A Hidden Turquoise Swimming Spot
Kalkbrottet i Grönhögen is an abandoned limestone quarry on southern Öland that has filled with strikingly turquoise water — one of the island’s most unexpected and photogenic swimming spots. The contrast between the exposed cliff walls and the clear, deep-blue water feels almost Mediterranean.
The quarry reaches a maximum depth of about 14 metres near the cliff-jumping rocks. Rock formations at the entrance are popular for leaping into the water, while a stairway leads down for those who prefer an easier entry. On the far side, a small beach area offers shallower water. The sheltered basin makes the water a few degrees warmer than the nearby sea.
Practical Details
- Distance from the house: ~106 km south, about 1 hour 15-20 minutes by car
- Address: Grönhögen 136, 386 63 Degerhamn
- Entry: Free
- Parking: Signposted along road 136, next to the golf course
- Facilities: A small kiosk on the upper plateau sells ice cream and drinks in summer
Good to Know
- No lifeguard — this is an unsupervised natural swimming spot. Swim at your own risk.
- Cliff edges and varying depths mean you should be a confident swimmer, especially near the deeper sections.
- The walk from the parking area to the quarry follows a signposted trail across a savanna-like landscape.
- A longer drive from Borgholm, but easily combined with other southern Öland highlights.
Make it a full southern Öland day — combine with Ottenby and Långe Jan lighthouse (10 km south), Eketorps borg (15 km northeast), or a drive along Horns kustväg.
More info: en.oland.se/kalkbrott-gronhogen