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Nature & Landscapes

Where Science Meets the UNESCO Landscape

Where Science Meets the UNESCO Landscape
… from the house Get directions

Station Linné is a nature research and education station on the western edge of Stora Alvaret — the vast limestone plateau at the heart of Öland’s UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Named after Carl Linnaeus, who famously documented Öland’s flora and fauna during his 1741 journey, the station carries forward his legacy of biodiversity research.

The station serves as a regional visitor centre for the nature of southeast Sweden and the World Heritage landscape in particular. Its research programme is remarkable — the Swedish Malaise Trap Project collected over 25 million insects and discovered 1,000 species new to Sweden, half of them new to science.

What Visitors Can Do

During spring and summer, Station Linné offers guided nature tours and walks across Stora Alvaret and the surrounding landscape. A nature school runs programmes for children, and public lectures are held for adults. The station also operates STF-affiliated accommodation (Swedish Tourist Association), originally for researchers but open to all visitors.

The UNESCO Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland — inscribed in 2000 — covers 56,286 hectares of continuously farmed land dating back 5,000 years. Stora Alvaret, with its extremely thin soil over limestone bedrock, supports an extraordinary mix of Arctic-alpine species, southern European steppe plants, and endemic species found nowhere else.

Practical Details

  • Distance from the house: ~30-35 km south, about 30 minutes by car
  • Address: Ölands Skogsby 161, 386 93 Färjestaden
  • Season: Guided tours in spring and summer (check website for current schedule)
  • Contact: +46 485 385 84 / info@stationlinne.se

Good to Know

  • Opening hours and tour prices vary by season — call or check the website before visiting.
  • A quieter, more contemplative destination suited for visitors who enjoy nature, science, and landscape.
  • Comfortable shoes recommended for walks on the alvar terrain.

Combine with a drive across Stora Alvaret to experience the unique open landscape and wildflower meadows.

Website: stationlinne.se