenby or select a favorite part.

Experience the Cultural Tour by bike, which is a lovely tour with a village feel and an excellent tour for those who love art, design and beautiful views.

The World Heritage Route offers cycling through the alvar and agricultural landscape, from Mörbylånga via Kastlösa to the eastern side. Here you pass terraced villages, open spaces and Möckelmossen, which is the largest lake in the alvar and is rich in birdlife..

 

 

Mörbylångaleden Stage 2

South Öland 18 km

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The World Heritage Tour

Southern Öland - 51.5 km

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Nunnedalen

South Öland 4 km

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Mörbylångaleden Stage 3

South Öland 13,5 km

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Mörbylångaleden Stage 5

South Öland 14 km

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The cultural tour

Southern Öland - 9,1 km

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Mörbylångaleden Stage 4

South Öland 19 km

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Mörbylångaleden Stage 1

South Öland 18 km

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ten Öland excursion gems

Share more tips or see all ten excursion gems here