  Photo: Copyright © Öland Turist AB Nature in ÖlandÖland is Sweden's second largest island and smallest province. The island is 140 kilometres long and between 4 and 16 kilometres wide wich make an area of 1 345 km2. The nature in Öland is very interesting with a big variety in both flora and fauna, predominantly flowers and bird-life. Öland rised from the sea approximately 10 000 years ago after the last Ice Age. The island was once a seabottom and because of this, the island consists mainly of limestone and shale. 
Photo: Copyright © Öland Turist AB Over 10% of Öland is covered with forest, most of it being coniferous and deciduous.The northern part of Öland is well wooded and the largest forest in Öland, Böda Crown Park, with its many different types of trees and plants is well worth a visit. It is also here, one can come across the Elk (Moose). The northern coastline has many sandy beaches of wich Böda Sand is most prominent and most popular. The most of the island's agriculture is situated in the middle of Öland, thereby accounting for the large number of meadows and leafy groves in the area. In the southern part of Öland the steppe landscape is predominent. The Great "Alvaret" with its rich flora and fauna is dominating the entire area. It is here, in the "Alvaret", you can experience the beauty and uniqueness of Öland. In the Spring and early Summer the area is considered to be at its best. Hundreds of thousands of flowers in primary colours cover the entire area; in the wetlands birds gather in their thousands, enjoying the warmth and the rich insect life. Many rare plants are found in the area, among others, the Öland Rock-rose, which is found nowhere else in the world. Öland is a great bird province. During the Summer, the island is invaded by both migrating birds and ornithologists (bird-watchers). One of the most well-known species is the Crane, which flies all the way from Africa every Spring to enjoy the Swedish Summer. This is only one of the almost 300 different species of birds that are regularly sighted on Öland. Besides elk and bird-life, the island has a rich variety of other animals, although not all on the mainland are found on Öland. Deer, foxes and hares are all fairly common throughout the entire island. Bats, weasels and badgers can also be found in certain parts of Öland. Öland is also well-.known for its limestone pillars, so called "raukar".The pillars were formed by the sea, wearing out the weaker surrounding rock and leaving the harder, more resistant rock to stand alone. There are more than 130 pillars along the coast, although they are not as large as those on Gotland. The largest group can be found on the west coast, about 35 km north of Borgholm.  Useful information Quiz game Contents About... E-mail |