Northern Öland

In the north of the island of Öland, 2km/1.25mi from the little fishing village of Byxelkrok, is an area to which Linnaeus gave the name of Neptuni Åkrar ("Neptune's Fields"): a curious beach formation of loose stones which in summer is covered with blue flowers. From the beach there is a view of the crag known as the "Blue Maiden" (Blå Jungfrun). Above the beach is a cemetery area with 35 graves and a ship tomb of the Viking period.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Related Attractions

Föra Church and Köpingsvik

At a road junction on Öland (southwest to Borgholm, southeast to Egby) is Föra church, with a fine 12th century defensive tower; outside the church is the 15th century St Martin's Cross. The road continues by way of the seaside resorts of Bruddestad and E3-leklinta (cliffs) to Köpingsvik, on the west coast, with the overhanging limestone cliffs of Köpings Klint, on which are burials and "judgment rings". Some 300m/330yd from the church is a 3m/10ft high runic stone. 4km/2.5mi west is Borgholm.

Jordhamn - Limestone Mill

At Jordhamn, on the west coast of Öland, can be seen a skurverk, a wind-operated mill for grinding limestone. Limestone is also worked at Sandvik, farther south, which has the largest Dutch windmill in Sweden (8 stories; restaurant). To the south is the Knisa Mosse nature reserve (birds).

Facilities

Restaurant or food service

Löttorp - Källa Ödekyrka

Near Löttorp is Källa Ödekyrka, a 13th century fortified church which has preserved its defensive aspect. The church, dedicated to St Olof, provided lodging for travelers and others coming from the nearby port of Källahamn. In the interior of the island to the west, south of the new church of Källa, lies the Vi Alvar cemetery area, with Iron Age sacrificial stones.