Öland - the sunny and windy island
Hello and welcome to another blog about Sweden. I am Jessica, founder of Learn Swedish Now, a Swedish language school with private online lessons and group classes. Today I wanted to tell you about one of the most popular vacation spots in Sweden: the island of Öland. I grew up in the city of Kalmar on the mainland just across from Öland and spent much of the summers of my youth on the beautiful sand beaches on the island. In fact, I still make sure to go there for at least a few days in summer when I visit family in Kalmar.
Öland is a popular vacation destination for Swedes and northern Europeans for good reasons; nicknamed the sunny and windy island it bolsters the most days of sunshine in Sweden and great conditions for windsurfing. It is also relatively easy to access with a bridge from Kalmar on the mainland to Färjestaden on the island. The bridge is 6 km (3.8 miles) long and was the longest bridge in Europe at its inauguration in 1972. It maintained that distinction until 1998 when the Vasco da Gama bridge in Portugal was constructed. As you drive across Ölandsbron (bridge of Öland) you get an amazing view of the Kalmar straight and the southern part of the Island. You only see a small part of it though, as the island spans 85 miles from its southern end to northern tip.
There is plenty to do on Öland, particularly during the summer. I already mentioned the beaches up and down the west and east shores. One very popular beach on the west shore is Köpingsvik with fine white sand and shallow water. On the east shore a great beach is Böda which has a popular resort off the beaten path. And for wind- and kite surfers you cannot go wrong with Haga Park, a short drive south on the island when you cross over the bridge. These are just a few options, but there are literally hundreds of large and small beaches to choose from and with some luck you can find one all to yourself!
The biggest town on Öland is Borghom, which fills up with tourists in the summer. Here you get a great selection of restaurants, cafes and nightlife. The marina is popular for sailboats and yachts, and some of the most happening entertainment is found around here. Just south of Borgholm is Soliden where the Swedish Royal family has a vacation home. You can visit a cute little cafe there and have a Swedish fika, and perhaps even run into one of the royals. Every year on July 14 the public is invited for various celebrations in honor of the birthday of crown princess Victoria at Soliden and around Borgholm. I have participated a few times over the years and one time my daughter (wearing a Swedish folk dress) appeared in a picture posted in national Swedish newspapers handing a flower bouquet to Victoria for her birthday. Next to Soliden are the ruins of an old castle which nowadays are used for concerts and other events.
The island of Öland is also known for its harvest festival (skördefest) held in early September every year. During this time you can drive along the island and look for pumpkins placed on hay bales to indicate that harvest goods are available for sale. During the festival many local artists will have displays in homes and businesses. There is usually a great selection given the many artists that are drawn to the island for its beautiful nature and favorable natural light. One of my favorite artists is Bessie Johanson (www.bessie.se) who has a gallery in Färjestaden.
Now that you know a little bit more about this great island in the southeast of Sweden I hope that you get a chance to visit some time. If you want to learn more about Sweden and its language I suggest signing up for one of my free trial lessons below. I offer private lessons online, as well as small-group classes. As a native Swedish speaker living in the US I can get you started with speaking quickly and help you understand Swedish culture and mannerisms. You will be learning while have a blast with my fun and engaging lessons!
