Gårdby is a locality in the eastern part of the island of Öland, the second-largest island in Sweden. It was once the seat of the local parish but is today a part of Mörbylånga Municipality in Kalmar County. The small locality is home to around 260 inhabitants, all living in the vicinity of the former parish church.
A Short History of Gårdby
Gårdby Parish had its origins in the Middle Ages and the first church is believed to have been built in the 12th century. The medieval church was demolished and a new one was built in 1841.
The parish acted as the local government until the Swedish Municipal Reform of 1862. This was when the parish’s responsibilities were split between the new civic government of Gårdby Municipality and the church congregation. The municipality was active for 90 years before it in 1952 was incorporated into Torslunda Municipality, which in turn became a part of Mörbylånga Municipality in 1974. The church congregation is since 2002 a part of the Norra Möckleby, Sandby, and Gårdby Congregation.
Things to Do and See
This is a rural part of Öland with one-family homes and a church. In its vicinity is the Baltic Sea and inland you will find what is known as Alvar, a limestone plain that has only sparse vegetation.
Gårdby Church
The parish church was inaugurated in 1841 as it replaced a former medieval church that once stood there. It is a white stone church that today is a part of the Norra Möckelby, Sandby, and Gårdby Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Gårdbystenen Runestone
Gårdbystenen, also known as Öl 28, is a runestone located in the graveyard next to the church. It was raised by Härtrud in memory of her son Smed. The stone was carved by Brand.
How to Get to Gårdby
- Flights: The nearest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR), which is 30 kilometers to the west.
- Car: Gårdby is on countryside roads east of Färjestaden.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Gårdby with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 435 kilometers (4 h 50 min)
- Gothenburg – 362 kilometers (4 h 10 min)
- Malmö – 299 kilometers (3 h 20 min)
- Linköping – 249 kilometers (3 h 20 min)
- Kiruna – 1665 kilometers (17 h 30 min)
Explore More of Öland and Sweden
