The oldest hostel in Sweden is located in Ölands Skogsby, and was opened in 1850 by the Carlströms, who ran the local inn. Today the business is run by the fifth generation of this family.
The charming walled farm lies a few kilometres from Öland Bridge. The association Porten till Alvaret, a knowledge and information centre for natural and cultural values of Öland, is located in Skogsby and organises daily excursions including orchid hikes and hops safaris. The association also provides guided tours to Gamla Skogsby, which has ancient monuments from the Iron Age.
The entire southern part of Öland, from Färjestaden southward, is on the UNESCO world heritage list. Alvaret's distinctive agricultural landscape and stonewalls give the
area a special character and cultural heritage to protect.
