Borgholm is an excellent base for exploring Öland with the whole family. Within a short drive, you can find sandy beaches, ancient castles, nature reserves, dramatic coastlines, museums and easy walking trails. These family day trips from Borgholm are suitable for curious kids, active teenagers and adults who want to experience more of the island without spending the entire day in the car.
Why Borgholm is a great base for family outings
Borgholm sits on Öland’s west coast, close to some of the island’s most popular sights. The town has restaurants, cafés, shops, swimming spots and useful services, making it easy to stock up before heading out. Several nearby attractions can be visited in a few hours, while destinations in northern and southern Öland work well as full-day excursions.
Driving is the simplest way to reach most locations, although some places can also be accessed by bicycle if your family is comfortable travelling longer distances. During the summer, plan an early start for the most popular sights. Bring water, sun protection and practical shoes, especially when visiting rocky shorelines, castle ruins or nature reserves.
1. Explore Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace
You do not need to travel far for one of the best family day trips from Borgholm. Borgholm Castle is located just south of town and is one of Öland’s most impressive landmarks. The ruined Baroque castle has enormous stone walls, open courtyards and stairways that invite children to imagine knights, kings and royal celebrations.
The castle is large enough to feel like an adventure, but it is still manageable for most families. Allow at least one hour to explore the grounds. Some surfaces are uneven, so sturdy footwear is useful, and younger children should stay close to adults near steps and open edges. Seasonal exhibitions and events can add extra interest during the summer.
Nearby Solliden Palace offers a completely different experience. The royal summer residence is surrounded by carefully designed gardens, including formal flower beds, woodland paths and peaceful viewpoints. Families can combine both places in one outing, then stop for lunch or ice cream in Borgholm. Check opening times before visiting, as access to the palace grounds and events varies by season.
2. Spend a beach day in Köpingsvik
Köpingsvik is one of the easiest nearby attractions to reach from Borgholm. The long, shallow beach is particularly popular with families because children can play in the water close to shore. On warm days, the bay feels more like a traditional seaside resort than an island on the Baltic coast.
Bring towels, a picnic and toys for building sandcastles. The beach is a good choice for a relaxed day when your family does not want a tightly planned schedule. Depending on where you stay, you may find seasonal cafés, restaurants and facilities close to the beach.
A short walk along the shoreline can break up the swimming and sunbathing. Keep in mind that facilities are more limited outside the main summer season, and the weather on Öland can change quickly. Even in July, a light jacket is worth packing for the journey home.
3. Discover the northern tip at Trollskogen
Trollskogen, or the Troll Forest, is one of the most memorable family day trips from Borgholm. This nature reserve lies on the northern tip of Öland, around an hour’s drive from Borgholm depending on traffic and your starting point. Its twisted pine trees, narrow paths and coastal scenery give the forest a storybook atmosphere.
Several marked trails pass through the reserve. The routes vary in length, allowing families to choose a walk that suits their children’s ages and energy levels. Along the way, look for unusual trees, insects, birds and signs of wildlife. The famous Trolleken oak is one of the reserve’s natural highlights, while the coastline provides open views and good picnic locations.
Trollskogen is ideal for kids who enjoy exploring rather than simply looking at exhibits. However, paths may include roots, sand and uneven ground, so a sturdy pushchair is more practical than a lightweight city model. Bring food and drinks if you plan to stay for several hours, and check local information about parking and facilities before leaving Borgholm.
4. Visit Byrum’s rauks and northern beaches
Northwestern Öland is known for its rauks, unusual limestone formations shaped by the sea. The rauks at Byrum are among the island’s most accessible natural sights and make a rewarding stop for families travelling north from Borgholm. The pale stone pillars stand beside the coast, creating a dramatic setting for photographs and imaginative games.
Children can search for shapes in the rocks and examine the textures of the limestone, but adults should supervise them carefully. The formations are not playground equipment, and the shoreline can be slippery. Keep a safe distance from edges and avoid climbing on fragile or unstable surfaces.
Combine Byrum with a visit to nearby beaches or a picnic by the sea. The landscape is open and exposed, so there may be little shade on sunny days. This is one of the best nearby attractions for families who want to see Öland’s distinctive geology without committing to a long hike.
5. Climb the lighthouse at Långe Erik
Långe Erik stands at Öland’s northern tip on the island of Stora grundet, connected to the mainland by a causeway. The lighthouse is one of the island’s best-known landmarks and a fun destination for older kids who enjoy heights, views and a sense of achievement.
If the tower is open, climbing the steps rewards visitors with wide views across the sea and the northern coastline. Opening arrangements can vary, so check current information before setting out. Even when the tower is closed, the surrounding landscape is worth visiting. The rocky shore, sea birds and open horizon create a strong feeling of being at the edge of Sweden.
Bring a packed lunch or plan a café stop nearby, depending on the season. Combine Långe Erik with Trollskogen for a full northern Öland day trip. The distance from Borgholm means this outing requires more driving than the attractions around town, but the variety of scenery makes the journey worthwhile.
6. Step into history at Eketorp fortress
Eketorp is one of the most engaging historical sites for families on Öland. The reconstructed ringfort in the southern part of the island was occupied during several periods from the Iron Age through the Middle Ages. Its circular stone walls, houses and activity areas help visitors understand how people lived before modern towns and roads.
Unlike a museum where children mainly look at objects behind glass, Eketorp gives them a sense of the scale and layout of an old settlement. Seasonal demonstrations, crafts, storytelling and historical activities may be available during the high season. These events can make the visit especially appealing to kids, so look at the programme before travelling.
Eketorp is a longer drive from Borgholm and works best as a full-day trip. Add another southern Öland stop if your family enjoys a busy itinerary, or simply take your time at the fortress and enjoy a meal along the way. The site is exposed to the weather, so bring hats, rainwear or sunscreen according to the forecast.
7. See birds and coastal landscapes at Ottenby
Ottenby, at the southern tip of Öland, is a rewarding destination for families who enjoy nature. The area is famous for birdwatching, open coastal meadows and the historic Långe Jan lighthouse. Naturum Ottenby provides information about local wildlife and the surrounding nature reserve, making it easier for children to understand what they are seeing outdoors.
You do not have to be an experienced birdwatcher to enjoy the visit. Bring binoculars if you have them, but simple observation can be just as rewarding. Depending on the season, you may see geese, ducks, waders and birds of prey. The reserve also supports many plants, butterflies and other insects.
Walking routes around Ottenby vary in length, so families can choose a short stroll or spend much longer exploring. Stay on marked paths and follow signs about protected areas, particularly during nesting periods. Because Ottenby is far from Borgholm, combine it with Eketorp or another southern destination for an efficient day out.
8. Wander through ancient ruins at Gråborg and St Knut’s Chapel
Gråborg is Öland’s largest ancient fort and one of the island’s most atmospheric historical sites. The broad ring wall surrounds a green interior, and the open setting allows children to move around more freely than they can in a traditional indoor museum. Nearby St Knut’s Chapel adds another layer of history to the visit.
The site is less formal than Borgholm Castle or Eketorp, which makes it a flexible stop during a drive across central Öland. Families can walk along parts of the wall, enjoy a picnic and talk about why people built fortified settlements. Information boards provide useful context, but the main appeal is the chance to explore the landscape at your own pace.
Gråborg can be paired with other central Öland sights, including Ismantorp fortress or villages and farm shops in the surrounding countryside. Wear shoes suitable for grass and uneven paths. There may be fewer facilities here than at the island’s major ticketed attractions, so bring snacks and drinks.
9. Explore Ismantorp fortress
Ismantorp fortress is another ancient ringfort in central Öland, set in a peaceful woodland landscape. It is known for its distinctive circular layout and the remains of numerous house foundations inside the walls. The site offers children a chance to explore a real archaeological landscape while imagining how the settlement may once have looked.
The fortress is not reconstructed in the same way as Eketorp, so the experience is quieter and more interpretive. That makes it a good choice for families who enjoy nature, history and open-ended discovery. Encourage kids to look carefully at the walls, pathways and foundations rather than expecting a conventional attraction with constant activities.
Combine Ismantorp with Gråborg for a day focused on Öland’s ancient fortifications. The two sites offer contrasting experiences and can be visited without rushing. As with many rural locations on the island, check maps in advance and do not rely on finding a shop immediately nearby.
10. Enjoy an easy cycling or farm-shop day
Not every one of the best family day trips from Borgholm needs to revolve around a major landmark. Öland’s countryside is well suited to relaxed cycling, short walks and visits to local farm shops. The flatter landscape can be comfortable for families, although wind and traffic conditions should always be taken into account.
Choose a manageable route from Borgholm or Köpingsvik, then plan stops at a café, farm shop or small gallery. Some businesses offer locally produced vegetables, baked goods, cheese, crafts or ice cream. These simple stops give children a different view of island life and create a slower-paced day between larger excursions.
Before cycling, check your route, bike condition and access to water. Dedicated cycle paths are not available everywhere, and some rural roads can be narrow. Families with younger children may prefer a short out-and-back route rather than attempting to cross a large part of the island.
How to plan family day trips from Borgholm
Match the destination to your children’s energy
Young children may enjoy a morning at Borgholm Castle followed by lunch and beach time in Köpingsvik. Older children and teenagers are more likely to appreciate the longer drives to Trollskogen, Eketorp or Ottenby. Avoid combining too many demanding walks with long car journeys, especially on hot summer days.
Check seasonal opening times
Many Öland attractions operate with longer hours and more activities from late spring through summer. Outside the main season, some cafés, exhibitions, visitor centres and lighthouse towers may be closed or open only on selected days. Always check official visitor information before setting off, particularly if a specific activity is the main reason for your trip.
Pack for changing weather
Öland can be sunny, windy and cool within the same day. Bring layers, waterproof jackets, sun hats and comfortable walking shoes. A picnic blanket, refillable water bottles and simple snacks can make a major difference when visiting rural nearby attractions with kids.
Allow time for unplanned stops
One of the pleasures of exploring Öland is finding a quiet beach, viewpoint or village along the way. Do not fill every minute of your itinerary. Children often remember a short swim, an unexpected ice cream stop or a chance to watch birds as much as they remember the main attraction.
A practical way to choose your next outing
For a short and easy excursion, choose Borgholm Castle, Solliden or Köpingsvik. For forests and coastal scenery, head north to Trollskogen and Långe Erik. For history, plan a day around Eketorp, Gråborg or Ismantorp. For wildlife and wide-open landscapes, travel south to Ottenby. With this variety close at hand, Borgholm makes it simple to create memorable island adventures for every age group.