Planning day trips from Borgholm by car is one of the easiest ways to experience Öland. Within a short drive, you can visit medieval castles, wide limestone landscapes, quiet fishing villages, ancient burial grounds, nature reserves and some of Sweden’s most distinctive coastal scenery. This guide covers the best routes for a single day, with practical stops and ideas for making each journey your own.
Why explore Öland by car from Borgholm?
Borgholm is a convenient base on the island’s west coast. It has restaurants, accommodation, supermarkets and fuel, while Route 136 makes it easy to travel north or south. Smaller roads lead across the island to the Baltic coast, the Stora Alvaret and rural villages that are difficult to reach by public transport.
A car also gives you flexibility. You can combine a major attraction with a nature walk, stop at a farm shop or change your route when the weather shifts. In summer, begin early for popular places such as Borgholm Castle, Eketorp and Trollskogen. Spring and autumn are quieter, but some cafés, museums and visitor centres have limited opening hours outside the main season.
1. Solliden Palace, Borgholm Castle and Köpingsvik
Driving time: 5 to 15 minutes each way
Suggested duration: Half a day to a full day
You do not need to drive far for one of the easiest day trips from Borgholm by car. Start at Solliden Palace, the royal summer residence known for its gardens and parkland. The palace itself is not generally open as a regular public interior attraction, but the gardens offer a pleasant visit during the main season. Depending on the time of year, you may see formal plantings, woodland paths and seasonal exhibitions.
Next, continue to Borgholm Castle, one of Öland’s most memorable landmarks. The ruined fortress has thick stone walls, large courtyards and views over the surrounding landscape. Its history stretches back to the medieval period, while much of what visitors see today reflects later rebuilding and fire damage. Allow at least an hour to explore the grounds, and more if you enjoy photography or historical displays.
Finish with a drive north to Köpingsvik, a popular beach village only a few kilometres from Borgholm. In summer, the sandy beach is ideal for swimming and a relaxed picnic. The area also has historical connections and several places to eat. This short route works well for families because it combines culture, open space and an easy beach stop without long hours in the car.
2. Northern Öland: Sandvik, Byrum and Neptuni åkrar
Driving time: About 45 minutes to Sandvik, depending on stops
Suggested duration: Full day
The northern west coast offers a scenic route through farmland, small villages and limestone shorelines. Drive north from Borgholm towards Löttorp, then turn west towards Sandvik. This harbour village is a good place for a coffee, lunch or a walk by the water. The coastline here has a working maritime character, with boats, rocky shorelines and open views across the Kalmarsund.
From Sandvik, continue towards Byrum and the famous Byrum raukar. These limestone sea stacks were shaped by erosion over thousands of years. A walking path follows the shore, allowing you to see the unusual formations from different angles. The low rocks are especially attractive in soft evening light, but take care on uneven surfaces and near the water.
Continue north to Neptuni åkrar, a coastal area named after the Roman sea god Neptune. Long rows of limestone stones and low vegetation create a striking landscape. In spring, the area can be colourful when the blue-flowered blue anemones and other plants appear, although flowering times vary each year.
This route is among the best road trips on Öland for travellers who prefer geology, open scenery and short walks. Pack food and water, since services become more limited as you move away from the larger villages. Return to Borgholm via Löttorp, or extend the journey to Böda if you have a very full day.
3. Böda Sand and the northern tip of Öland
Driving time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes to Böda, longer to the northern tip
Suggested duration: Full day
For a beach-focused day, drive north to Böda Sand. The long sandy beach is one of the island’s best known coastal areas and has space for swimming, walking and relaxing. Summer visitors will find more facilities here than at many of Öland’s smaller beaches, although it can be busy during school holidays.
After the beach, continue towards Böda and the northern forests. This part of Öland feels different from the exposed agricultural landscape in the south. Pine woodland, sandy tracks and coastal clearings create a more sheltered setting. Several signed walking paths allow you to stretch your legs before returning to Borgholm.
If you want to drive farther, continue towards the northern tip and Trollskogen nature reserve. The reserve is known for twisted old trees, coastal paths and a peaceful atmosphere. One of the most famous trees is the Trolleken, an ancient oak with a dramatically bent shape. There are marked trails of different lengths, and visitors should stay on the paths to protect fragile vegetation.
Check opening times and parking information before leaving, especially outside summer. Some facilities in the north are seasonal. This is one of the most rewarding day trips from Borgholm by car when you want to combine a classic Swedish beach with forest and nature reserve scenery.
4. Eketorp Castle and the southern Stora Alvaret
Driving time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to Eketorp
Suggested duration: Full day
Drive south on Route 136 and turn towards Eketorp, an archaeological open-air museum in the southern part of Öland. Eketorp Castle is a reconstructed ringfort built on the remains of several earlier settlements. Exhibitions and demonstrations help explain how people lived, worked and defended themselves on the island over different historical periods.
The site is especially engaging for families, since the reconstructed walls and buildings make the history easier to imagine. During the main season, activities may include traditional crafts, historical interpretation and events. Opening dates and programmes change, so check the official information before setting out.
After Eketorp, explore the southern part of the Stora Alvaret. This vast limestone plain is one of Öland’s defining landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thin soil, exposed rock, low shrubs and seasonal flowers support a distinctive range of plants and animals. The scenery can look sparse at first, but the closer you look, the more detail you notice.
Use marked parking areas and walking routes rather than driving onto grassland. The ground can be sensitive, particularly when wet. A stop at Gettlinge gravfält, an ancient burial ground near the western coast, makes a good addition to the route. The standing stones and stone settings sit in an open landscape with views towards the sea.
5. Ottenby, Långe Jan and the southern tip
Driving time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes to Ottenby
Suggested duration: Full day
One of the most memorable southern road trips from Borgholm leads to Ottenby, the southern tip of Öland. The journey passes through the island’s agricultural landscape and the southern Stora Alvaret before reaching a coastal area known for birdlife and open horizons.
At Ottenby, visit Långe Jan, one of Sweden’s best known lighthouses. The tower stands at the island’s southern point and can usually be combined with walks in the surrounding nature reserve. From the top, when access is available, the view extends across the Baltic Sea and the flat landscape of southern Öland.
Ottenby is also a major birdwatching location. Migratory birds pass through the area in spring and autumn, and different species can be seen throughout the year. Even casual visitors can enjoy the reserve’s paths, shoreline and changing bird activity. Bring binoculars if you have them, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
On the way back, consider stopping in Mörbylånga or Degerhamn for food and a break. Because the drive is long, allow extra time for walks and photography. In summer, leave Borgholm early and check fuel levels before heading south. There are fewer services near the tip than in Borgholm or the larger island villages.
6. Mörbylånga, Kastlösa and the western coast
Driving time: About 45 minutes to Mörbylånga
Suggested duration: Full day
A drive to Mörbylånga offers a gentler alternative to the longer trip to Ottenby. Mörbylånga is a historic coastal town with a harbour, older streets and views across the Kalmarsund. It is a good place for lunch or a short walk, particularly if you enjoy smaller towns rather than large attractions.
From Mörbylånga, travel inland towards Kastlösa and the western side of the Stora Alvaret. The village is surrounded by farmland and limestone country, with several routes into the World Heritage landscape. This area rewards slow travel. Pull into signed viewpoints, take short walks and look for traditional stone walls and isolated farm buildings.
You can also add the Karlevi runestone to the itinerary. The Viking Age stone stands near the village of Karlevi and contains an important skaldic inscription. It is a brief stop, but it offers a direct connection with Öland’s early history.
Return to Borgholm along the coast or through the centre of the island. The western route is often atmospheric in the evening, with changing light over the water. Always use marked parking areas and avoid blocking narrow village roads, particularly during the busy summer months.
7. Gårdby, eastern Öland and the sea coast
Driving time: Around 40 minutes to Gårdby
Suggested duration: Full day
Cross the island east from Borgholm towards Gårdby for a different view of Öland. The eastern side has quieter roads, old villages, open farmland and a coastline that is often less developed than the main resort areas. Gårdby makes a useful stop for a café or local shopping, depending on the season.
From there, continue towards the Baltic coast and explore smaller places such as Sandby or Stenåsa. The exact route can be flexible, which is part of the appeal. Look for village churches, traditional farm buildings and roadside stalls selling local produce. Many small businesses operate seasonally, so carrying snacks is sensible.
The east coast is particularly appealing at sunrise or in the late afternoon. Beaches and rocky shorelines tend to be quieter, but facilities are limited. Check signs before parking, and do not assume every track leads to a public beach. Some roads provide access to private land or nature reserves with special rules.
For a longer version of this route, continue south and connect with the villages around Mörbylånga, or travel north towards Löttorp. This flexible itinerary is ideal for travellers who prefer unhurried road trips and spontaneous stops over a tightly scheduled sightseeing day.
8. A history and nature loop through Rälla and Himmelsberga
Driving time: About 30 minutes to Himmelsberga
Suggested duration: Half a day or full day
Himmelsberga open-air museum provides an accessible introduction to Öland’s traditional farming culture. The village setting includes historic farm buildings, courtyards, exhibitions and seasonal activities. It is a strong choice when the weather is mixed or when you want a cultural stop that does not require a long drive.
Combine Himmelsberga with a visit to Rälla and the surrounding woodland. The area west of the central villages has walking opportunities and a greener character than the exposed limestone plain. Depending on the season, you may find wildflowers, birds and shaded paths that offer a break from the midday sun.
From Himmelsberga, you can return to Borgholm through Köpingsvik or continue towards the east coast. This route works well for families and for visitors who want to see rural Öland without committing to the long drive south or north.
Practical advice for driving around Öland
Choose the right season
Summer brings the widest choice of open cafés, museums and activities, but roads and popular attractions can be busy. May, June, September and early October often provide a quieter experience. Birdwatchers may prefer spring and autumn, while wildflower enthusiasts should check seasonal conditions around the Stora Alvaret.
Plan fuel, food and toilets
Distances may look short on a map, but stops and slower rural roads make journeys longer than expected. Fill the tank in Borgholm or another larger settlement before heading to the island’s northern or southern tip. Carry water and snacks, especially if visiting remote coastal areas or nature reserves.
Respect the landscape
Öland’s limestone habitats are fragile. Use official car parks, keep dogs under control where required and stay on marked paths. Do not collect plants, stones or fossils. At beaches and nature reserves, follow local signs and avoid disturbing nesting birds or grazing animals.
Allow time for unexpected stops
The best nearby attractions are not always the largest ones. A farm shop, village church, harbour or roadside viewpoint can become a highlight of the day. Keep your schedule flexible, but confirm closing times for castles, museums, cafés and lighthouse access before departing.
How to choose the best day trip from Borgholm
For a short and easy outing, choose Solliden, Borgholm Castle and Köpingsvik. For beaches and forests, drive north towards Böda and Trollskogen. Travellers interested in archaeology should choose Eketorp, Gettlinge and the Stora Alvaret. Ottenby is the best option for birdwatching and dramatic coastal scenery, while Mörbylånga, Gårdby and the eastern villages suit a slower day of local food, history and quiet roads.
Whichever route you choose, travelling by car makes it possible to see several sides of Öland in one day. Start with a realistic plan, leave room for walks and short detours, and you will find that Borgholm is a practical base for exploring both the island’s famous landmarks and its less visited corners.