Borgholm is one of the best bases for exploring Öland. Within a short drive, you can find royal gardens, ancient stone monuments, sandy beaches, bird reserves, historic villages and dramatic coastal landscapes. Whether you have a car for a full day or only a few hours to spare, these day trips from Borgholm will help you discover more of the island at your own pace.
Why Borgholm is a great base for exploring Öland
Borgholm sits on the west coast of Öland, close to the island’s main bridge connection with mainland Sweden. Its central position makes it convenient for both northern and southern excursions. You can reach Kalmar across the Öland Bridge, drive north towards Böda and Byxelkrok, or head south through the agricultural landscape of the Stora Alvaret.
The town itself has restaurants, cafés, shops, accommodation and useful services, so it is easy to plan several outings from the same base. Many attractions are open seasonally, particularly outside the main summer months. Check current opening times before setting off, especially for museums, gardens and cafés.
A car gives you the greatest freedom, although some nearby places can be reached by bicycle. Bus services connect Borgholm with other parts of Öland, but routes may be less frequent outside summer. The travel times below are approximate and depend on traffic, road conditions and your exact starting point.
1. Explore Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace
Some of the most rewarding excursions from Borgholm are only a few minutes from the town centre. Borgholm Castle is an impressive ruin overlooking the Kalmarsund strait. Construction began in the 12th century, and the castle was later developed into a substantial Renaissance fortress. A fire in the early 19th century left the dramatic shell visible today.
Walk through the great courtyards, climb the towers and look across the water from the upper levels. Information boards and exhibitions explain the castle’s history, while summer events and concerts give the site an especially lively atmosphere. Allow at least one hour for a quick visit, or longer if you want to explore every section.
Close by, Solliden Palace is the summer residence of the Swedish royal family. Visitors cannot normally enter the palace itself, but the surrounding gardens are open during the visitor season. The grounds include formal gardens, woodland paths, terraces and planting inspired by different European garden traditions. The contrast between the carefully designed gardens and the rugged castle ruins makes these two attractions easy to combine.
- Approximate distance from central Borgholm: 3 kilometres
- Suggested time: 3 to 5 hours
- Best for: history, gardens, photography and an easy half-day outing
2. Spend a relaxing day in Köpingsvik
Köpingsvik is one of the easiest places to visit nearby Borgholm. Located around 5 kilometres east of town, it is known for its long sandy beach and shallow water. Families often choose Köpingsvik for swimming, sunbathing and simple beach days, while the surrounding countryside offers quieter walking routes.
The beach is particularly popular in summer, when the water can be comfortable for swimming and seasonal facilities are available. Arrive early on warm days if you want a good place near the shore. Outside the busiest period, Köpingsvik feels calmer and is well suited to a walk along the beach followed by lunch or coffee.
The area also has historical interest. Köpingsvik was an important trading place during the Viking Age and medieval period, and archaeological finds have revealed its role in regional commerce. You can combine a beach visit with a short drive through nearby villages and farmland.
- Approximate distance from Borgholm: 5 kilometres
- Suggested time: half a day or a full day in summer
- Best for: beaches, families, swimming and a relaxed pace
3. Visit Ekerum and the coastal landscape near Stora Rör
Drive south from Borgholm towards Ekerum and Stora Rör for a day of beaches, woodland and coastal views. Ekerum is known for its resort facilities, golf courses and nearby nature, while Stora Rör is a small harbour village on the Kalmarsund coast.
Stora Rör is a pleasant place to stop for a walk beside the water. From the harbour, you can look towards Kalmar and the mainland, and on clear days the views stretch across the strait. The village has a peaceful atmosphere that is especially appealing in spring and early autumn, when the summer crowds have gone.
For a longer outing, explore paths through the coastal woodland around Ekerum. The terrain is generally manageable, but wear sturdy shoes if you leave the main roads. Cycling is another good option in this part of Öland, with quiet lanes connecting villages, beaches and forest areas.
- Approximate distance from Borgholm to Ekerum: 15 kilometres
- Approximate distance from Borgholm to Stora Rör: 20 kilometres
- Suggested time: 4 to 7 hours
- Best for: coastal walks, cycling, golf and quiet harbour views
4. Cross to Kalmar for history and city culture
One of the most convenient day trips from Borgholm is a visit to Kalmar on the mainland. The Öland Bridge connects the island with Kalmar, and the drive from Borgholm usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes. This makes it possible to enjoy a completely different setting without changing accommodation.
Kalmar Castle is the city’s main attraction. Built beside the water, it has a long history as a defensive stronghold and royal residence. Explore the towers, halls and exhibitions, then walk around the castle grounds for views over the surrounding channels.
Kalmar’s old town is also worth time. Stroll through the streets near the cathedral, look for historic wooden buildings and stop at one of the city’s cafés. The cathedral itself is one of Sweden’s most important Baroque churches. If you are travelling with children, the city’s museums and parks provide alternatives to a castle visit.
Plan your route carefully if you are visiting during a busy summer day. Parking can be limited near the most popular attractions, so it may be easier to park slightly outside the centre and walk.
- Approximate driving distance from Borgholm to Kalmar: 35 kilometres
- Suggested time: a full day
- Best for: castles, museums, architecture, shopping and restaurants
5. Discover Färjestaden and the southern bridge area
Färjestaden is the first major town many visitors reach after crossing from the mainland. It is about 30 kilometres from Borgholm and offers shops, restaurants, harbour views and access to several attractions. The town is a useful stop if you are combining Kalmar with other places on western Öland.
From Färjestaden, you can visit the Öland Museum Himmelsberga, an open-air museum that presents traditional island farmsteads and local life. The historic buildings, gardens and exhibitions provide a clear picture of how people lived and worked on Öland before modern tourism.
Another nearby attraction is Gråborg, the largest ancient castle on Öland. The remains consist of large stone walls surrounding an open area, and the peaceful setting makes it easy to combine the visit with a countryside walk. The nearby Saint Knut’s Chapel ruins add another layer of history.
- Approximate distance from Borgholm to Färjestaden: 30 kilometres
- Suggested time: 5 to 8 hours
- Best for: local history, museums, shopping and easy island travel
6. Follow the southern Öland route to Mörbylånga and Eketorp
Southern Öland is ideal for travellers who want wide landscapes, ancient monuments and a strong sense of place. The Stora Alvaret, a vast limestone plain, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland. Its open appearance can seem simple at first, but the area supports unusual plants, birds and seasonal wildflowers.
Mörbylånga is a good place to stop for a meal or a walk near the harbour. Continue south to Eketorp, a reconstructed Iron Age fortress where archaeological discoveries have helped recreate daily life from different periods. The circular stone walls and reconstructed houses make the site engaging for adults and children alike.
Allow extra time for stops along the way. Small roads lead to villages, churches, burial grounds and viewpoints across the alvar. The landscape can feel exposed, so bring water, sun protection and an extra layer even in summer. There is limited shade in many areas.
- Approximate driving distance from Borgholm to Mörbylånga: 55 kilometres
- Approximate driving distance from Borgholm to Eketorp: 80 kilometres
- Suggested time: a full day
- Best for: UNESCO landscapes, archaeology, villages and rural scenery
7. See the southern tip and Långe Jan lighthouse
For a longer adventure, continue from Eketorp towards the southern tip of Öland and Ottenby. Ottenby is one of Sweden’s best-known birdwatching areas. The wetlands, shoreline and open fields attract migratory birds, especially in spring and autumn, but the area is rewarding throughout the year.
Långe Jan, one of Sweden’s tallest lighthouses, stands at the southern tip. Depending on opening times and weather, you may be able to climb the tower for extensive views over the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape. Ottenby bird station and Naturum Ottenby provide information about local habitats, migration and wildlife.
Seal enthusiasts should look towards the water from designated viewing areas, while walkers can follow marked trails through the reserve. Keep a respectful distance from birds and other wildlife, and follow local access signs. A packed lunch can be useful because facilities are seasonal and distances between stops are considerable.
- Approximate driving distance from Borgholm to Ottenby: 95 kilometres
- Suggested time: a full day, with an early start
- Best for: birdwatching, lighthouses, nature photography and coastal walks
8. Head north to Byxelkrok and Neptuni åkrar
Northern Öland has a wilder character, with pine forests, rocky beaches and long stretches of open coast. Byxelkrok, around 55 kilometres north of Borgholm, is a popular harbour village with restaurants, small shops and boat connections to the island of Blå Jungfrun during parts of the season.
Walk around the harbour, browse local craft stalls and enjoy seafood or another meal with a view. Byxelkrok is also close to Neptuni åkrar, a striking coastal area named after Neptune’s fields. Rows of limestone slabs run along the shore, and bluebells create a memorable display in early summer.
The coast can be windy, even on warm days. Sturdy shoes are more useful than beach footwear if you plan to walk among the limestone. Stay on suitable paths and take care near the water, since the rocks can be uneven and slippery.
- Approximate driving distance from Borgholm to Byxelkrok: 55 kilometres
- Suggested time: 6 to 9 hours
- Best for: harbours, coastal geology, seafood and scenic walks
9. Combine Trollskogen with Böda Sand
Trollskogen, or the Enchanted Forest, is one of the most distinctive natural areas in northern Öland. The nature reserve contains old pine woodland, twisted trees shaped by wind and several marked walking routes. The paths are generally accessible, although surfaces may be uneven in places.
The forest is located near the northern tip, so it works well as part of a full-day route that includes Byxelkrok or Böda. The nearby Böda Sand area is known for its long sandy beach and shallow water. It is a good choice for swimming during summer, while the forest offers shade and a change of scenery.
Before leaving Borgholm, check fuel, food and water supplies. Northern Öland has services in the larger villages, but some facilities close outside the summer season. Give yourself enough time to return before dark if you are travelling in spring or autumn, when daylight hours are shorter.
- Approximate driving distance from Borgholm to Trollskogen: 75 kilometres
- Suggested time: a full day
- Best for: forests, beaches, walking and families
10. Visit Byrum raukar and the west coast
Byrum raukar offers one of the most unusual coastal scenes on Öland. Here, limestone formations have been shaped by the sea into tall, weathered pillars and irregular rocks. The site is on the northwest coast, roughly 65 kilometres from Borgholm, and is especially atmospheric in soft evening light.
Bring a picnic and take time to walk along the shore. The rocks are fascinating to photograph, but the area is also a quiet place to watch the sea and enjoy the open landscape. There is usually less activity here than at the island’s larger beaches, making it a good stop for travellers seeking a slower day.
You can combine Byrum with Sandvik, a small fishing harbour farther south. Sandvik has a maritime atmosphere and places to pause for refreshments during the main season. The route between the two locations passes through open farmland and villages, so allow time for spontaneous stops.
- Approximate driving distance from Borgholm to Byrum raukar: 65 kilometres
- Suggested time: 5 to 8 hours
- Best for: geology, photography, picnics and quiet coastal scenery
How to plan day trips from Borgholm
Choose one direction per day
Öland may look narrow on a map, but travelling between the northern and southern tips takes time. A more enjoyable plan is to choose one area for each outing. For example, combine Borgholm Castle with Köpingsvik, explore Kalmar and Färjestaden on another day, and reserve a full day for either Ottenby or northern Öland.
Check seasonal opening times
Many attractions operate with extended hours from late spring to early autumn and reduced hours at other times. Restaurants and cafés in small villages may also close on weekdays outside summer. Check official websites or local tourist information before starting your trip.
Pack for changing weather
Öland is exposed to the Baltic Sea, and conditions can change quickly. Bring a waterproof layer, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and water. A hat is useful on the open alvar, while insect repellent can help near wetlands and woodland.
Respect nature and local access rules
Nature reserves, birdwatching areas and historic sites may have specific rules about dogs, fires, cycling and access. Keep to marked paths where requested, avoid disturbing wildlife and leave no litter. These simple habits help protect the landscapes that make excursions from Borgholm so memorable.
A simple itinerary for a week in Borgholm
- Day one: Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace and an evening in Borgholm.
- Day two: Köpingsvik beach and a relaxed coastal drive.
- Day three: Kalmar Castle, Kalmar Cathedral and the old town.
- Day four: Färjestaden, Himmelsberga and Gråborg.
- Day five: Byxelkrok, Neptuni åkrar and northern coast scenery.
- Day six: The Stora Alvaret, Mörbylånga and Eketorp.
- Day seven: Ottenby and Långe Jan, or a slower day at Ekerum and Stora Rör.
With this approach, you can experience several sides of the island without spending every day on the road. The best day trips from Borgholm are often the ones that leave room for an unplanned beach stop, a village café or a short walk through the landscape.