This Borgholm travel guide covers everything you need for a rewarding visit to one of Öland’s most appealing towns. From the dramatic ruins of Borgholm Castle and the royal surroundings of Solliden Palace to harbour walks, beaches, local food and nearby nature, Borgholm offers a relaxed base for exploring Sweden’s island of sunshine.
Why visit Borgholm?
Borgholm is the main town on Öland, Sweden’s long, narrow island in the Baltic Sea. It has a small-town atmosphere, an attractive harbour and easy access to some of the island’s most important sights. The town is lively in summer, when visitors arrive for swimming, cycling, cultural events and day trips, yet it remains calm enough for a slower break.
The surrounding landscape is one of the main reasons to plan a trip here. Öland is known for open limestone plains, wind-shaped trees, ancient monuments, birdlife and long views across the sea. Borgholm combines this distinctive countryside with restaurants, cafés, shops and practical services, making it a convenient place to stay while exploring northern and central Öland.
Visiting Borgholm works well for several types of traveller. Families can enjoy beaches and easy outings, couples can spend a few days walking between the harbour and nearby historic sites, and active travellers have excellent cycling and hiking opportunities. The town is also a good choice for anyone who wants to experience Swedish summer without staying in a large city.
Best things to do in Borgholm
Explore Borgholm Castle
Borgholm Castle is the most recognisable attraction in the area. The imposing limestone ruin stands just south of town and has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. Much of the castle was destroyed by fire in the early eighteenth century, leaving the dramatic structure seen today.
Inside the walls, you can walk through large courtyards, climb stairways and view exhibitions about the castle’s past. The thick walls and open spaces make it easy to imagine the site as a medieval fortress and later royal residence. Information boards explain the different periods of construction, while the elevated position provides wide views over the surrounding landscape.
Allow at least one to two hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes because the ground can be uneven, and check opening times before travelling, particularly outside the main summer season. Concerts and other events are sometimes held at the castle, giving the historic setting a very different atmosphere.
Visit Solliden Palace and gardens
Close to Borgholm Castle is Solliden Palace, the Swedish royal family’s summer residence. The palace itself is not generally open for ordinary tours, but visitors can explore the extensive gardens during the season. The grounds include formal gardens, woodland paths, terraces and planting inspired by different European garden traditions.
Solliden is especially enjoyable on a warm day, when you can take your time among the flowers and mature trees. The gardens are carefully maintained but still feel peaceful rather than overly formal. A café and shop are available on the grounds, making it easy to combine the visit with a light meal or coffee break.
The palace and castle are close enough to visit on the same day. If you are walking from central Borgholm, plan for a pleasant route of roughly a few kilometres each way, or use a bicycle or car for a quicker journey.
Walk around Borgholm harbour
Borgholm harbour is the social heart of the town in summer. Boats come and go throughout the day, and the waterfront is lined with restaurants, cafés and places to sit. A walk along the quayside is a simple but memorable part of visiting Borgholm, especially in the evening when the light stretches across the water.
The harbour is also a useful starting point for exploring the town centre. From here, you can follow streets filled with local shops, galleries and seasonal businesses. The pace is unhurried, and it is easy to spend an hour browsing without a fixed plan.
For a more active outing, look for boat trips and excursions departing from the harbour. Availability depends on weather and season, so ask locally or check schedules in advance. A short cruise can provide a different perspective on the coastline and is a popular choice for families.
Relax on nearby beaches
Although Borgholm is best known for history and culture, there are several places to swim and enjoy the coast. Köpingsvik, a short distance east of Borgholm, is one of the most popular beach areas near town. Its sandy shore and relatively shallow water make it suitable for families, while the surrounding holiday facilities add convenience during the summer.
Other coastal spots around Borgholm are quieter and more natural. Some have rocky or grassy shorelines rather than broad sand, so bring suitable footwear if you plan to explore. Water temperatures can be refreshing even in July, but calm summer days are ideal for a swim followed by a picnic.
Beach conditions and facilities vary, particularly outside July and August. If you are travelling in the shoulder seasons, bring food, water and extra clothing because some seasonal cafés and services may be closed.
Discover Borgholm’s town centre
Borgholm’s centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. The streets contain a mix of older wooden buildings, small squares, independent shops and summer restaurants. Take time to look beyond the busiest waterfront areas, where quieter streets reveal more of the town’s character.
Visitors interested in local history can learn more at Borgholm City Museum, which presents the development of the town and the island. Opening hours may be limited, so confirm details before making it the focus of your day. Local galleries and craft shops are also worth visiting if you are looking for Öland-made ceramics, textiles, food products or artwork.
Nature and outdoor experiences near Borgholm
Cycle through the Öland landscape
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the area. Roads and paths lead from Borgholm towards beaches, villages, historic sites and open farmland. The terrain around the town is generally manageable, although wind can make a longer ride more demanding than expected.
One useful route follows the coast and connects Borgholm with Köpingsvik. Another option is to cycle south towards Borgholm Castle and Solliden before continuing through the countryside. If you want a longer excursion, plan carefully around traffic, water stops and the availability of food along the route.
Bicycles may be available to rent locally during the high season. Ask about helmets, locks, child seats and route advice when booking. Electric bicycles can be a practical choice if you want to cover more of Öland’s distances without rushing.
See the Stora Alvaret
The Stora Alvaret is a vast limestone plain in southern Öland and one of the island’s most distinctive natural areas. It is farther from Borgholm than the main town attractions, but a day trip is worthwhile for visitors interested in geology, plants, birds and cultural landscapes.
The landscape can look stark at first, yet it supports an unusual variety of flowers and plant life. In spring and early summer, the open ground can be dotted with colour. Walking trails and marked areas make it possible to explore without needing a demanding mountain hike, but there is little shade, so sun protection and water are important.
The southern parts of Öland also contain historic villages, windmills and ancient remains. A car makes this area much easier to reach, although organised excursions may be available in the busiest months.
Look for birds and coastal wildlife
Öland is a well-known destination for birdwatching, particularly during spring and autumn migration. Wetlands, coastal meadows and open agricultural land attract many species. Ottenby, at the southern tip of the island, is the best-known birdwatching area, but smaller nature sites can be found closer to Borgholm.
Bring binoculars if birdlife is a priority, and follow local guidance around protected areas. Some habitats are sensitive, especially during nesting periods. Even casual visitors can enjoy watching seabirds and waterfowl from the coast, particularly early in the day when conditions are often calmer.
Where to eat in Borgholm
Borgholm has a good selection of restaurants for a town of its size, with the greatest choice available from late spring through summer. The harbour is a popular dining area, offering seafood, Swedish classics, pizzas, burgers and lighter café meals. Tables with waterfront views are in demand on warm evenings, so booking ahead is sensible.
Look for menus featuring local ingredients such as fish, potatoes, berries and seasonal vegetables. Öland is also known for kroppkakor, a traditional potato dumpling often served with butter, cream and lingonberries. The dish is filling and closely associated with the island’s food culture.
Cafés are useful for breakfast, fika or a quick lunch before sightseeing. Many serve pastries, cakes, sandwiches and locally roasted coffee. If you are planning a day trip into the countryside, buy supplies in Borgholm because rural food options can be limited, especially outside the main tourist season.
Where to stay when visiting Borgholm
Staying in Borgholm is convenient if you want restaurants and shops within walking distance. Hotels, guesthouses, apartments and holiday cottages are available, with the widest range during summer. Accommodation near the harbour suits visitors who want an animated setting, while properties on the edge of town can offer more space and a quieter night.
Köpingsvik is another popular base, particularly for beach holidays and families. It is close enough to Borgholm for easy visits but has a different feel, with more emphasis on the coast and holiday accommodation. A rural cottage outside town can be a good choice for longer stays, especially if you have a car.
Book early if you plan to travel in July, during major events or around Swedish public holidays. Prices and availability can change considerably between the high and low seasons. Before booking, check whether breakfast, parking, bed linen and bicycle storage are included.
How to get to Borgholm
The most common route to Borgholm is via Kalmar and the Öland Bridge. Kalmar is connected to other Swedish cities by train, and buses or a rental car can take you across the bridge to the island. The journey from Kalmar to Borgholm is straightforward, although travel time depends on traffic and your chosen connection.
Driving is the easiest option for exploring more of Öland. It gives you flexibility to visit beaches, villages, castles, nature reserves and southern attractions that are spread across the island. Roads are generally easy to navigate, but summer traffic can be heavier near popular beaches and events.
Public buses connect Borgholm with Kalmar and other parts of Öland. Services are more frequent during the tourist season, while winter timetables may be limited. Check current schedules before setting out, particularly if you need to make a connection or are travelling on a Sunday.
The best time for Borgholm tourism
Summer is the most popular season for Borgholm tourism. From June through August, gardens, museums, restaurants and boat trips are at their liveliest. Long daylight hours are ideal for cycling and sightseeing, but accommodation can be expensive and the town is busiest in July.
Late spring and early autumn offer a quieter experience. May and June are attractive for gardens, birds and cycling, while September can bring mild days and fewer visitors. Some seasonal businesses reduce their opening hours after August, so check individual attractions before travelling.
Winter is peaceful and atmospheric, but many tourist services close or operate on reduced schedules. The coastline and open landscape can still be rewarding for walkers who are prepared for wind and changeable weather. If you visit outside summer, treat the town as a quiet local base rather than expecting a full programme of tourist activities.
A suggested two-day Borgholm itinerary
Day one: history and the waterfront
- Begin with a walk through central Borgholm and along the harbour.
- Have coffee or lunch near the waterfront.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Borgholm Castle.
- Visit Solliden Palace gardens if they are open during your trip.
- Return to town for dinner and an evening harbour walk.
Day two: beach and countryside
- Travel to Köpingsvik for a morning swim or beach walk.
- Cycle or drive through nearby villages and coastal landscapes.
- Stop at a local café or farm shop when available.
- Choose a short nature walk or continue towards another historic site.
- End the day with a relaxed meal in Borgholm.
With a third day, consider a longer trip south towards the Stora Alvaret or north towards the island’s quieter coastal areas. A flexible schedule is useful because weather, opening hours and transport connections can affect how much you can comfortably see.
Practical tips for visiting Borgholm
- Bring a light waterproof jacket, even in summer. Coastal weather can change quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes for castle grounds, nature trails and uneven coastal paths.
- Reserve accommodation and popular restaurants early for July travel.
- Carry water and sun protection when cycling or walking in open landscapes.
- Check attraction websites for current opening dates, prices and event information.
- Do not rely on every rural café or shop being open outside the high season.
- Use marked paths and respect signs in nature reserves and protected areas.
- Sweden uses the Swedish krona. Cards are widely accepted, including in most small businesses.
- If travelling without a car, plan bus connections before leaving Borgholm.
A little preparation makes it easier to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether you come for the castle, the coast, the gardens, the food or the island’s unusual landscape, Borgholm provides a comfortable starting point for discovering Öland.