Färjestaden is with its around 6.000 inhabitants the largest locality on the island of Öland, the second largest island in Sweden. It was formally the main port of the island, with connections to Kalmar on the Swedish mainland. Today it is still the main entry point to Öland, but a 6.072-meter-long bridge has replaced the ferries. The name of the locality has, however, not changed. It still means “the Ferry Town”.
A Short History of Färjestaden
Färjestaden has for centuries been an important connection between Öland and the Swedish mainland. Connections between Färjestaden and Kalmar are known to have existed already in the 14th century. The settlement began to grow during the 17th century when the traffic across the strait got more organized.
The harbor extended its reach in 1909 when the railway between Färjestaden and Borgholm was opened. The ferries to the mainland lost their importance in 1972 when the Öland Bridge began operations, connecting the Öland to the mainland. This is still the main connection point and it is directly north of the locality.
Things to Do and See
Färjestaden is the largest urban area in Öland. This also means that this is one of the main hubs for shopping, socializing and other activities that you can expect in a small town. In the end, it is the Kalmar Strait that probably offers the best views, maybe even all the way across to the town of Kalmar.
Öland Bridge
The Öland Bridge, or Ölandsbron in Swedish, was for decades the longest bridge in Sweden. The construction began in 1967 and took almost five years. It opened in September 1972 and has a length of 6.072 meters. Its highest point reaches almost 42 meters above the water. The bridge offers a vital connection between Öland and the Swedish mainland as it has since its opening been the only permanent connection.
If you only consider the length that is within Swedish territory, then the Öland Bridge is still the longest bridge in Sweden. The Öresund Bridge might be 7.845 meters, but it is split between Sweden and Denmark. Either way, the Öland bridge was considered the longest bridge in Sweden until the opening of the Öresund Bridge in 2000.
Port of Färjestaden
The port in Färjestaden is where the ferries to Kalmar on the mainland usually left before the bridge opened. There are still seasonal ferries arriving here, but it is the surrounding marina and the nearby square that still prosper. This is an area that is very popular during the summer, with many of the local restaurants being located here.
Färjestaden Beach
Right next to the port area is the local beach. Well, it kind of starts already along the breakwaters of the port. It is a mix of the sandy beach on one side and the concrete of the breakwaters on the other.
Ölands Köpstad
Ölands Köpstad is a large shopping center close to the center. This is where many of the stores you usually find on the mainland are located as well as one of the larger grocery stores on the island.
Färjestadens Dämme
Färjestadens Dämme is the wetlands a bit north of the center. These are manmade ponds where urban runoff water is treated the last time before entering the Kalmar Strait. This has become a popular recreational area as well as becoming popular for birds and bird watchers.
Tjoflöjt
Tjoflöjt is a local ice cream option that by many would be considered odd. This is french fries with soft ice cream. It is in honor of the local Ove Petersson that this ice cream is on the menu of the local kiosk.
How to Get to Färjestaden
- Flights: The closest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR) 17 kilometers away.
- Car: Färjestaden is along road 137 right next to the Öland Bridge.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Färjestaden with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 422 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
- Gothenburg – 350 kilometers (4 h 7 min)
- Malmö – 292 kilometers (3 h 13 min)
- Linköping – 246 kilometers (3 h 1 min)
- Kiruna – 1653 kilometers (18 h 40 min)
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