Ancient Limestone Pillars by the Sea

Byrums raukar is a nature reserve on Öland’s west coast where approximately 120 limestone sea stacks line a 600-metre stretch of shoreline — the only raukar on Öland and some of the finest in Sweden outside Gotland.

These sculptural pillars formed over millions of years. The limestone originated from a coral reef roughly 490 million years ago, when Scandinavia lay south of the equator under a warm tropical sea. Since then, wave action has carved the exposed bedrock into free-standing stacks, the tallest reaching up to 4 metres in the southern section. Flat limestone slabs extend seaward, partially shielding the raukar from further erosion.

The stacks are rich in fossils — orthocerids (ancient cephalopods), trilobites, and “kristalläpplen” (sea-urchin relatives named by Linnaeus). Collecting fossils is strictly prohibited.

Practical Details

• Distance from the house: ~45-55 km north, about 40-45 minutes by car
• Address: Horns kustväg 431, Löttorp
• Entry: Free (nature reserve since 1935)
• Parking: Free at Byrums Sandvik (northern end); community-run parking at the southern end

Good to Know

• Plan for 30-60 minutes to walk the shoreline and admire the formations.
• The west-facing coast makes this an excellent spot for sunset photography — golden-hour light emphasises the sculptural shapes and fossil textures.
• Above the raukar, the limestone cliff (klint) is topped with drought-tolerant wildflowers including thyme and viper’s bugloss.
• The terrain is uneven limestone slabs — sturdy shoes recommended.
• A swimming beach at Byrums Sandvik is right next to the reserve.

Combine with a drive along Horns kustväg — the scenic coastal road passes right through this area. Neptuni åkrar and Trollskogen are further north for a full day in northern Öland.

More info: visitoland.com