Borgholm is one of Öland’s best bases for a family holiday, combining beaches, castle ruins, gardens, museums and easy day trips. From exploring a medieval fortress to swimming in the shallow waters of Köpingsvik, there are family attractions in Borgholm for toddlers, school age children and curious teenagers. This guide covers the best kids activities, practical planning advice and nearby places worth adding to your family travel itinerary.
Why choose Borgholm for a family holiday?
Borgholm is a compact seaside town on the west coast of Öland. It has a relaxed centre, a harbour, cycle friendly roads and several attractions within a short distance of one another. Families can stay in town and reach the beach, restaurants and shops on foot, while a car or bicycle makes it easy to explore the wider island.
The town also works well for different travel styles. Younger children can enjoy simple days at the beach and playgrounds, while older children may prefer castle adventures, wildlife parks and unusual natural landscapes. The long summer days give families plenty of time to combine an outdoor attraction with an evening swim or an ice cream in the harbour.
Many attractions are seasonal, particularly those involving gardens, museums and animal parks. Check current opening times before setting out, especially if you are travelling outside July and August.
Top family attractions in Borgholm
Borgholm Castle ruins
Borgholm Castle is the town’s most famous landmark and one of the most memorable family attractions in Borgholm. The enormous limestone ruin stands on a hill above the coast, with thick walls, large courtyards and open views across the surrounding landscape. Children can let their imagination lead the way as they explore towers, stairways and old rooms.
The castle is more than a place to look at from outside. Information boards and exhibitions explain how the fortress changed over the centuries, making a visit interesting for older children and adults as well. During the summer, the castle may host concerts, performances and family events, so look at the programme when planning your trip.
Allow at least one to two hours for a visit. The ground can be uneven in places, and some staircases are steep, so sturdy shoes are helpful. Families with a pushchair may find certain sections difficult, but the main courtyards and viewpoints are often accessible with some planning. Bring water on warm days because there can be limited shade inside the ruins.
Solliden Palace and its gardens
Just a short distance from Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace is known for its elegant gardens and royal summer residence. The palace itself is generally viewed from outside, while the gardens are the main attraction for visitors. Different sections provide a peaceful contrast to the dramatic castle ruins, with flowers, trees, lawns and carefully designed planting.
These gardens are suitable for families who want a slower activity between sightseeing stops. Children can enjoy the open spaces and the variety of plants, while parents may appreciate the benches and attractive paths. It is not a traditional amusement attraction, but it is a pleasant place to introduce children to Swedish gardens and the history of the royal summer residence.
Opening dates and access arrangements vary by season. Check the official information before visiting, and combine the gardens with Borgholm Castle since the two attractions are close together. A visit in early summer offers colourful planting, while later in the season the gardens often have a different character.
Borgholm town and harbour
A walk through Borgholm is one of the easiest kids activities in the area. The town centre has small shops, cafés, bakeries and places selling ice cream. The harbour is a natural place for a relaxed stroll, especially in the evening when boats return and the waterfront becomes lively.
Families can turn the walk into a simple treasure hunt. Look for boats with different flags, count the fishing vessels, find unusual shop signs or ask children to choose a postcard from a local shop. These small activities cost little and give younger travellers a sense of discovery without adding another fixed appointment to the day.
Borgholm also has places to pause for lunch or a snack. Swedish cafés often serve pastries, sandwiches and drinks, while restaurants in and around the harbour provide more substantial meals. Families with picky eaters may find it easier to eat earlier than the busiest dinner period during the high season.
Borgholm’s beaches and swimming areas
Beach time is an essential part of family travel on Öland. Borgholm and its surroundings offer several places where children can paddle, build sandcastles and play beside the water. The coastline is generally accessible, although the character of each beach varies from sandy shore to rocky swimming spot.
For younger children, look for calm, shallow water and check the conditions on the day. Some areas have jetties or ladders rather than a long sandy entry. Bring swimming shoes if the shoreline is stony, as well as sun protection, towels and extra clothes for children who are likely to get wet.
Köpingsvik, just north of Borgholm, is one of the most popular nearby beach areas for families. It has a broad sandy shore and shallow water that can be well suited to children. In summer, the beach may become busy, so arriving earlier can make it easier to find a good spot. Camping and holiday facilities in the area also make it convenient for families staying nearby.
More kids activities near Borgholm
Öland’s Zoo and Amusement Park
Öland’s Zoo and Amusement Park, located near Färjestaden in the southern part of the island, is a practical day trip for families who want a full day of entertainment. The park combines animals with rides and other attractions, so it can appeal to children of different ages.
Younger visitors may enjoy seeing familiar farm animals and wildlife, while older children often look for the rides and amusement areas. Because the park is outside Borgholm, allow time for the drive and check the current timetable before leaving. A full day is usually more realistic than trying to fit it between two short visits.
Bring weather appropriate clothing and expect to walk a considerable distance. Food options are available, but families may still want to pack water and a few snacks. The attraction is generally most relevant during the warmer months, so confirm the season and opening hours in advance.
Himmelsberga open air museum
Himmelsberga, the Öland Museum of Hometown Culture, offers an introduction to traditional island life. The open air setting includes historic farm buildings, workshops, gardens and exhibitions. It gives children a chance to see how people lived and worked before modern technology transformed everyday life.
This is a good choice for families who enjoy cultural attractions but need space and variety. Children can look inside old houses, observe traditional crafts and explore the outdoor areas. Special events and demonstrations may take place during the summer, so check what is scheduled during your visit.
Himmelsberga is located outside central Borgholm, making it easiest to reach by car or bicycle for confident cycling families. Combine it with another northern or central Öland stop rather than making a separate long journey only for a short visit.
Trollskogen nature reserve
At the northern end of Öland, Trollskogen is a woodland nature reserve with twisted pine trees, walking paths and coastal scenery. The unusual shapes of the trees make the forest feel distinctive and give children plenty to talk about as they walk. Some trees look bent and sculpted by wind, creating a natural setting that feels different from an ordinary park.
Several trails are available, but families should choose a route that matches the children’s age and energy. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially on warm days. The forest can include roots, uneven ground and exposed areas, so a lightweight carrier may be more practical than a pushchair for babies and toddlers.
The reserve is a longer day trip from Borgholm, but it can be combined with other sights in northern Öland, such as the Långe Erik lighthouse. This kind of outing suits families who prefer active days and nature over scheduled entertainment.
Byrums raukar and the northern coast
Byrums raukar is a coastal area known for limestone rock formations shaped by the sea and weather. The rocks create an unusual landscape where children can look for natural patterns, small pools and interesting stones. It is a good stop for a short walk, photography and a picnic.
Take care near the water and on the rock surfaces, particularly when they are wet. The area is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace rather than treated as a formal playground. Children can bring a small notebook and draw the shapes they see, or make a simple list of birds, plants and coastal features.
As with many natural attractions on Öland, facilities may be limited. Pack food, water and sun protection, and leave natural objects where you find them. Respecting the landscape helps preserve it for future visitors.
Långe Erik lighthouse
Långe Erik stands on the northern tip of Öland and is one of the island’s best known landmarks. The journey to the lighthouse passes through open coastal scenery, and the area around it is well suited to a walk and picnic. Depending on current access, visitors may be able to climb the lighthouse tower, but opening arrangements can change.
The setting is particularly enjoyable on a clear day, when the sea and nearby landscape stretch into the distance. Children who like maps and geography can learn about the island’s northern point, while older children may enjoy identifying ships or seabirds from the shore.
Family friendly outdoor experiences
Explore Öland by bicycle
Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Borgholm and the surrounding countryside. The landscape is relatively open, and many roads lead past fields, stone walls, villages and coastal viewpoints. Families with younger children can choose a short route near town, while experienced cyclists may plan a longer day.
Ask your accommodation about bicycle hire, child seats, trailers and helmets. Plan stops rather than focusing only on distance. A café, beach or viewpoint can provide a useful goal for children who find a simple ride less exciting. Always check the road conditions and choose routes that suit your family’s confidence level.
Look for birds and island wildlife
Öland is well known for its birdlife, and families do not need specialist equipment to enjoy it. Bring binoculars if you have them, but a simple walk can be enough to spot ducks, geese, waders and birds of prey. Explain that the best wildlife watching often involves standing quietly for a few minutes.
Children can keep a holiday wildlife list or draw what they see. Avoid approaching nests or disturbing animals, and follow signs in protected areas. This is a low cost activity that works well when the weather is pleasant but the family wants a break from crowded attractions.
Planning family travel in Borgholm
How many days should you stay?
Two or three nights gives most families enough time to experience the main family attractions in Borgholm without rushing. A short break could include Borgholm Castle, Solliden, a beach day and a walk through town. With four to seven nights, you can add northern Öland, Himmelsberga, the zoo and amusement park or several cycling and nature outings.
Try to alternate busy activities with slower ones. A morning at a castle followed by an afternoon swim is often easier for children than visiting several museums in one day. Keeping one flexible day in the itinerary also helps if the weather changes or everyone needs extra rest.
Getting around
Borgholm is walkable, and some of the main attractions are close to the town centre. A car is useful for beaches, nature reserves and sights elsewhere on Öland. Bus services connect some towns, but routes and frequencies can be more limited outside the busiest season.
Families who plan to cycle should check the distance, surface and traffic conditions before setting out. Download or save directions in advance if you are travelling through rural areas where mobile coverage may vary. Carry water, snacks and a basic first aid kit for longer excursions.
What to pack
- Comfortable shoes for castle ruins, woodland paths and coastal rocks
- Swimwear, towels and a change of clothes for beach days
- Sun cream, hats and reusable water bottles
- Light rainwear and warm layers for changeable coastal weather
- Snacks for car journeys and outdoor attractions
- A small backpack, binoculars or a notebook for nature activities
- A baby carrier if you plan to visit uneven paths or nature reserves
Where to stay with children
Staying in central Borgholm makes it easy to walk to cafés, shops, the harbour and nearby attractions. Hotels and guesthouses suit families who prefer simple meals and organised services. Holiday apartments and cottages provide more space and the option to prepare breakfast or dinner, which can be valuable with younger children.
Köpingsvik is another popular base, particularly for families who want quick access to the beach. Campsites and holiday villages in the wider area may offer playgrounds, kitchen facilities and activities during the summer. When comparing accommodation, check practical details such as parking, laundry access, bed arrangements and the distance to a grocery shop.
Make the most of your Borgholm family holiday
The best family travel experiences in Borgholm do not require a packed schedule. Choose a few major attractions, leave room for swimming and allow children to set the pace. A morning exploring the castle, an afternoon on the beach and an evening walk by the harbour can create a full and varied day without long journeys.
Whether your family enjoys history, animals, outdoor adventures or relaxed seaside time, Borgholm offers a flexible base for discovering Öland. With a little planning around opening hours, weather and travel distances, the town makes it easy to combine memorable attractions with the simple kids activities that often become the highlights of a holiday.