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Provided by: Ölands Turistbyrå
Provided by: Ölands Turistbyrå

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Europe Sweden Öland Top 10 Skäftekärr Iron Age Village

Overview

Skäftekärr Iron Age Village

The guide was updated: 2024-03-17

In Skäftekärr, close to Böda in northern Öland, lies an Iron Age village with around 20 well-preserved stone house foundations spread across 10 farms dating from 300–700 AD. At the heart of the Iron Age village are the remains of a chieftain's estate, comprising four house foundations. Adjacent to this historic site, the "new Iron Age landscape" includes a reconstructed version of one of these typical houses and the charred remains of an earlier reconstruction. The park is also home to an impressive collection of approximately 140 different species of trees and shrubs, forming an arboretum. An eco-park center with information about the Böda Eco-park is available on-site, along with Skäftekärr café, hotel, and conference, housed in the majestic main building. For the little ones, a popular obstacle course adds to the day's adventure.

Useful Information

Address: Kullenvägen 88, Löttorp
Opening hours: July through mid-August: Mon–Fri noon–7pm. Free guuided tour starts at 1pm
Website: www.alltpaoland.se/platser/skaftekarr-jarnaldersby
Phone: +46 70 427 03 61

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

VIDA Museum & Art Gallery

VIDA Museum & Art Gallery

VIDA Museum & Art Gallery, situated along Route 136, 9 kilometres south of Borgholm on Öland, is built on a spot of breathtaking coastal beauty, perched at the top of a slope overlooking the Kalmarsund. Today's 2000 m² building, constructed of glass, concrete, iron and wood, stands on historic ground, just north of Halltorps Inn. This contemporary art museum showcases impressive glass art of Bertil Vallien and Ulrica Hydman-Vallien. You can explore numerous milestone artworks from the early 1960s, to the very latest work in glass, ceramics, sculpture and painting.

Solliden Palace

Solliden Palace

Solliden is the summer residence of the Swedish royal family, which they visit several times a year. Commissioned by Queen Victoria, on the advice of her doctor Axel Munthe, and with Mediterranean influences, the palace was completed in 1906. Munthe was of the opinion that Öland’s abundant sunshine and oxygen-rich air would improve her health, and to this day the royals are happy to enjoy Öland’s sun! Solliden Palace is open to visitors throughout the summer months. Visitors have free access to most of the parks. Café, shop and a pavilion with exhibitions.

Eketorp Fortress

Eketorp Fortress

Eketorp fortress is a completely excavated and reconstructed ancient fort, where the reconstructions have been carried out directly on the archaeological remains. The ring wall stands five metres high and six metres wide, and within it lie Iron Age stone houses and medieval timber-framed buildings, all reconstructed using traditional craftsmanship techniques and materials.

Ölands Museum Himmelsberga

Ölands Museum Himmelsberga

Himmelsberga is Öland's most authentic village, now preserved as an open air museum with enclosed farms built along both sides of the narrow village road. The heart of the museum consists of several large farms with buildings dating back the 18th and 19th century. The cottage is still has the original furniture, and the old stables are packed with all the tools and equipment that were used on the farms. The coffee shop sells freshly baked bread and hot pies, and you can buy genuine Öland handicrafts in the village shop. Himmelsberga holds exhibitions of arts and crafts in its two galleries. There's also an art museum with a collection of older and modern Öland paintings.

Borgholm Castle

Borgholm Castle

Borgholm Castle, a stunning silhouette against the Öland sky, stands as a testament to Sweden's rich tapestry of history. Known as Scandinavia's most captivating ruin, this architectural chameleon has evolved through the centuries, echoing tales of regality and resilience. Though now a poignant shell due to the devastating fire of 1806, it continues to guard the stories of its past, from medieval might to Renaissance elegance.

Trollskogen Nature Reserve & Nature Centre

Trollskogen Nature Reserve & Nature Centre

At the northeastern tip of Öland, by the gate to Trollskogen (Troll Forest) nature reserve, you'll find Trollskogen nature centre. Many of the forest's trees are ancient, aged between 100–200 years. Crooked pine trees, sculpted by the winds from the sea, contort in imaginative forms. Here, you'll also find spruce and venerable oaks.

Långe Jan Lighthouse

Långe Jan Lighthouse

The Långe Jan lighthouse — 'Tall John' — first cast its light over the Baltic waves on November 1, 1785. Rising from the craftsmanship of, perhaps, Russian prisoners of war, it stands as a beacon of history and maritime safety on Öland's southernmost point. Initially measuring a soaring 36 meters and requiring a 197-step ascent, it now proudly stretches to 41.6 meters, claiming the title of Sweden's loftiest lighthouse. Once cradling an open flame against the Nordic sky, Långe Jan has seen transformations from bare stone, borrowed from a bygone chapel, to a whitewashed pillar with a distinguishing black band. Surrounded by the thriving Ottenby bird station, Långe Jan's legacy is as enduring as the coastal winds, welcoming visitors each summer to scale its heights and embrace a panoramic sweep of sea and sky.

Ottenby Bird Observatory

Ottenby Bird Observatory

Ottenby, on the very south of the island of Öland, is one of the top areas for birding in Sweden — 377 species have been observed here. A visit to Öland offers fantastic opportunities for bird studies all the year round. Ottenby Bird Observatory was founded in 1946 and has ever since performed studies on migrating birds. Around 20,000 birds are ringed each year. Also, the bird observatory is involved in bird migration research projects on the island of Capri, Italy, and in Nigeria.

Långe Erik Lighthouse

Långe Erik Lighthouse

The Långe Erik — 'Tall Erik' or oficially 'Ölands norra udde' — lighthouse, perched on the northern tip of Öland on Stora Grund, is a 32-metre-tall structure built from limestone. Climbing the 138 steps to the balcony, positioned at approximately 28 meters, affords visitors a commanding view of the surrounding seascape.

Skäftekärr Iron Age Village

Skäftekärr Iron Age Village

In Skäftekärr, close to Böda in northern Öland, lies an Iron Age village with around 20 well-preserved stone house foundations spread across 10 farms dating from 300–700 AD. At the heart of the Iron Age village are the remains of a chieftain's estate, comprising four house foundations. Adjacent to this historic site, the "new Iron Age landscape" includes a reconstructed version of one of these typical houses and the charred remains of an earlier reconstruction. The park is also home to an impressive collection of approximately 140 different species of trees and shrubs, forming an arboretum. An eco-park center with information about the Böda Eco-park is available on-site, along with Skäftekärr café, hotel, and conference, housed in the majestic main building. For the little ones, a popular obstacle course adds to the day's adventure.

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