#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 coast, forest, meadows and iconic sights such as Borgholm Castle and Solliden. Along Strandvägen you pass grand villas from the seaside resort era, with views over Kalmarsund, before continuing through Slottsskogen and on towards open landscapes and historical sites.

In this excursion we 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 equally suitable all year round, with beautiful walking trails and historical environments to experience even when the tourist attractions are closed.

The magnificent villas of the seaside resort era in Borgholm

alexander hall

Six royal tips, including Solliden and Borgholm Castle
Attractions along the way, such as Borgholm Lighthouse and historical 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 the Nordics, as the castle has been called, dates back to the 1100th century and was, until the Peace of Roskilde in 1658, an important strategically placed defense facility. Wander around the castle grounds and feel the beat of history. Borgholm Castle has been teeming with people throughout the centuries. Enjoy the fantastic view of the castle salver and Kalmarsund one step up.

2. Solliden Castle

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

When you walk through the gate to Solliden's castle park, you are met by a very special environment that invites you to stroll and explore. The park surrounds the Royal Family's summer palace and was established over a hundred years ago by the then Queen Victoria.

3. Queen Victoria's Bust

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

4. Charles XV's Hunting Stone

Hunting has been carried out on Öland as a royal hobby since the time of the Vasa kings. The hunting stone and cairn were erected in 1873 to commemorate the three hunts organized by King Charles XV. Röset is located at Borgholm Castle's parking lot.

5. Queen Victoria's Rest Home

In 1922, Queen Victoria bought the former manor building for Borgholm's royal court and two years later the first guests arrived. The beautiful park garden was laid out in the middle of the 1800th century.

6. Nightingale Path

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

A girl with her grandmother at the Meza restaurant in Borgholm.

alexander hall

Beautiful ceramics at Kookon by Sweden in Borgholm.

Lovisa Furubo

Borgholm city

After you have experienced the royal sites, a city with a vibrant offering awaits you all year round. Borgholm has a long tradition as a bathing and health resort, where the fresh Öland air attracted visitors from all over the country as early as the 1800th century – a feeling that still characterizes the city today.

se Borgholm's selection here

Here, small, personal shops coexist with high-quality restaurants and cozy cafes, making it easy to stroll further and discover more at a leisurely pace. Down in the harbor, you will encounter a lively boating life during the summer months, with proximity to both restaurants and ice cream kiosks.

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