Looking for things to do in Borgholm? This small coastal town on the Swedish island of Öland combines historic ruins, royal gardens, beaches, cycling routes, lively summer streets and easy access to the island’s distinctive landscapes. Whether you are planning a weekend break, a family holiday or a longer road trip around Öland, Borgholm makes a convenient base for exploring the region.
Why visit Borgholm?
Borgholm is one of Öland’s best known destinations and the island’s main resort town. It sits on the west coast, facing the Kalmar Strait, with the mainland visible across the water on clear days. The town is compact enough to explore on foot, yet it is surrounded by several of the island’s most memorable sights.
The centre has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, with cafés, restaurants, independent shops and a harbour promenade. Just outside town, you can visit the dramatic ruins of Borgholm Castle, walk through the grounds of Solliden Palace and spend time at beaches near Köpingsvik. Further afield, the open limestone landscape of the Stora Alvaret, ancient villages and coastal nature reserves make excellent day trips.
Explore Borgholm Castle
Borgholm Castle is the most famous of the Borgholm attractions. The enormous limestone ruin stands on a hill above the town and has an atmospheric, almost theatrical presence. Although much of the castle is roofless, its thick walls, towers and vaulted rooms give a strong impression of the fortress that once guarded this part of the Baltic coast.
The castle began as a medieval stronghold and was later rebuilt as a grand Renaissance palace. A fire in the early eighteenth century left the building in ruins, but the remains are remarkably well preserved. Visitors can walk through courtyards, climb sections of the structure and look across the surrounding countryside from the upper walls.
What to see at the castle
- Walk around the central courtyard and examine the castle’s massive defensive walls.
- Explore the exhibitions that explain the site’s history and changing role.
- Look for views over the Kalmar Strait and the farmland around Borgholm.
- Check the event programme for concerts, historical activities and family events.
Borgholm Castle is especially atmospheric in the late afternoon, when the lower sunlight highlights the stone walls. Allow at least one to two hours for a visit. The site includes uneven surfaces and steps, so comfortable shoes are useful. Opening hours and events vary by season, with the main visitor period generally running through the warmer months.
Visit Solliden Palace and its gardens
Another essential stop is Solliden Palace, the summer residence of the Swedish royal family. The palace itself is not usually open for general tours, but visitors can explore the extensive gardens and surrounding parkland during the public season. The setting is peaceful, with carefully planned planting areas, lawns, woodland paths and views towards the coast.
The gardens include several distinct styles, from formal sections inspired by Italian design to more natural areas and flower displays. The atmosphere changes throughout the year, but summer is the most popular time to visit, especially when roses and other seasonal plants are in bloom.
Tips for visiting Solliden
- Combine Solliden with Borgholm Castle, as the two attractions are close to each other.
- Wear shoes suitable for paths, grass and occasional uneven ground.
- Set aside time for the café or seasonal food options on the estate.
- Check current admission details and opening times before travelling.
A visit to Solliden is one of the more peaceful Borgholm activities, particularly if you enjoy gardens, photography and architecture. The contrast between the formal grounds and the rugged castle nearby creates a varied half day.
Walk around Borgholm town centre
Borgholm is easy to explore without a car. Begin in the central streets, where low wooden and stone buildings house cafés, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. During summer, the town is busier and many businesses extend their opening hours. Outside the main holiday season, the pace is quieter, but it is still pleasant for a stroll and a meal.
Borgholm Church is one of the town’s notable landmarks. The present building dates from the nineteenth century and is located close to the centre. From there, continue towards the harbour and waterfront. The promenade is a good place to watch boats, enjoy an ice cream or sit with a view across the water.
Enjoy the harbour and waterfront
The harbour is a natural meeting point in Borgholm. You can watch leisure boats coming and going, browse nearby shops and find restaurants serving Swedish summer favourites. Fish and seafood are common choices, but menus also tend to include burgers, salads, vegetarian dishes and traditional home cooking.
At sunset, the waterfront becomes one of the most attractive places in town. Bring a takeaway meal or choose a table outdoors if the weather is warm. The view across the Kalmar Strait is particularly appealing when the mainland is visible in the distance.
Spend time at Köpingsvik Beach
Köpingsvik lies a short distance north of Borgholm and is known for its long sandy beach. It is one of the best places near town for a traditional Swedish beach day, with shallow water that is often suitable for families. In summer, the beach attracts swimmers, sunbathers and visitors travelling by bicycle.
The surrounding area has holiday accommodation, cafés and practical facilities, although services can vary depending on the season. The beach is a good choice if you want to combine swimming with a relaxed picnic. Bring your own towel, water and sun protection, especially on busy days when nearby shops may be crowded.
More coastal places near Borgholm
Several smaller beaches and rocky shoreline areas can be reached by car or bicycle from Borgholm. Some offer a quieter experience than Köpingsvik, while others are better for a short walk than for swimming. Öland’s coast changes considerably from one area to another, so it is worth exploring beyond the main resort beach if you have time.
Go cycling around Borgholm
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the landscape around Borgholm. Öland is relatively flat, and the roads between villages, beaches and historic sites make it possible to plan routes for different fitness levels. A bicycle is especially useful in summer, when parking in the centre and at popular attractions can be limited.
You can take a short ride from Borgholm to Köpingsvik, cycle towards the castle and Solliden, or create a longer route through agricultural landscapes and coastal villages. Some roads are quiet, but traffic levels vary, so use care and follow Swedish road rules. Dedicated cycle paths and local roads are often more comfortable than major routes.
Ideas for a cycling day
- Ride north from Borgholm to Köpingsvik for a beach stop.
- Combine the castle, Solliden and a café visit in one short outing.
- Cycle through nearby villages to see traditional Öland farm buildings.
- Pack a picnic and stop at a coastal viewpoint or nature area.
Rental bicycles may be available from local businesses, especially during the main summer season. Reserve ahead if you need several bikes, child seats or electric bicycles.
Discover Öland’s limestone landscape
One of the most distinctive things to do in Borgholm is use the town as a base for discovering Öland’s unusual natural environment. The island is shaped by limestone bedrock, wind and a long history of grazing. This has created open landscapes with thin soils, low vegetation, wildflowers and broad views.
The Stora Alvaret covers a large area in southern Öland and is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape together with other parts of the island’s agricultural environment. It is too far from Borgholm for a quick walk, but it makes an excellent full day trip by car. The landscape can look stark at first, yet it supports a surprising variety of plants and insects, particularly in spring and early summer.
Nature trips closer to Borgholm
Halltorps Hage, south of Borgholm, is known for old oak trees, woodland paths and a rich natural environment. It is a good place for a gentle walk and a change from the town’s built attractions. Look for information signs and stay on marked paths where requested, since some areas are protected.
For a different coastal experience, travel north towards areas such as Byrum and the northern shoreline. The journey takes longer, but the route offers beaches, limestone formations and open sea views. Always check local conditions before swimming, particularly on exposed shores where wind and currents can change quickly.
Take a day trip to historic Öland
Borgholm’s location makes it a practical starting point for exploring other parts of the island. If you have a car, plan at least one day beyond the immediate area. Öland’s roads connect small villages, windmills, churches, farms, beaches and archaeological sites, so a flexible itinerary often works better than trying to see everything.
Eketorp and southern Öland
Eketorp is a reconstructed Iron Age fort in the south of the island. The circular stone structure includes reconstructed buildings and exhibitions about life at the site during different historical periods. Demonstrations and activities may be offered during the summer, making it especially interesting for families.
The drive from Borgholm to Eketorp takes time, but the trip can be combined with other southern attractions and the Stora Alvaret. Start early if you want to make several stops.
Himmelsberga open air museum
Himmelsberga is an open air museum focused on Öland’s traditional agricultural culture. The village setting includes historic farm buildings, exhibitions, gardens and craft displays. It offers a useful introduction to the island’s architecture and rural history, and it is closer to Borgholm than many southern attractions.
Neptuni åkrar and northern coastal scenery
North of Borgholm, Neptuni åkrar is a coastal area famous for its rows of limestone slabs and sea views. The name refers to Neptune’s fields, a poetic description of the rocky shoreline. It is best visited in calm weather, when you can appreciate the open horizon and walk along the coast.
Try local food and Swedish fika
Food is an important part of a Borgholm visit. The town has restaurants, bakeries, cafés and seasonal food stands, with the widest selection available in summer. Look for menus featuring local ingredients, fish, potatoes, berries and other produce associated with Öland.
A fika stop is easy to fit between attractions. Order coffee or tea with a cinnamon bun, cake or sandwich, then take time to enjoy the relaxed pace. In warmer weather, outdoor seating is common around the centre and harbour.
For self catering, local shops and farm outlets can be useful for buying bread, cheese, vegetables and picnic ingredients. A picnic works particularly well for a beach day, a cycling trip or an afternoon at a nature reserve. Opening hours can be limited outside summer, so plan food shopping in advance if you are visiting during the quieter months.
Family friendly Borgholm activities
Borgholm suits families because many attractions are close together and the surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor space. Children can explore the castle walls, play on the beach, look for birds and insects in nature areas or enjoy an ice cream by the harbour.
- Choose Köpingsvik for shallow water and a spacious beach.
- Visit Borgholm Castle and allow children time to explore the courtyards.
- Plan a short bicycle route rather than a demanding full day ride.
- Pack snacks for nature walks, as services may be limited outside town.
- Check seasonal programmes at the castle, Solliden and local museums.
Weather on Öland can change quickly, particularly near the coast. Bring an extra layer, even on a warm day, and remember that exposed beaches may feel cooler when the wind is strong.
When is the best time to visit Borgholm?
Summer is the busiest season and usually offers the fullest choice of restaurants, events and open attractions. June, July and August are popular for swimming, cycling and garden visits, but accommodation and parking can be in high demand.
Late spring is attractive for visitors who prefer quieter streets and flowering landscapes. Early autumn can also be rewarding, with softer light, fewer crowds and good conditions for walking. Some attractions, cafés and visitor services have shorter hours outside the main season, so check details before setting out.
How to plan your Borgholm visit
A weekend gives you enough time to see the major sights in and around town. On the first day, visit Borgholm Castle and Solliden, then explore the centre and harbour. On the second day, choose between Köpingsvik Beach, a cycling route or a nature trip. With more time, add Himmelsberga, Halltorps Hage or a longer excursion into northern or southern Öland.
Public transport connects Borgholm with other parts of Öland and the mainland, but a car gives you more flexibility for beaches, nature reserves and distant attractions. Cycling is practical for local trips. During the high season, book accommodation early and check whether your chosen attractions require timed entry or have seasonal opening dates.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket, sun protection and a reusable water bottle. With its combination of history, coast, gardens and open countryside, Borgholm offers plenty of variety without requiring a packed schedule. That balance is one of the main reasons the town works so well as a base for discovering Öland.