  Photo: Copyright © Öland Turist AB The History of ÖlandPeople have lived in Öland for approximately 7 000 years. The first archaeological findings from farming are dating back to 2 500 BC. Öland became a part a of the Swedish realm in the 9th century. Until then, Öland had been attacked and plundered by marauders from different parts of Scandinavia. In the 11th century Öland became christianised. The first churches was built of wood but, unfortunately, none of these churches remain today although many from the Middle Ages are still standing.  Photo: Copyright © Öland Turist AB During the Middle Ages, Öland was exposed to the Black Plague and several other devastating plagues. This, of course, decimated the already small population. Marauding pirates and other nations continued to plunder the island. Denmark invaded and occupied Öland in the year 1361 and stayed there for a few years. They were soon thrown out but the island was not to stay in Swedish hands for long. Öland was given to the Hanseatic League as a royal pledge for a number of years. Throughout the Middle Ages, Öland suffered under corrupt monarchs, never-ending wars between rival kings and constant plagues. From 1569 to 1801 the entire island was used as hunting grounds for the aristocracy. The local population was forced to kill all animals of prey. They even had to amputate a leg from their dogs so that nothing could interfere with the hunting of the nobility. Also, farmers were not allowed to kill the game, on pain of death. This meant that any attempt to improve farming methods was hindered by the inability of farmers to curb the number of crop-eating deer and wild boar. This was simply another burden the people of Öland were forced to bear. By the 1860s, conditions had become relatively normal; the population had risen to about 37 000, which was about the most the island's agriculture could support. In the years 1867 - 68 the crops failed, causing many people to emigrate. In fact over 13 000 people packed theirs belongings and left for good, many of them sailing to Minnesota in the United States of America. Not until 1910 did the population begin to rise again. 
Photos: Copyright © Öland Turist AB The modern Öland is now a fully integrated part of Sweden. The two main industries are still agriculture and since the late 19th century, tourism. The largest crops are strawberries, onions, potatoes and sugar-beets. The tourist industry is in full swing throughout the entire Summer with over 2.5 million visitors per year, most of them on one-day visits. Many tourists come to enjoy the nature, while others are happy to lie on the beach and soak up the sun. Both the tourist industry and the population would be much smaller if the bridge, connecting the island with the mainland, had not been built in the 1970s. The idea of a bridge has existed for several centuries. In the 17th century, a priest living in Öland demanded that a bridge should be constructed so Swedish soldiers could quickly and easily come to the rescue of the local population when the Danes, as so often happened, attacked. Unfortunately, plans to build a bridge were not seriously considered until the 20th century.  Useful information Quiz game Contents About... E-mail |