The Hunt Stone

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Crowning a mighty cairn, this 1873 tribute to King Karl XV's hunts hides a time capsule amid Öland's windswept alvars and castle shadows.

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The Hunt Stone

The Hunt Stone crowns a massive cairn near Borgholm Castle on Öland, erected in 1873 to honor King Karl XV's hunts. Engraved with a tribute from his hunting club and locals, it hides a copper cylinder with parchment and coins inside. Surrounded by serene forests and alvar landscapes, this historical monument offers peaceful views and a glimpse into royal Öland traditions. An informational sign reveals its story, making it a quick yet evocative stop blending nature and heritage.

A brief summary to The Hunt Stone

Borgholm, SE
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit at dawn or dusk for golden light illuminating the stone against the sea horizon.
Read the engraved inscription closely and ponder the buried copper cylinder's secrets.
Combine with a stroll along the nearby Nightingale Trail for forest and alvar immersion.
Pack layers—Öland's winds can turn brisk even on sunny days.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Borgholm Castle

Borgholm Castle (Borgholms slott) — Öland's monumental ruin

Solliden Palace

Borgholms Fyr

Getting There

Car

Drive from Borgholm center via Road 136 west for 8 km; free roadside parking at the castle lot, 10-15 minutes, watch for gravel patches in wet weather.
Walking

Follow marked trails from Borgholm Castle through Slottsskogen forest, 1-1.5 hours over gentle terrain with some elevation, suitable for most fitness levels.
Bus

Take KLT bus from Borgholm Slottsruin stop to castle area, 5-10 minutes every 30-60 minutes in summer, around 30 SEK one-way, alight at parking zone.
Bicycle

Cycle Ölandsvägen trails from town center, 20-30 minutes on paved paths with shoulders, bike rentals available locally for 100-200 SEK per day.

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Discover more about The Hunt Stone

Monument to a Royal Hunter

The Hunt Stone perches atop an imposing cairn, a monumental pile of stones that dominates the landscape near Borgholm Castle. Erected in 1873, it commemorates the three hunts organized by King Karl XV on Öland. The massive boulder bears an inscription: “In memory of King Karl XV, this stone was erected by his hunting club and the people of Öland.” This tribute captures the era's admiration for the monarch, whose passion for hunting wove into the island's cultural fabric.

Hidden Treasures Within

Buried within the cairn lies a copper cylinder containing a parchment document and three coins minted during Karl XV's reign. Sealed since its creation, this time capsule evokes curiosity about untouched history. No records suggest it has been disturbed, preserving a direct link to 19th-century Sweden. The stone's placement ensures it withstands Öland's windswept conditions, standing as a silent guardian of these artifacts.

Öland's Royal Hunting Legacy

Hunting on Öland dates back to the Vasa kings, evolving into a royal pastime that shaped local traditions. Karl XV's visits highlighted the island's wild expanses—alvars, forests, and coasts—ideal for pursuits. The Hunt Stone marks this heritage, positioned strategically near the castle ruins, once a hub of power overlooking the Kalmar Strait. It reflects how royalty intertwined with Öland's rugged terrain.

Landscapes of Stone and Sky

Framed by Slottsskogen forest and open alvar plains, the site merges human artistry with natural drama. Limestone outcrops and sea vistas create a moody backdrop, especially under shifting Baltic skies. The cairn's scale dwarfs visitors, inviting contemplation amid whispering grasses and distant waves. Nearby paths wind through the castle slope, enhancing the sense of discovery in this coastal enclave.

Enduring Symbol in Borgholm

In Borgholm, a town steeped in spa-era elegance and royal ties, the Hunt Stone anchors historical narratives. Close to Solliden Palace and the castle ruins, it forms part of a royal trail including the Nightingale Trail. Its presence underscores Öland's role as a favored retreat, where kings sought respite in hunts and fresh air. Today, it stands as a poignant emblem of continuity amid evolving landscapes.