Ottenby

The southern point of Oland funnels migration: birds moving down the island concentrate here before crossing water, and the observatory founded in 1946 has ringed more than 1.2 million of them since, which makes it one of the longest continuous datasets in European ornithology. Lange Jan, the lighthouse of 1785, stands at the point at forty-two metres and can be climbed. Behind it lies Ottenby lund, an old oak wood, and Schaferiangarna, shore meadows grazed by cattle where waders breed. A wall about five kilometres long, built in 1653 for Karl X Gustav to keep deer in the royal park, still runs across the island. The museum and shop are at the lighthouse.

Highlights

• A ringing station working since 1946 - more than 1.2 million birds ringed.
• Lange Jan lighthouse - 1785, forty-two metres, climbable.
• Grazed shore meadows - breeding waders in spring.
• A deer wall of 1653 - still crossing the island.

When to go

April to May and August to October for migration. Half a day.

Practical notes

Migration is weather dependent - a still day can be quiet. Facilities close outside the season. The point is exposed with constant wind. Ringing demonstrations are not always available.

Nearby

Stora Alvaret is north; Eketorp is on the eastern side.