Mörbylånga is a town on the island of Öland, the second largest island in sweden. There are two municipalities on the island, and it is the seat of the southern one. The locality has grown and today it also includes the church village of Mörbylånga By. The population has today reached around 1800 inhabitants, making it the third largest urban area on Öland after Färjestaden and Borgholm.
A Short History of Mörbylånga
Mörbylånga has developed as a settlement with the harbor in its vicinity. It was located a short distance to the west of the church that was the seat of the local parish. It became a non-affiliated market town in 1820. Even though Mörbylånga for centuries aspired to achieve town status, it was not to happen. Many of the streets that were built in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries have a layout that is usually seen in towns from that time. Its urban population did, however, not increase significantly. It wasn’t until 1970 that the settlement at the harbor had grown and merged with the smaller settlement around the church.
Former communications to Mörbylånga have included both steam boats and a railway. The steam boats connected Mörbylånga with Kalmar, while the railway connected several parts of Öland along a single route up until 1961.
Things to Do and See
Mörbylånga is in many ways a small town with restaurants and small shops along its main street. Many nearby streets along the coast offer a great view of the Kalmar Strait. A bit inland you will find the former settlement around the church. Here you can find the church, but also other historical buidlings connected with the old parish.
Mörbylånga Hamn
The local marina and harbor are in many ways the main sight here. This is where you can enjoy the view of the Kalmar Strait and during the summer months you will see many of the visiting vessels.
Kvarnen på Sjöbacken
Watching out over the Kalmar Strait is the windmill at Sjöbacken. The windmill was acquired from Frösslunda in 1925 and moved to its current location. It is believed that the windmill might date back to 1791.
Kalvhagen Badplats
Kalvhagen is one of the many swimming spots along the coast. It is close to the center and has facilities such as a toilet, changing room, and a barbecue. In addition there is a long jetty that can take you further out from the shore.
Balken Badplats
There are three jetties for swimming just next to the marina. Here you will also find a barbeque and picnic tables.
How to Get to Mörbylånga
- Flights: The nearest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR), which is 33 kilometers to the northwest.
- Car: Mörbylånga is located along Road 136 south of Färjestaden.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Mörbylånga with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 438 kilometers (5 h)
- Gothenburg – 366 kilometers (4 h 20 min)
- Malmö – 303 kilometers (3 h 40 min)
- Linköping – 262 kilometers (3 h 20 min)
- Kiruna – 1668 kilometers (17 h 50 min)
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