The treasures of Southern Öland

Southern Öland, making up around one quarter of the island, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique agricultural landscape. This environment has been preserved for several thousand years and it is famed for its grave fields, stone ships and for the important archaeological finds that have been made here. It was from places like this that the Vikings set sail to explore, trade with and sometimes plunder and conquer far off lands.

Gettlinge Burial mound, Stoneship, The agricultural landscape of southern Öland: World Heritage Site

Photo: Pierre Rosberg/Nordicphotos

You’ve really got to wonder why the people who were here thousands of years ago built stone ships and massive monuments. It must have been a hell of a job. Thankfully enough archaeological discoveries have been made here to provide answers to these and a myriad other questions about these ancient peoples. All of which you can find out about on the guided tours on offer. The landscape here is characterized by a patchwork of low lying walls, grave fields with tall stones, windmills and the famous stone ships that have to be seen to be believed.

It is worth knowing that the people of thousands of years ago could walk across an ice bridge from Kalmar to get to Öland. Now you can take a boat to this fascinating island.

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The treasures of Southern Öland

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