Öregrund in Roslagen - tips for things to see and do

Öregrund is a real gem in Roslagen with charming alleys, beautiful old wooden houses and a harbour full of boats and restaurants. Here you can enjoy a pleasant holiday atmosphere and watch the sun sink over the sea.

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Öregrund in Roslagen

Öregrund is one of Sweden's best preserved wooden towns and, according to the tourist office, the only town on the east coast where you can see the sun set into the sea. The town was founded in 1491 and was an important maritime town for a long time, shipping iron from Vallonbruken to England. In the 1870s, the town was developed into a health resort with a bathhouse and society house, and the small town is still popular with Swedish holidaymakers.

Öregrund belongs to Östhammar municipality and is located in Roslagen, approximately two hours north of Stockholm by car.

Öregrund harbour

When you come to Öregrund, sooner or later you end up in and around the harbour. There are guest berths for leisure boats, and both sailboats and motorboats are close by.

Here is also a long row of red wooden houses, where restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes are densely packed. For our part, it was a bullet ice cream here in the fine weather.

As you walk around to the "other side" of the water, you'll encounter even more small shacks, with both shops and restaurants. In one of the places you can enjoy your beer in cosy boats with cushions (when we passed by in the evening these boats were popular).

READ MORE: Things to do in Norrtälje - the capital of Roslagen
READ MORE: Grisslehamn in Roslagen - 7 tips on things to do

The West Bank lightship

There are also the remains of the West Bank Lighthouse, cast in concrete. As we understand it, there were once plenty of lighthouses like this one, meant to lie at anchor and warn mariners of grounding or other dangers.

Cosy neighbourhood in Öregrund

You can also stroll around the wonderful wooden houses in Öregrund. The town is so picturesque that it's sometimes hard to believe it's real.

Öregrunds hembygdsgård with the Maritime Museum

Öregrunds hembygdsgård includes an 18th-century manor house with heritage interiors. There is also a craft museum and maritime museum. At this time, opening hours and guided tours were limited, so we were content to peek over the fence.

Öregrund church

Öregrund's church was built in the 1490s, when the town was founded. We peeked inside and the church is not big, but nice with small ships hanging from the roof. On a hill just south of the church you will find a red chip-covered bell tower, which is 18 metres high and can be seen from almost everywhere in the small town.

READ MORE: Rydboholm Castle in Roslagen - and the English park
READ MORE: Ängskärs sea campsite in Uppland - and three caravan sites

Cycling along the coast

We took a small bike ride along the coast. There are nice and wide trails where you can both walk and cycle, with lovely views of the sea. Then must you don't cycle on the narrowest paths (I think we're sometimes a bit too curious to realise when it's time to turn around...).

The coastline is stunningly beautiful here. It is mostly cliffs, but there are also some small sandy beaches. On a sign we could read about Hummelfjärd where fish seek out the cold Öregrundsgrepen to lay eggs. Among others, pike, perch and roach find their way here.

Promenade

There is also a nice little promenade you can walk around the headland where the Society House is located. The house was built in 1893 to serve as a meeting place. Today it is Öregrunds bygdegårdsförening that takes care of and rents out the house.

To make Öregrund more attractive as a seaside resort, in 1894 Badhusbolaget bought a baby seal, which was named Calle and placed in a pond by the cliffs. The seal became popular, but many people also started talking about animal cruelty. Eventually, it was decided to release Calle into the sea and crowds of people gathered to watch the 'departure'. Today, Calle remains as a statue along the seafront.

Motorhome pitches

There are two caravan sites in the centre of Öregrund. One (Tullbacken, Hamnpiren) is right by the harbour and has three spaces. The other (Västerhamn) has five spaces. Both cost 120 SEK per day and at least where we stood (Västerhamn) the service consists of a toilet and rubbish bin. A tip is, at least during the high season, to arrive early. The places are quickly occupied.

We usually cook our own dinner in the motorhome, and since we were by the sea, Peter took the opportunity to clean the fish in the water. Nice to get rid of the fish smell in the car, but he wasn't left alone ...!

Sunnanö Camping

There is also a campsite in Öregrund. Sunnanö camping is located on Sunnanövägen, about 3 kilometres from central Öregrund. We took the electric bikes here to have a look and received a warm welcome from super nice Kamilla, who has run the campsite for ten years with her husband, and who took the time to tell us about the campsite.

We had a very positive impression of this campsite. It is beautifully located on the waterfront, with a beach, piers and a guest harbour. About 60 per cent of the pitches are occupied by long-stayers and the remaining 40 per cent can be booked by temporary visitors.

Many of the sites have a great view of the sea and are so popular that Kamilla said they hardly need to advertise. Word of mouth spreads from mouth to mouth. There is also a restaurant with a fantastic view of the water.

Excursion from Öregrund to Gräsö.

Just outside Öregrund is the island of Gräsö, which can be reached by car ferry in just 5-10 minutes. On the island you can visit Gräsö Church and the Gräsö Information Centre (which is unexpectedly nice!). There are also two nature reserves: Gräsö Farm Nature Reserve and Äspskär and Idön Nature Reserve. If you want, you can stay at Gräsöbadens camping, which is a really nice campsite.

READ MORE: Gräsö in Roslagen - a scenic gem

We have to say that we think Öregrund is an absolutely beautiful and charming town. Have you been to Öregrund? What did you think? Please tell us!

Facts about Öregrund

Landscape: Uppland
County: Uppsala County
Municipality: Östhammar municipality
Population: 1620 (2019)
Tourist office: The harbour square in Öregrund
The name of the place: The name was written "Øregrundh" which means "gravel ground". This is thought to have referred to the "Dummelgrundet" which is located outside the harbour.

Attractions in Öregrund

City Hall: It sometimes hosts art exhibitions. Address: Rådhusgatan 8
Öregrunds hembygdsgård: With craft museum and maritime museum. Address: Västergatan 14
Öregrund church: Church from the 1490s. Address: Kyrkogatan 11
Tallparken: Outdoor area with tennis courts, walking paths and swimming areas.

Activities in Öregrund

Boat trips: Boat trips in the Öregrund archipelago, day trips to Örskär and various fishing trips.
Activities on water: Kayak hire, motor boat hire, sailboat hire, SUP hire, water sports and more.
Outdoor activities: Hiking, cycling and swimming.
Excursions to islands: You can visit the island of Gräsö (with its nature reserve, hiking trails, church and more) or the island of Rävsten.

Accommodation in Öregrund

Parking spaces: Tullbacken/Hamnpiren and Västerhamn.
Camping: Sunnanö camping (Sunnanövägen) and Gräsöbadens family camping (Gräsö).
Guest harbours: Öregrund guest harbour and Grepen Marin guest harbour.
Hotels and cottages: There are many different types of accommodation to choose from. See different options at Visit Roslagen's website.

History of Öregrund

Prehistory: Land uplift means there is no evidence of prehistoric settlement.
1491: Öregrund can count its history as a town from this year, and is originally a colony of Östhammar. King Christian II burned down the town and the inhabitants were forced to move to Östhammar, but Gustav Vasa restored the town.
16th century: Öregrund was a shipping harbour for iron from the ironworks in Uppland.
1719: The city was ravaged and burned during the so-called 'Russian ravages' at the end of the Great Northern War.

19th to 20th century

19th century: From the end of the 19th century until the Second World War, Öregrund was a popular health resort. Many beautiful villas and gardens were built during this time. Because many summer visitors bought houses, the town was empty for much of the year, which caused financial problems for the town.
1967: The town of Öregrund was merged with the town of Östhammar.
1862: The town of Öregrund was transformed into an urban municipality.
1952: The city municipality was expanded with Gräsö parish/country municipality.
1967: The city municipality joined the city of Östhammar.
1971: The town of Östhammar became the municipality of Östhammar.

Travelling to Öregrund

Car: From Stockholm to Öregrund you can drive either via Uppsala (about 1 h 45 min) or via Rimbo (about 2 h).

All our top tips about Sweden! Click on the image

READ MORE: Campsites and pitches in Uppland
READ MORE: Things to do in Uppland - sights and experiences

Helena

04 July 2020 6:00

Sweden

campsite, Motorhome holidays Sweden, Roslagen, car park, Uppland, Experiences in Europe

Helena

Administrator

25 Comments

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Mycket annat och lite betong says:

I love Öregrund! Have often been there because we have had a holiday home a little outside. Have also been there by boat in the guest harbour and by camper van on the nice pitches. Fantastic sunsets in the sea?

04 July 2020 - 9:34

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Isn't it nice? Nice to have a holiday home nearby!
  
  04 July 2020 - 15:37
  
  Reply
4000mil says:

I had it on the list to do during our days now in Gävle, but Dad voted it down. He's at the stage now where he only wants to do things that he and mum did when they were young and newly married. ?

04 July 2020 - 10:40

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Oh, I get it! It can be another time! 🙂
  
  04 July 2020 - 15:38
  
  Reply
Ditte says:

Öregrund is really a gem - Have been there a lot and used to have friends who lived in an old house with gossip mirrors just below the church towards the sea. Perfect with a morning dip from the cliffs.
The archipelago outside Öregrund is also recommended. So much to see and experience.
I understand that you had great days here.

04 July 2020 - 11:00

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Lovely! Houses with gossip mirrors ...? I've never heard of that, what is it? We should try to see at least some of the archipelago!
  
  04 July 2020 - 16:43
  
  Reply
bmlarsreseblogg says:

This year we have received so many tips on nice places along the Uppland and Gästrikland coast so we will probably have to spend a few days in that area when we travel north.
We wish you a great weekend!

04 July 2020 - 11:06

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  There are many nice things here! Wishing you also continued nice trips!
  
  04 July 2020 - 16:43
  
  Reply
Veronica Håård says:

What a nice report you have written about Öregrund. Thank you very much! It is also quite a dog-friendly town, with many of the restaurants welcoming guests with dogs. See the website for dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels in Öregrund.

04 July 2020 - 11:28

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Glad you like our report! And interesting to hear that it is also dog-friendly here! 🙂
  
  04 July 2020 - 16:44
  
  Reply
Anita Orvander says:

Öregrund is a wonderfully beautiful and charming little town to visit! It almost hurts to experience and see all the nice and old houses and farms, which are there!

04 July 2020 - 11:39

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Agreed, absolutely fantastic!
  
  04 July 2020 - 16:45
  
  Reply
- Sommargäst. says:
  
  Used to visit Öregrund every Monday throughout July every summer except this one, when there are usually the incredibly popular singing evenings with always a famous artist invited. "Öregrundsmåndag" down at Fyrskeppets grusplan. But unfortunately this was cancelled this year...? due to the pandemic.
  I'm surprised you didn't mention it, I've also been to the Christmas concert in the church a couple of times.
  Otherwise it is a very beautiful summer town, though not as fun to live in during the winter, I have heard from a couple of acquaintances who live there permanently.
  
  05 July 2020 - 11:31
  
  Reply
Öregrundsbo says:

Excuse me, but what exactly is "idyllic" about a totally overexploited and ugly square? Neither the municipality nor the summer restaurants show any respect whatsoever for the harbour area, which is of national interest.
Incidentally, there is no craft museum at Öregrunds hembygdsgård. Where did you get this information from?

04 July 2020 - 12:48

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Hello Öregrund resident! That it is idyllic is our subjective experience. We got the information about the homestead from Visit Roslagen: https://www.roslagen.se/sv/oregrund/historia-och-information/
  
  04 July 2020 - 13:37
  
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Monet says:

Now I think it is time for you to establish contact with Visit Roslagen if you have not already done so. Better ambassadors for this fantastic part of Sweden than you can be found!!! We became completely hungry to try Öregrund and the surrounding area, even without a motorhome. Will immediately investigate how we so virus-free and dog-friendly can make a small break from the quarantine in Norrtälje!

04 July 2020 - 17:59

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Funny that you got hooked on Öregrund! Really super nice!
  
  05 July 2020 - 8:42
  
  Reply
Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

What wonderful pictures! Have not been to Öregrund but it is one of the places we have planned to go to during the day this summer so thank you for all the tips in this post.

04 July 2020 - 18:02

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  What fun that you are planning to go here! Really super nice!
  
  05 July 2020 - 8:43
  
  Reply
Eva says:

We have been to Öregrund (and Gräsö) many times. Like all places along the Swedish coasts, the weather is what determines whether the place is fantastic. In rain and high winds Öregrund is completely uninteresting but on a beautiful summer day Öregrund is beautiful. It looks like you got to see her at her best. Good for you!

04 July 2020 - 18:55

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BP says:

What a gem you have found there! The town and the houses look like the west coast or Norway. Had you not written the name of the town, I would never have guessed that Öregrund is less than two hours from Stockholm.

04 July 2020 - 20:55

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Lene Hansen says:

Yes, it is wonderful in Öregrund. I enjoy sitting on the rocks on a warm summer evening and just enjoying the wonderful sunset. I am lucky enough to live here all year round.

05 July 2020 - 13:20

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Lena - gott för själen says:

Of course Öregrund is nice. So picturesque and cosy. Reminds of other small towns like Sigtuna, Strängnäs and Mariefred too.

Hug Lena

06 July 2020 - 6:01

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Berit "desires" says:

YES Öregrund is really a picturesque and cosy summer town! We usually take an excursion there sometime during the summer months. Sometimes we take an overnight stay there, to also be able to enjoy the "evening life" in the sweet city. Have written about this idyll here https://www.desires.se/?p=19

06 July 2020 - 13:42

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Lena i Wales says:

Nice reunion. Was there about 3 years ago, although it was in March, so quiet and cold.

08 July 2020 - 12:25

Reply

Öregrund in Roslagen - tips for things to see and do

Öregrund in Roslagen

Öregrund harbour

The West Bank lightship

Cosy neighbourhood in Öregrund

Öregrunds hembygdsgård with the Maritime Museum

Öregrund church

Cycling along the coast

Promenade

Motorhome pitches

Sunnanö Camping

Excursion from Öregrund to Gräsö.

Facts about Öregrund

Attractions in Öregrund

Activities in Öregrund

Accommodation in Öregrund

History of Öregrund

19th to 20th century

Travelling to Öregrund

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25 Comments

Mycket annat och lite betong says:

Helena says:

4000mil says:

Helena says:

Ditte says:

Helena says:

bmlarsreseblogg says:

Helena says:

Veronica Håård says:

Helena says:

Anita Orvander says:

Helena says:

Sommargäst. says:

Öregrundsbo says:

Helena says:

Monet says:

Helena says:

Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

Helena says:

Eva says:

BP says:

Lene Hansen says:

Lena - gott för själen says:

Berit "desires" says:

Lena i Wales says:

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