Öland, or Olandia, is the second largest island, and a province or landskap, of Sweden. It is located in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Småland and to the west of Gotland.
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| County |
For current affairs see: County of Kalmar
Öland formed its own county in 1819, before being merged with the County of Kalmar, in 1824. Since 1973 the island is connected to the mainland with a bridge.
| History |
Main article: History of Öland
Borgholm (1816), was the only chartered city of Öland.
The island has a history of being a royal game park.
| Geography |
Main article: Geography of Öland
- Highest mountain: Högsrum 55 meters
- Largest lake: Möckelmossen
Öland is the second largest island in Sweden, and at the samme time its smallest province. The main towns are Borgholm, Färjestaden and Mörbylånga.
| Culture |
Main article: Culture of Öland[?]
The Borgholm Castle[?] built 1669-1681 for Queen Hedvig Eleonora, and designed by Nicodemus Tessin[?], senior. Located in the vincinity is also Solliden Castle[?], summer home to the royal family.
The Agricultural Landscape of southern Öland has been entered as a site of the UNESCO World heritage program. Features of this are the many windmills left standing and the special geological landscape called Alvar[?].
| Heraldry |
Main article: Heraldry of Öland
Öland was granted its arms in 1560. The symbolism of the deer is thought to represent the islands status as a royal game park. The arms are represented dukal crown. Blazon: "Azure a Deer Or attired, hoofed and gorged Gules."
| External Links |
- Öland (http://www.olandsturist.se/) - Tourist site