Ventlinge is a small settlement in the southwestern part of Öland, the second-largest island in Sweden. The settlement lies in what is today Mörbylånga Municipality in Kalmar County, but this was once the seat of the local parish.
A Short History of Ventlinge
The first known written mentioning of the settlement in Ventlinge dates back to 1481. The parish is, however, believed to be older and have its origins in the Middle Ages. The parish was first mentioned in writing in the the 14th century. Its church dates to the 12th century and was for centuries the seat of the local parish.
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 church congregation and the new civic government of Ventlinge Municipality. The municipality was in 1952 merged with several other municipalities in the southern part of Öland to form the new Ottenby Municipality. The new municipality was shortlived and became a part of Mörbylånga Municipality in 1967. In regards to the church congregation, it is since 2002 a part of the Sydöland Congregation.
Things to Do and See
This is a rural part of Öland and it is the church that towers over the surrounding area. Ventlinge might be small, but that just makes the church look even more dominating in this landscape.
Ventlinge Church
The local church dates to as early as the 12th century. This stone church has seen several alterations since. Its tower was built around the year 1200 and was primary a defensive structure. The last major changes to the church was made in the 19th century and a new renovation was done in the early 21st century. The church is today a part of the Sydöland Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
How to Get to Ventlinge
- Flights: The nearest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR), which is 62 kilometers to the northwest.
- Car: Ventlinge is on Road 136 south of Mörbylånga.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Ventlinge with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 467 kilometers (5 h 30 min)
- Gothenburg – 394 kilometers (4 h 50 min)
- Malmö – 332 kilometers (4 h)
- Linköping – 291 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
- Kiruna – 1697 kilometers (18 h)
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