Planning day trips from Borgholm without a car is easier than it may first appear. Öland has reliable regional buses, compact towns, cycle routes and several attractions that are simple to reach from Borgholm. With a little planning, you can explore castles, beaches, villages, nature reserves and even mainland Sweden without hiring a car.
How to travel around Öland without a car
Borgholm is one of the most convenient bases for a car free holiday on northern and central Öland. The town has frequent bus connections along the island’s main road, with routes heading south towards Färjestaden and Kalmar and north towards Köpingsvik, Löttorp and Byxelkrok. Bus services are operated by Kalmar länstrafik, usually known as KLT.
Before setting off, check the current timetable in the KLT app or on the regional transport website. Services can be less frequent in the evening, on Sundays and outside the summer season. Some rural attractions are also served only by a few buses each day, so it is important to check the return journey before you leave Borgholm.
For shorter journeys, cycling is an excellent alternative. Borgholm has bicycle rental options, and several roads and paths lead to nearby beaches, villages and historic sites. A bicycle gives you more flexibility than the bus, although you should take water, sun protection and lights if you plan to return late.
1. Kalmar: the easiest mainland day trip
Kalmar is one of the best day trips from Borgholm without a car. Buses cross the Öland Bridge and usually reach central Kalmar in roughly 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the service and stops. You do not need to arrange a car or a complicated transfer, and the bus normally leaves you close to the centre.
What to see in Kalmar
- Kalmar Castle: Explore one of Sweden’s most impressive Renaissance castles, with restored rooms, exhibitions and views over the water.
- Kalmar Cathedral: Visit the large Baroque cathedral in the historic centre.
- Kalmar County Museum: Learn about local history and see exhibitions connected with the ship Kronan.
- The old town: Walk through cobbled streets, small squares and colourful wooden buildings.
- Kattrumpan and the harbour: Enjoy waterfront paths, swimming areas and relaxed views across the Kalmar Strait.
Kalmar is particularly useful on a cooler or rainy day because many of its attractions are indoors. A good plan is to begin at Kalmar Castle, walk into the old centre for lunch, then visit the cathedral and museum. In summer, you can add a harbour walk or a swim before taking the bus back to Borgholm.
2. Färjestaden and the south eastern coast
Färjestaden lies on the western side of Öland, directly across the bridge from Kalmar. It is easy to reach from Borgholm by regional bus, although some journeys may involve a change depending on the timetable. The town is a practical destination for a relaxed day beside the water, with restaurants, cafés, shops and paths along the coast.
Things to do in Färjestaden
Start with a walk along the harbour and shoreline. The area has views towards Kalmar and is especially pleasant in the morning or late afternoon. You can also follow sections of the coast south or north, stopping at swimming areas and small viewpoints along the way.
Färjestaden is close to several attractions that can be combined with a local bus or bicycle. Öland’s Djurpark is a popular choice for families during the main season. The nearby cultural centre at Himmelsberga is another option, with traditional Öland farm buildings, exhibitions and craft activities. Check opening dates before travelling because some attractions have limited hours outside summer.
This is one of the easiest bus excursions from Borgholm for travellers who want a flexible day. You can spend a few hours in Färjestaden, continue to another attraction if the connections work, or simply enjoy lunch beside the harbour before returning.
3. Köpingsvik: beach time close to Borgholm
Köpingsvik is only a short bus ride or bicycle trip from Borgholm, making it ideal when you want a simple excursion without spending much of the day travelling. The village is known for its broad sandy beach, shallow water and holiday atmosphere. In summer, it is one of the most popular swimming spots in the area.
Pack a towel, picnic and sun protection, then spend the day swimming or walking along the shoreline. There are seasonal cafés and facilities near the beach, but opening hours vary. The beach is suitable for families, while the surrounding roads and footpaths are pleasant for a short evening cycle.
If you want to make the trip more cultural, combine Köpingsvik with Borgholm Castle or Solliden Palace. The distances are manageable by bicycle, while buses can be useful if you prefer not to cycle in the heat. Since Köpingsvik is so close, it is also a good choice when the weather forecast is uncertain.
4. Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace
Some of the best excursions from Borgholm do not require a long journey. Borgholm Castle stands just outside town and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. The dramatic limestone ruins are among Öland’s most recognisable sights, with large courtyards, towers and views over the surrounding landscape.
Allow at least two hours to explore the castle properly. During the summer season, exhibitions and events often add to the experience. The open setting can be windy, so bring an extra layer even on a sunny day.
Nearby Solliden Palace is the Swedish royal family’s summer residence. Visitors can tour the gardens, which include formal planting, wooded paths and peaceful viewpoints. The palace itself is not always open in the same way as the gardens, so check the current visitor information before you go.
These attractions work well together because they are close enough to visit in one outing. Walk from Borgholm through the parkland towards Solliden, continue to the castle, and return to town for lunch or an evening swim. This is a convenient option for travellers searching for day trips from Borgholm without a car that involve little transport planning.
5. Stora Rör and the western coast
Stora Rör is a small coastal village north of Färjestaden. It has a harbour, swimming areas and views across the Kalmarsund. The village is especially attractive for a quiet day by the water, away from the busier summer centres.
Regional buses may not run as frequently as they do between the larger towns, so check the timetable carefully. Another option is to travel part of the way by bus and rent a bicycle for the final section. Cycling between Färjestaden and Stora Rör can be rewarding, but the route and wind conditions should be considered before setting off.
Bring food if you are travelling outside the main season, as cafés and shops may have restricted opening hours. Once there, walk around the harbour, find a swimming spot and enjoy the open views towards the mainland. Stora Rör is best suited to travellers who prefer scenery and a slow pace rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.
6. Mörbylånga and the southern villages
Mörbylånga is a historic harbour town on southern Öland. It can be reached by bus from Borgholm, although the journey is longer than the trip to Kalmar or Köpingsvik and may require careful timetable planning. The town is a good destination for visitors interested in local architecture, coastal landscapes and a quieter atmosphere.
Walk around the harbour and the old streets, where traditional wooden houses and small gardens create a distinctly Öland setting. There are cafés and restaurants in the centre, but availability changes during the year. Mörbylånga also provides access to coastal paths and countryside views across the agricultural landscape.
If you are travelling in summer, consider combining Mörbylånga with a visit to another southern attraction only if the bus connections allow enough time. The southern part of the island is spread out, and attempting too many places in one day can leave you waiting for long periods between services.
7. Ottenby and the southern tip of Öland
Ottenby is one of Öland’s most rewarding nature destinations, but it requires more planning than the shorter bus excursions near Borgholm. The area lies at the southern tip of the island and is famous for birdwatching, coastal scenery and open grassland. Ottenby Bird Observatory attracts visitors during migration periods, while the surrounding nature reserve offers walking opportunities throughout much of the year.
Public transport to Ottenby is limited and seasonal. You may need to travel south by bus to Mörbylånga or another connection point, then continue on a less frequent service. In some periods, the most practical car free option is a combination of bus and bicycle, or a guided excursion from another part of Öland.
Check the return journey before leaving Borgholm. If the final bus is early, a long visit may not be possible. Bring water, food and suitable footwear because facilities are more limited than in the towns. The reward is a wide, uncrowded landscape with lighthouses, sea views and excellent opportunities to see migrating birds.
8. Byxelkrok and the northern coast
Byxelkrok is a harbour village on northern Öland with a relaxed summer atmosphere. Buses from Borgholm travel north through Köpingsvik and Löttorp, though the journey can take much of the day. Byxelkrok is worth considering if you want to experience the island’s northern coastline without driving.
Stroll around the harbour, browse small shops and galleries, and look for a seasonal boat trip to nearby Blå Jungfrun if one is operating. The island of Blå Jungfrun lies in the Kalmar Strait and is known for its rocky landscape, forest paths and folklore. Boat schedules are weather dependent and limited, so treat this as an optional addition rather than the main plan.
Byxelkrok also makes a useful base for exploring nearby beaches and coastal paths. However, local connections can be sparse, so staying close to the village is usually the simplest approach for a one day visit. A return trip to Borgholm is much easier when you select an early outward bus and confirm the final service home.
9. Trollskogen and the northern nature reserves
Trollskogen, or the Enchanted Forest, is a distinctive nature area at the northern end of Öland. Gnarled pines, coastal meadows and walking trails give the reserve a different character from the open agricultural landscapes found elsewhere on the island. The famous crooked trees are a highlight, but the sea views and quiet paths are equally appealing.
Reaching Trollskogen by public transport is possible in parts of the year, but it is not as straightforward as travelling to Kalmar or Köpingsvik. You may need to take a bus to a nearby village and walk or cycle the remaining distance. Check the route carefully, especially if you are travelling outside July and August.
Wear sturdy shoes and allow several hours for the trails. There may be limited food services, so take snacks and water. This trip suits hikers and nature lovers who are comfortable with a little extra organisation. It is less suitable for travellers who want frequent cafés, shops or guaranteed transport throughout the day.
10. Train day trips from Borgholm
There is no passenger railway line on Öland, so train day trips from Borgholm begin with a bus journey to Kalmar. From Kalmar Central Station, trains run along the mainland network to destinations such as Växjö, Alvesta, Linköping and Malmö, although the longer journeys are usually better suited to an overnight stay than a single day.
Växjö can be possible as a long day trip if the timetable provides suitable connections. The town has lakeside walking routes, museums and a cathedral. Alvesta is a smaller transport hub that can be useful for connecting to other places, but it is not generally a destination in itself for most visitors.
For a more ambitious journey, you could travel by bus from Borgholm to Kalmar, take a train to another mainland town, and return the same evening. Always check both the KLT and national railway timetables together. A delayed bus can cause you to miss a train, and late evening connections back across the bridge may be limited.
In practice, Kalmar is the most convenient rail connection and usually offers enough attractions for a complete day. Train travel becomes more worthwhile if you are continuing your journey through Sweden after staying in Borgholm.
How to plan successful car free excursions
Choose one main destination
Öland may look small on a map, but attractions are spread along the island. Pick one main destination and add only nearby sights. This gives you time to enjoy the place instead of spending the day waiting for buses.
Check the return journey first
Before boarding a bus, confirm the last service back to Borgholm. This matters most for Ottenby, Trollskogen, Byxelkrok and smaller villages. Save a screenshot of the timetable because mobile coverage can vary in rural areas.
Travel early in the day
Morning departures give you more flexibility if a connection is delayed or if you decide to stay longer. They also help you avoid the busiest buses during the summer holiday period.
Carry essentials
Take water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Rural attractions may have no shop nearby, and the weather on the coast can change quickly. A reusable travel card or the correct mobile ticket can make boarding faster.
Consider cycling for the final kilometres
A bicycle can solve the last part of a journey when buses do not reach a nature reserve or beach directly. Ask a local rental business about suitable routes, bike availability and return arrangements. Do not assume that every rural road has a separate cycle path.
Best car free day trips by interest
- For history: Kalmar Castle, Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace.
- For beaches: Köpingsvik, Färjestaden and the coast around Byxelkrok.
- For nature: Ottenby, Trollskogen and the northern coastal reserves.
- For families: Kalmar, Köpingsvik and Öland’s Djurpark near Färjestaden.
- For food and cafés: Kalmar, Färjestaden, Mörbylånga and Byxelkrok.
- For public transport simplicity: Kalmar, Köpingsvik, Borgholm Castle and Solliden.
The easiest strategy is to combine one well connected town with one nearby attraction. Kalmar offers the broadest range of museums, shops and restaurants, while Köpingsvik and the Borgholm area provide beaches and historic sights with very little travel time. For a more adventurous day, head north to Byxelkrok or south towards Ottenby, but plan the timetable in detail.