Borgholm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Borgholm
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
|
 Borgholm
Location in Kalmar
Borgholm
Location in Sweden
|
|
| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Öland |
| County | Kalmar County |
| Municipality | Borgholm Municipality |
| Founded | 1816 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.56 km2 (0.99 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Population
(31 December 2010)
|
|
| • Total | 3,071 |
| • Density | 1,201/km2 (3,110/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
387 xx
|
| Area code(s) | (+46) 485 |
.JPG)
Borgholm is a small but historic city in Sweden. It is located on the beautiful island of Öland. This island is found in the Baltic Sea. Borgholm is the main town on Öland.
The city is the center of Borgholm Municipality. It is part of Kalmar County. In 2020, about 4,401 people lived there. Borgholm is famous for its old castle ruins.
Borgholm is still called a "city" because of its history. Even though it has a small population, it keeps its old city title.
Contents
Where is Borgholm?
Borgholm is on the western side of Öland. It faces the Kalmar Strait. This strait separates Öland from mainland Sweden.
The city is about 20 kilometers north of the Öland Bridge. This bridge connects Öland to the city of Kalmar. Kalmar is on the Swedish mainland.
What Does "Borgholm" Mean?
The name Borgholm has been used since the 1280s. The first part, "Borg-", might refer to an old castle. This castle was probably where the castle ruins are today.
Another idea is that "Borg-" means "mountain" or "hill". This would describe the high land where the city sits. In some old languages, "borg" could mean a beach hill or a tall sand dune.
A Look at Borgholm's History
Borgholm has a very long history. During the Viking Age, around the 8th century, there was a marketplace nearby. It was in a place called Köpingsvik.
The Medieval Castle
The oldest records mention a medieval castle. It stood on the same spot as today's ruins. A letter from Magnus Birgersson was written there. This shows the castle was important.
The castle was in Borg parish. Its church was right next to the castle. The oldest parts of the church are from the early 12th century. The castle was destroyed in 1520. This happened during a siege by Sören Norby. After this, Borgholm became a royal court.
From Fishing Village to City
The old Borg parish was later joined with Räpplinge. The church was blown up during the Kalmar War. But Borgholm continued to be a fishing village. It was also a port for boats crossing to the mainland. This port was once called Borghamn.
In 1620, Borghamn gained rights as a small town. It was under the city of Kalmar. Borgholm grew a bit when a fortress was built. This happened during the rule of Karl X Gustav.
However, in 1816, Borgholm officially became a city. At that time, it was very small. Only about 109 people lived there in 1821. It was the only city on Öland.
A Popular Health Resort
A new port was built in Borgholm between 1855 and 1857. In 1864, Borgholm became a health resort. This brought many visitors to the city. People believed the air in Borgholm was very good for health.
Wealthy guests came from all over Sweden. They often arrived by boat. There was even a boat connection from Stockholm to Borgholm and then to Hamburg. Many beautiful villas and hotels were built then. By 1901, the population had grown to 926 people.
Modern Borgholm
In the early 1900s, tourism really took off. This was especially true after Solliden Palace was finished. Solliden is the summer home of the Swedish Royal Family.
Railways were built in 1906 and 1910. They connected Borgholm to other parts of Öland. These railways closed in 1961. In 1972, the Öland Bridge opened. This made it easier to travel to Kalmar. Now, many people who live in Borgholm work in Kalmar.
Today, Borgholm is a very popular summer destination. It is one of Sweden's favorite resorts.
Royal Connections
Borgholm Castle is a famous ruin. But the Swedish Royal Family has a modern summer home nearby. It is called Solliden Palace. It is just a few kilometers outside the city.
The Crown Princess Victoria celebrates her birthday in Borgholm every year. This special event happens on July 14th. It takes place at the Borgholm Sports Field.
Nature Around Borgholm
Near Borgholm, you can find parts of the Stora Alvaret. This is a unique natural area. It has flat limestone ground. Many rare plants and animals live here.
You might see special kinds of butterflies and wildflowers. Some of these species are found only on Öland. They are called endemic species.
Images for kids
-
Borgholm Castle in 1691, from an old book
-
Part of the castle ruins today
-
Borgholm City Hall
See also
In Spanish: Borgholm para niños
