A Preserved 18th-Century Village

Himmelsberga is an open-air museum and art centre set in a beautifully preserved two-row village (radby) from the 1700s. Located about 15-20 km from the house, it offers a genuine look at how Öland’s farming families lived centuries ago — original buildings, period interiors, and a landscape that feels untouched by time.

The museum was founded in 1959 to preserve this rare example of Öland’s traditional village layout, where farms line up in two parallel rows with shared land between them. The buildings include farmhouses with original furniture and household items, barns, and outbuildings that paint a vivid picture of rural island life.

What to See

The historical farm interiors are the heart of the museum — step into kitchens, bedrooms, and workshops arranged as they would have been in the 18th and 19th centuries. Beyond the village, Himmelsberga hosts a rotating art gallery with exhibitions that change each season, adding a contemporary dimension to the historical setting.

In summer, there is a children’s programme with hands-on activities, and the café Kaffestugan serves home-style fika and light meals in a charming setting.

Practical Details

• Distance from the house: ~15-20 km, about 15-20 minutes by car
• Address: Himmelsberga Bygata 1, 387 93 Borgholm
• Season: Summer (check website for current dates)

Prices

Good to Know

• Plan for 1-1.5 hours to explore the village, museum buildings, and art gallery.
• The site is spread across outdoor and indoor spaces — comfortable shoes recommended.
• A relaxed and unhurried place, well-suited for visitors who appreciate craftsmanship and local heritage.
• Less crowded than the larger attractions, making it a pleasant escape on busy summer days.

Pair with a visit to nearby Rälla or a drive through Öland’s central farming landscape for a full picture of traditional island life.

Website: olandsmuseum.com