Ölands Norra Udde, or the northernmost point of the island of Öland is a popular tourist destination on the second largest island in Sweden. It is actually a separate island, Stora Grundet, that is connected with the larger island by a bridge. It is the 32-meter-high lighthouse, Långe Erik, that is the main attraction here. The lighthouse watches out over a beautiful landscape with many birds and it is a popular spot with birdwatchers.
A Short History of Ölands Norra Udde
The history of Ölands Norra Udde includes naval battles and maritime navigation.
The Northern Seven Year’s War
The Northern Seven Years’ War saw at least three battles taking place in the waters next to the northern point of the island of Öland. All these battles were between Sweden on one side and Denmark and Lübeck on the other. It was the first of these three battles that became a part of the Swedish history books. It was in 1564 and the Swedish flagship Mars became a central part of that story. Mars was a warship that was even larger than the now famous Vasa. The warship was completed the same year as the battle and measured 70 meters, she was equipped with 173 canons and must have been an impressive sight.
Mars eventually ended up in a battle with two ships from Lübeck, a battle she was losing. The battle did, however, end with Mars exploding. With her to the depths of the sea, she brought around 500-600 of her own crew as well as around 300-400 of the boarding soldiers from Lübeck. The shipwreck of Mars was first located in 2011. The first battle was followed by two more in this area during the war. The second battle took place later in 1564 and the most severe of them was in 1566 with large casualties for Denmark and Lübeck. It was actually not the battle that caused the most casualties, it was a sudden storm that smashed 15 ships from Denmark and Lübeck along the coast of Gotland and killed an estimated 5000 people.
Långe Erik
A lighthouse had been built on the southern point of Öland in 1785. However, it took until 1845 before also the northern point had its lighthouse. The new lighthouse was named Långe Erik, which can be compared with Långe Jan on the southern point. The lighthouse has been updated several times since, it was for example electrified in 1946 and became fully automated in 1976. The small island got a bridge connection with Öland in 1965.
Things to Do and See
There are a few additional buildings around the main attraction, which is the lighthouse Långe Erik. There is a café during the summer and the buildings are historical in their own way. Most of the buildings date back to the 20th century and the people who lived here and managed the lighthouse at the time.
Långe Erik
Långe Erik is the most prominent building and the main attraction to this part of Öland. Its name translates to “Tall Erik”. The 32-meter-high lighthouse dates back to 1845. The tower is open for visitors for a small fee.
Ölands Norra Udde
At the northern point of Öland, and the island of Stora Grundet, visitors have the chance to admire the beautiful scenery. Enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea, hike along the pebble paths, or swim at one of the beaches. It is possible to get a few hours to pass by without barely noticing.
How to Get to Ölands Norra Udde
Flights: The closest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR) 110 kilometers away.
Car: Ölands Norra Udde is a bit north of the northernmost point of road 136.
Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik stop at nearby Byxelkrok.
Ferry: There are ferries connecting nearby Byxelkrok with the mainland and the city of Oskarshamn during the summer season.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 513 kilometers (6 h 26 min)
- Gothenburg – 443 kilometers (5 h 30 min)
- Malmö – 385 kilometers (4 h 35 min)
- Linköping – 339 kilometers (4 h 24 min)
- Kiruna – 1746 kilometers (19 h 55 min)
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