Borgholm Mini Guide
Borgholm in a Nutshell
Borgholm is a historical town on the Swedish island of Oland in the Baltic Sea. It is 20 km away from the Oland Bridge that connects the island with the mainland. Borgholm is a very popular resort in summer, the beaches and nature reserves make it a unique location for holidaymakers from all over Scandinavia.
How can I get There?
International travellers would probably find themselves taking a connecting flight from
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport to Kalmar Airport. From there you can take a bus to Borgholm or pick up your hire car at the airport and drive there using the Oland Bridge. The bus service on the island is very limited (but improves in summer), so car hire is still a good option to explore the island. Cycling around Oland is recommended too.
What is There to see?
The town of Borgholm has charming houses and cosy cafes by day and at night the restaurant scene and clubs with live music take over. A must see is the ruins of Borgholm Castle, take a guided tour and find out more about its history at the museum. Next door to the castle you will find a country park with cafes and hiking trails, so you could easily spend a whole day there. Also worth visiting is the Sollinden Palace, it is the Swedish royal family’s summer residence and has beautiful architecture and gardens.
Out and About
See the unique landscape and bird sanctuary at Ottenby Nature Reserve in the south of Olund. Not far from there you can explore Trolls Forest on your way to Boda Sand, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Visit the village of Gettlinge and see the pre-historic stone circle and the 17th century wooden windmills.
Where Can I Stay?
One of the best places to stay is the 4 star Strand Hotell. It is a seaside resort with a private beach and indoor pool with sauna facilities. The 123 rooms are bright and modern with free Wi-Fi access and most have sea views. Restaurang Dockside has an international menu with local influences and after your meal you can drink or dance at Sommarstrand, the hotel’s own nightclub and bar. Most of the Olund’s attractions are within a 10 minute drive of the hotel.
Are There any Special Events in Borgholm?
Skordefesten is a harvest festival held in October, this is when the local farmers promote their wares and you can try working on one of the farms. A large scarecrow style man made of pumpkins is erected in the town centre and is an attraction in itself! Other popular festivals are the Sun, Wind and Water Festival and Viktoria Day, where boat races are held and there are live concerts at the Borgholm Castle.