Looking for the best islands near Borgholm? The town sits on the west coast of Öland beside the broad waters of Kalmarsund, making it an excellent base for exploring small skerries, historic lighthouse islands and larger destinations across the water. Some islands are easy to visit on a day trip, while others are best enjoyed through a guided cruise or a scenic coastal excursion.
Why explore the islands near Borgholm?
Borgholm is one of Öland’s most convenient bases for seaside adventures. It has a lively harbour, restaurants, accommodation for every budget and good road connections to both northern and southern Öland. From here, you can combine island visits with beaches, royal history, nature reserves and the distinctive limestone landscape that makes the island different from mainland Sweden.
The waters around Borgholm are part of the Kalmarsund, the strait separating Öland from Småland. This is not a dense archipelago in the same way as Stockholm or Gothenburg, where thousands of inhabited islands create a maze of waterways. Instead, the area offers a more open coastal landscape with isolated islands, low skerries, nature reserves and a few memorable boat trip destinations.
Before planning an outing, check current timetables carefully. Services are highly seasonal, and many boat trips operate only during the summer months. Wind and sea conditions can also affect departures, particularly for smaller vessels.
Blå Jungfrun: the most memorable island day trip
Blå Jungfrun, also known as Blue Maiden, is arguably the most famous island within reach of Borgholm. It lies in the Kalmarsund between Öland and the mainland and is protected as a national park. The island is known for its rounded red granite landscape, ancient woodland, caves and long history of folklore.
Although Blå Jungfrun is not directly outside Borgholm harbour, it is one of the best islands near Borgholm for travellers willing to make a full day of the experience. Seasonal boat trips commonly depart from Oskarshamn on the mainland and, in some years, from Byxelkrok on northern Öland. Byxelkrok is particularly useful for visitors staying in northern Öland, while Oskarshamn can be more practical if you are travelling by car from the mainland.
What to see on Blå Jungfrun
- Granite formations shaped by ice, wind and waves
- Marked walking paths through pine and deciduous woodland
- Natural caves and rocky viewpoints over the Kalmarsund
- Remains of a stone labyrinth associated with local legends
- A peaceful national park setting with no permanent settlement
The island has a rugged character that contrasts with Öland’s open fields and limestone plains. Walking routes can be uneven, with exposed rock and steep sections, so sturdy footwear is sensible. There are usually limited facilities on the island. Bring drinking water, food, sun protection and clothing for changing weather.
Allow plenty of time for the crossing and the walk ashore. A visit to Blå Jungfrun works best when you treat it as a complete excursion rather than a quick stop. The boat journey itself is part of the attraction, offering wide views of the strait and the changing coastline.
Grimskär: a historic island outside Kalmar
Grimskär is a small fortified island near Kalmar, on the mainland side of Kalmarsund. Its main landmark is an old circular tower connected with Kalmar’s coastal defences. The island has a dramatic appearance, especially when viewed from the water, and offers a glimpse into the region’s military and maritime history.
Grimskär is not usually a spontaneous trip from Borgholm, but it can be included in a wider Kalmarsund itinerary. Travellers may find guided boat trips from Kalmar during the summer, depending on the year and local operators. Another option is to stay in Kalmar for a night and combine the island with Kalmar Castle, the old town and the county museum.
Who should visit Grimskär?
This small island is best for visitors interested in history, architecture and boat trips rather than swimming or long coastal walks. The excursion is generally short compared with a visit to Blå Jungfrun, making it a good addition to a city break. Because access depends on organised tours, confirm departure points, duration and whether the island is open before setting out.
Stora Rör and the nearby coastal islets
Stora Rör is a small harbour village on western Öland, south of Borgholm. It is not an island itself, but it provides one of the most attractive coastal settings for seeing the small islets and skerries scattered around the western side of Öland. The harbour has a relaxed atmosphere, rocky shoreline and views across Kalmarsund towards the mainland.
Stora Rör is a useful place to experience the local archipelago landscape without committing to a long boat journey. Walk along the shore, watch small boats move through the channel and enjoy a meal or coffee nearby. The village also provides a pleasant stop when cycling or driving between Borgholm and Färjestaden.
Small private boats and kayaks can sometimes provide a closer look at the coastal rocks, but access and rental options vary by season. Always respect nesting birds and avoid landing on small islets where signs indicate restricted access. In this part of Sweden, even an apparently empty rock can be an important breeding site.
Öland’s northern islands and skerries
The northern part of Öland has some of the most open and atmospheric coastal scenery near Borgholm. Around Böda, Byxelkrok and the island’s northern tip, you will find exposed shorelines, long beaches, rocky points and small offshore skerries. These are not always destinations with regular public ferries, but they are ideal for kayaking, private boat excursions and guided nature tours.
Byxelkrok is especially important for island exploration because it is a fishing and ferry harbour with seasonal links to Blå Jungfrun in some timetables. It is about an hour’s drive from Borgholm, depending on traffic and route. The harbour itself is worth visiting for its seafood restaurants, small shops and views across the water.
Best activities in northern Öland
- Take a seasonal boat trip towards Blå Jungfrun
- Explore the harbour and fishing village of Byxelkrok
- Kayak along sheltered coastal stretches in calm weather
- Visit the beaches and pine forests around Böda
- Look for seabirds and seals from suitable viewpoints
The northern coast can feel much wilder than the developed waterfront in Borgholm. Pack a picnic, carry a map and do not assume that every coastal track leads to a shop or public facility. Mobile reception can also vary in more remote areas.
Gotland: a longer island adventure from Borgholm
Gotland is much farther from Borgholm than the other destinations in this guide, but it is worth mentioning for travellers planning a longer island holiday. The large Baltic island has medieval Visby, sea stacks, sandy beaches, limestone landscapes and a distinctive local culture. It is not a practical short boat trip from Borgholm, yet it can be reached by ferry from mainland ports such as Oskarshamn or Nynäshamn.
For a combined Swedish island itinerary, you could spend several days on Öland, drive to Oskarshamn and continue by ferry to Gotland. This requires advance planning, especially during July and the main summer holiday period. Vehicle spaces and cabins can sell out, and ferry schedules change throughout the year.
Gotland suits visitors who want a substantial second destination rather than a simple excursion. Its scale means that two or three days will only cover the highlights, while a week allows time for Visby, Fårö, the southern coast and inland villages.
Kalmar and the islands of the southern Kalmarsund
If you are prepared to travel south from Borgholm, Kalmar offers more opportunities to experience the Kalmarsund by water. The city has a historic harbour, boat tours and easy connections to nearby coastal attractions. Some excursions focus on sightseeing around the city, while others visit historic sites or offshore islands when conditions allow.
Farther south, the coast around Mönsterås, Oskarshamn and the Tjust region becomes increasingly island-rich. These areas are part of the wider Småland archipelago and offer sheltered bays, wooded islands and traditional summer cottages. They are too far away for a simple Borgholm day trip in many cases, but they can be included in a road trip around southeastern Sweden.
For the most convenient experience, choose one base and focus on the islands that are realistically accessible from it. Trying to cover Blå Jungfrun, Kalmar, Gotland and the southern archipelago in a single day would leave very little time to enjoy any of them.
Boat trips from Borgholm and Öland
Boat trips are the easiest way to appreciate the coastline when there is no regular ferry to a particular island. In and around Borgholm, look for sightseeing cruises, private charters, fishing excursions and seasonal trips arranged by local operators. Some departures may be advertised from nearby harbours rather than Borgholm itself, including Köpingsvik, Stora Rör, Byxelkrok or Kalmar.
When comparing tours, check exactly what is included. A sightseeing cruise may remain offshore without landing, while a national park excursion can include several hours ashore. Private charters are more flexible and may be suitable for families or groups, but they are usually more expensive than a scheduled cruise.
Questions to ask before booking
- Where does the boat leave from, and how early should you arrive?
- Does the trip include time on the island or only a cruise around it?
- Is the tour suitable for children and passengers with limited mobility?
- Are food, drinking water and life jackets provided?
- What happens if strong winds or poor visibility cancel the departure?
- Can you bring bicycles, prams, dogs or large bags?
Book ahead for popular summer departures, especially trips to Blå Jungfrun. If you prefer flexibility, keep a second coastal activity available in case the sea is too rough. Borgholm has enough museums, beaches, ruins and cafés to make a good backup day.
How to choose the best island experience
The best islands near Borgholm depend on the type of day you want. Blå Jungfrun is the strongest choice for a memorable nature and folklore excursion. Grimskär suits history enthusiasts who are already visiting Kalmar. The skerries around Stora Rör and northern Öland are better for relaxed coastal walks, kayaking and private boat trips. Gotland is the right choice for a separate multi-day adventure.
- For dramatic nature: choose Blå Jungfrun.
- For history: look into Grimskär and Kalmar’s maritime sights.
- For a quiet harbour day: visit Stora Rör or Byxelkrok.
- For kayaking: explore sheltered coastal areas around northern Öland.
- For a longer island holiday: combine Öland with Gotland.
Remember that Öland itself is the main island experience. Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace, Köpingsvik Beach, the northern coastline and the island’s nature reserves can easily fill several days without a ferry. Offshore excursions are most rewarding when they complement, rather than replace, time exploring Öland by bicycle or car.
Practical tips for island visits near Borgholm
Summer is the most reliable season for island excursions, but it is also the busiest. June and early September can offer lighter crowds and pleasant temperatures, although fewer services may operate. July is popular for good reason, but book accommodation and boat trips in advance.
Wear shoes with a firm grip, even on short excursions. Granite rocks become slippery when wet, and many island paths are uneven. Bring a light jacket because temperatures on the water can feel cooler than they do in town. Sun protection is important too, since there may be little shade on exposed rocks and boat decks.
Pack snacks and water unless the operator confirms that refreshments are available. Take all rubbish back with you, keep dogs under control and follow instructions in national parks and bird protection areas. The quiet character of these islands is part of their appeal, so avoid loud music and leave natural features undisturbed.
Finally, check official park information, harbour notices and operator websites shortly before travelling. Departure times, landing arrangements and seasonal restrictions can change. With a little preparation, exploring the islands and skerries around Borgholm becomes one of the most rewarding ways to experience Öland and the wider Kalmarsund coast.