Öland

Paradisverkstaden is a family business that designs and produces ceramics in its workshop and studio on Öland. It all started at Capellagården, Carl Malmsten's school in Vickleby on Öland. After extensive training and practice in France and Denmark, Eva and Olof started Paradisverkstaden in 1975. From the outset, the design language was unique with its folds, spheres and inward ridges. In the 1980s, they developed the popular series “Blue and Pink Floral” and “Slottskrukan” (Castle Pot). Olof turned bird baths, candelabras, and multi-level étagères which Eva decorated in relief. As demand increased, part of the raw goods production was outsourced to potters on Gotland. Production was later moved to a small workshop near Gdansk in Poland, due to a shortage of professional turners over here and good craftsmanship over there. In recent years, both daughters have worked with the design and are responsible for marketing and production. In 2014, a new workshop was inaugurated, where visitors are welcome to view the manufacturing process with all its stages.

Ölands Köpstad is a nice shopping centre where you can find about 50 shops within walking distance from the beach. You'll find a decent selection of clothes and shoes, as well as specialist shops for pet accessories, books, gifts, sports and much more.

At Kastlösa Glassworks, you’ll meet Poul Jörgensen and Lena Olsson, who run this glassblowing workshop together. Explore, and perhaps buy, some of their artfully crafted plates, glasses and bowls. You can also pick up one of the less practical but no less beautiful decorative items like Christmas baubles or delicate glass flowers.

Borgholm is an urban centre and the seat of Borgholm Municipality. It is a popular tourist resort with a substantially increased population during the summer months. There are a lot of quaint shops open here during the summer, as well as cosy cafés and quality restaurants.

Bödasågen General Store, an entirely Öland-based family venture, gets its name from its unique location in an old sawmill. Their expansive shop offers a wide array of essentials, excluding groceries. Open from Easter through the Harvest festival, it's a go-to spot for diverse needs. The highlight is their candy section, featuring a selection of 300 varieties of assorted sweets, ice cream, beverages, coffee, slushies, and more. This sweet haven welcomes visitors daily from Midsummer until mid-August.