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Activities & Sports

Walk Through a World Heritage Landscape

Walk Through a World Heritage Landscape
… from the house Get directions

Southern Öland has 140 km of marked hiking trails winding through one of Europe’s most unique landscapes — the UNESCO World Heritage “Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland.” From the vast, treeless limestone plateau of Stora Alvaret to coastal sand cliffs and ancient village ruins, the trails here feel unlike anywhere else in Scandinavia.

The star attraction is Stora Alvaret itself — a steppe-like limestone plain that has been grazed for 5,000 years. Over 30 species of wild orchids bloom here in May and June, making it a pilgrimage for botanists and nature photographers. In summer, the alvar is a sun-baked expanse dotted with ancient stone walls, windmills, and grazing cattle. The sense of openness and deep time is extraordinary.

Key Trails

Mörbylångaleden — the signature trail

The big one: an 83 km STF Signature Trail in 5 stages, running from Färjestaden south through forests, wetlands, coastal paths, and across the alvar. Each stage is 13-20 km. Ideal as a multi-day hike or pick individual stages for a day walk.

Stora Alvarleden

A 13 km trail crossing the heart of Stora Alvaret from Karlevi to Resmo. Passes through Karlevi nature reserve and Frösslunda moss, a shallow alvar lake rich in birdlife. Marked with small stone cairns. Also bikeable.

Shorter walks

Several marked loops of 3-8 km: Nunnedalen, Ekelundaleden, Örnkulleleden, Gösslundaleden (connecting to the famous Tingstad Flisor stone formations), and Penåsa Ödeby (deserted village trail). Perfect for a morning or afternoon outing.

Practical Details

  • Distance from the house: Mörbylångaleden starts ~25 km south (Färjestaden). Stora Alvaret proper is 30-50 km south.
  • Best season: May-September for hiking. Orchids bloom May-June. Autumn for golden light and fewer visitors.
  • Difficulty: Generally easy — flat terrain throughout. The alvar is exposed, but the walking itself is straightforward.
  • Access: Free, open year-round (Allemansrätten — Right of Public Access)
  • Trail map: PDF brochure available at sodraoland.com

Good to Know

  • Stora Alvaret is treeless and exposed — bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a windbreaker. There is almost no shade.
  • Orchid season (May-June) is spectacular — Öland has more orchid species than anywhere else in Sweden.
  • The UNESCO landscape includes working farms — stay on marked trails and respect grazing areas.
  • Tingstad Flisor (ancient limestone pillars) is a highlight accessible via Gösslundaleden — worth a detour.
  • No entrance fees for any trails.

Southern Öland’s trails pair naturally with a stop at Eketorps borg (reconstructed Iron Age fort) or a meal at Gårdby lanthandel on the way back.

Website: sodraoland.com | naturkartan.se (trail maps)