Grönhögen is a small settlement in Mörbylånga Municipality in Kalmar County. It is in the southern part of the island of Öland, along the western shores of the island. The settlement comes to life during the summer when the many summer visitors arrive in the area, but it also has a permanent population of around 130 inhabitants.
A Short History of Grönhögen
Modern day Grönhögen has its origins in the 19th century. This was when smaller industries were established in the area, including a quarry and a small fishing harbor. The harbor was updated in 1824 and that opened the possibilities for the industries. It was after this that the local limestone quarry was established.
At the end of the First World War research into what became known as ytong or autoclaved aerated concrete began. This is a very lightweight concrete and the ytong factory opened here in 1943. The factory eventually employed more than 200 workers and was in operation up until 1971.
Things to Do and See
The first thing that greets visitors is a large windmill that has been turned into a restaurant, from here it is just a short walk down to the waterfront. Along the small road you will find a small grocery store before you eventually reach the harbor area. The harbor area includes Båthuset, the old boat house, that today houses a gallery and a café. It is also along the waterfront that you will find the camping and the small marina.
Gröne Hög
Gröne Hög is a Iron Age burial mount that is located at the outskirt of Grönhögen. It is this burial mount that has given the modern settlement its name. It is 2 meters in height and 21 meters across in diameter. The mound has earlier, in the 17th century, also been used for local fortifications.
Grönhögens Kalkbrott
The local limestone quarry has been turned into a popular spot for swimming. How to enter is still a unanswered question for us, but online sources tell of the possibility to swim here and of its popularity. This is not a public swimming location that is controlled by the municipality, instead you swim at your own risk. That is, if you are able to find the road in.
How to Get to Grönhögen
- Flights: The nearest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR) 63 kilometers to the northwest.
- Car: Grönhögen is on Road 136 south of Mörbylånga.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Grönhögen with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 468 kilometers (5 h 20 min)
- Gothenburg – 396 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
- Malmö – 333 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
- Linköping – 283 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
- Kiruna – 1699 kilometers (18 h)
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